Inflow control device

Abstract

An inflow control device is disclosed for use in controlling the flow of fluid into a production tubing in a subterranean wellbore. The device is especially adapted for use with sand screen apparatus, but is modular in that it is manufactured separately from the sand screen apparatus. An inflow control device according to the present invention contains an orifice having an opening which is adjustable in size and which is disposed in the device to permit communication of fluid from one end of the body to the other. An inflow control device according to the present invention may be utilized with multiple sand screen assemblies.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to an inflow control device for use in regulating the flow of fluid in a horizontal subterranean wellbore.[0003]2. Description of the Prior Art[0004]In long horizontal wellbores, water or gas coning has a tendency to develop near the heel of the wellbore, because of the buildup of frictional pressure loss towards the toe in the base pipe. The total oil recovery from the well may be significantly reduced as coning results in a much lower oil production rate, which, if allowed to continue, eventually makes the well unprofitable.[0005]Inflow control devices are used to regulate the amount of fluid flowing into the base pipe to avoid coning and to achieve a preferential production of profile. One type of input control device may be deployed via the sand screen assembly. A sand screen joint is usually between 35 and 40 feet long and one inflow control device may be fabricated as part of that joi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008]In accordance with the present invention, the orifice has an opening which is variable in size. Thus, a given production tubing may be implemented using an inflow control device whose flow control characteristics may be adjusted in the field. In one embodiment of the present invention, the orifice comprises a variable pressure control valve while in another embodiment of the invention, the orifice comprises a variable relief valve. In yet a further embodiment of the invention, the adjustable orifice comprises an opening formed in the wall between the first and second ends of the body and the plate for adjusting the size of the opening through which fluid may flow when the inflow control device is part of the production tubing.

[0010]An inflow control device is coupled to the upstream end of the plurality of sand screen assemblies for controlling the flow of fluid into the production tubing.

[0011]In one embodiment of the present invention, the aforesaid apparatus includes an inflow control device as described above.

[0008]In accordance with the present invention, the orifice has an opening which is variable in size. Thus, a given production tubing may be implemented using an inflow control device whose flow control characteristics may be adjusted in the field. In one embodiment of the present invention, the orifice comprises a variable pressure control valve while in another embodiment of the invention, the orifice comprises a variable relief valve. In yet a further embodiment of the invention, the adjustable orifice comprises an opening formed in the wall between the first and second ends of the body and the plate for adjusting the size of the opening through which fluid may flow when the inflow control device is part of the production tubing.

Problems solved by technology

In long horizontal wellbores, water or gas coning has a tendency to develop near the heel of the wellbore, because of the buildup of frictional pressure loss towards the toe in the base pipe.

The total oil recovery from the well may be significantly reduced as coning results in a much lower oil production rate, which, if allowed to continue, eventually makes the well unprofitable.

The drawbacks from using this technique are that errors in assembly may occur at the well site and substantial time and money are required to design and fabricate a production string unique to each wellbore.

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