A self-generating water distributor

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a self-generating water distributor. The distributor includes: an upper connector, an outer protective pipe, and a lower connector connected in sequence. The upper connector has a first water inlet, and the lower connector has a first water outlet. A central channel is disposed within the outer protective pipe, connecting the first water inlet and the first water outlet. A power generation channel is disposed within the lower connector, communicating with the central channel, and the power generation channel and the side wall of the lower connector form a second water outlet. A portion of a power generation component is disposed between the outer protective pipe and the central channel, and another portion is disposed within the power generation channel. An adjustment component is disposed within the power generation channel. In this embodiment, fluid flows into the power generation channel to drive the power generation component to generate electricity. The adjustment component can regulate the flow rate of the fluid within the power generation channel. When the flow rate of the fluid in the central channel is low, after flowing into the power generation channel, the adjustment component increases the flow rate to ensure that the power generation component can generate electricity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of oilfield water injection and extraction technology, and in particular to a self-generating water distributor. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of oil and gas fields, the pressure and oil content of oil reservoirs are decreasing, and the production of oil wells is continuously declining. In order to make up for the formation deficit caused by crude oil extraction, increase crude oil production, and estimate the remaining oil reservoir content, it is necessary to inject water into the oil reservoir and accurately control the water injection volume and oil production of each layer. This can effectively estimate the oil reservoir conditions and thus achieve the goal of increasing the oil production rate.

[0003] Among related technologies, the intelligent water distributors commonly used in the oil and gas industry include cable-mounted intelligent water distributors and cableless intelligent water distributors.

[0004] Cable-connected intelligent water distributors involve bundling the oil pipe and cable together and placing them downhole for communication and power supply. However, because the cable needs to be permanently stationed downhole, the requirements for on-site construction and components are relatively high, posing a significant risk. Cableless intelligent water distributors include cableless water distributors with communication short sections and wavecode water distributors. Although cableless intelligent water distributors do not require cables, they often cannot generate electricity at low fluid flow rates.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to improve one or more of the problems existing in the above-mentioned related technical solutions.

[0006] It should be noted that this section is intended to provide background or context for the technical solutions of this disclosure as set forth in the claims. The description herein does not constitute an admission that it is prior art simply because it is included in this section. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a self-generating water distributor, thereby overcoming, at least to some extent, one or more problems caused by the limitations and defects of related technologies.

[0008] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, a self-generating water distributor is provided, comprising:

[0009] The upper connector, outer protective pipe and lower connector are connected in sequence. The upper connector is provided with a first water inlet and the lower connector is provided with a first water outlet.

[0010] A central channel is provided inside the outer protective pipe, and the central channel connects the first water inlet and the first water outlet; wherein, the lower connector is also provided with a current generating channel, the current generating channel is connected to the central channel, and the current generating channel and the side wall of the lower connector form a second water outlet;

[0011] The power generation component is partially disposed between the outer protective tube and the central channel, and partially disposed within the power generation channel, so that the power generation component can generate electricity when fluid passes through the power generation channel;

[0012] An adjustment component, disposed within the current generation channel, is capable of adjusting the flow rate of the fluid within the current generation channel.

[0013] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the current-generating channel includes:

[0014] First flow channel and second flow channel;

[0015] The first flow channel is connected to the central channel through a second inlet, and the first flow channel and the second flow channel are connected through a third inlet; the second flow channel and the side wall of the lower connector form a second outlet.

[0016] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the adjustment component is disposed at the third water inlet to adjust the size of the third water inlet.

[0017] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the second flow channel is configured in a funnel shape;

[0018] The diameter of the third water inlet is larger than the diameter of the second water outlet.

[0019] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the power generation component includes:

[0020] The battery pack, generator, and impeller are connected in sequence.

[0021] The battery pack and the generator are disposed between the outer protective tube and the central channel, and the impeller is disposed in the second flow channel.

[0022] In one embodiment of this disclosure, seals are provided between the battery pack and the generator, and between the generator and the impeller.

[0023] In one embodiment of this disclosure, it further includes:

[0024] Controller;

[0025] The controller is located between the outer protective pipe and the central channel. The controller is electrically connected to the adjustment component to control the adjustment component to adjust the size of the third water inlet.

[0026] In one embodiment of this disclosure, it further includes:

[0027] Internal pressure sensor;

[0028] The internal pressure sensor is installed in the central channel and is electrically connected to the controller.

[0029] In one embodiment of this disclosure, it further includes:

[0030] External pressure sensor;

[0031] The external pressure sensor is located outside the outer protective tube and is electrically connected to the controller.

[0032] In one embodiment of this disclosure, it further includes:

[0033] Flow meter sensor;

[0034] The flow meter sensor is disposed in the central channel and is electrically connected to the controller.

[0035] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this disclosure may include the following beneficial effects:

[0036] In the embodiments of this disclosure, through the aforementioned self-generating water distributor, on the one hand, while the fluid flows sequentially through the first inlet, the central channel, and the first outlet, it also flows into the power generation channel to drive the power generation component to generate electricity. On the other hand, the regulating component can adjust the flow rate of the fluid in the power generation channel. When the flow rate of the fluid in the central channel is low, after flowing into the power generation channel, the regulating component increases the flow rate of the fluid to ensure that it can drive the power generation component to generate electricity. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0038] Figure 1 This diagram illustrates the structure of a self-generating water distributor according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of a self-generating water distributor in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure is shown;

[0040] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the lower connector in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure is shown;

[0041] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a power generation component in an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure is shown.

[0042] In the diagram, 100 is the upper connector; 101 is the first water inlet; 200 is the outer protective pipe; 300 is the lower connector; 301 is the first water outlet; 302 is the second water inlet; 303 is the first flow channel; 304 is the third water inlet; 305 is the second flow channel; 400 is the power generation component; 401 is the impeller; 402 is the generator; 403 is the battery pack; 404 is the seal; and 500 is the regulating component. Detailed Implementation

[0043] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein; rather, they are provided so that this disclosure will be more comprehensive and complete, and will fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art. The described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0044] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are merely illustrative diagrams of embodiments of this disclosure and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar parts, and therefore repeated descriptions of them will be omitted. Some block diagrams shown in the drawings are functional entities and do not necessarily correspond to physically or logically independent entities.

[0045] This example implementation first provides a self-generating water distributor. (See reference...) Figure 1 As shown, the self-generating water distributor may include: an upper connector 100, an outer protective pipe 200 and a lower connector 300 connected in sequence, as well as a central channel, a power generation component 400 and a regulating component 500. The system comprises an upper connector 100, an outer protective tube 200, and a lower connector 300 connected in sequence. The upper connector 100 has a first water inlet 101, and the lower connector 300 has a first water outlet 301. A central channel is disposed within the outer protective tube 200, and the central channel connects the first water inlet 101 and the first water outlet 301. The lower connector 300 also has a power generation channel, which is connected to the central channel, and the power generation channel and the side wall of the lower connector 300 form a second water outlet. A power generation component 400 is partially disposed between the outer protective tube 200 and the central channel, and another part is disposed within the power generation channel, so that the power generation component 400 can generate electricity when fluid passes through the power generation channel. An adjustment component 500 is disposed within the power generation channel and can adjust the flow rate of the fluid within the power generation channel.

[0046] Understandably, when the water distributor is working normally, the fluid flows into the central channel through the first inlet 101 and then flows out through the first outlet 301. At the same time, the fluid also flows into the power generation channel through the second inlet 302 and drives the power generation component 400 to generate electricity, and then flows out through the second outlet.

[0047] The regulating component 500 can adjust the flow rate of the fluid in the power generation channel. When the water injection volume is large (i.e., the flow rate is high), the regulating component 500 does not make any adjustment, or it reduces the flow rate of the fluid in the power generation channel to ensure that the power generation component 400 works normally. When the water injection volume is small (i.e., the flow rate is low), the regulating component 500 increases the flow rate of the fluid in the current channel so that the fluid can drive the power generation component 400 to generate electricity, which can effectively solve the problem of insufficient flow rate when generating electricity with small volume.

[0048] It is also understandable that the regulating component 500 can be a valve to adjust the inner diameter of the current-generating channel, thereby regulating the flow rate of the fluid.

[0049] Through the aforementioned self-generating water distributor, on the one hand, while the fluid flows sequentially through the first inlet 101, the central channel, and the first outlet 301, it also flows into the power generation channel to drive the power generation component 400 to generate electricity. On the other hand, the regulating component 500 can adjust the flow rate of the fluid in the power generation channel. When the flow rate of the fluid in the central channel is low, after flowing into the power generation channel, the regulating component 500 increases the flow rate of the fluid to ensure that it can drive the power generation component 400 to generate electricity.

[0050] Below, we will refer to Figures 1 to 4 The various parts of the self-generating water distributor described in this example embodiment will be explained in more detail.

[0051] In one embodiment, the current-generating channel includes: a first flow channel 303 and a second flow channel 305; the first flow channel 303 is connected to the central channel through a second water inlet 302, and the first flow channel 303 and the second flow channel 305 are connected through a third water inlet 304; the second flow channel 305 forms a second water outlet with the side wall of the lower connector 300.

[0052] Specifically, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, when the water distributor is working normally, the fluid flows into the central channel through the first inlet 101 and then flows out from the first outlet 301. At the same time, the fluid also flows into the first flow channel 303 through the second inlet 302, then into the second flow channel 305 through the third inlet 304, and finally flows out of the pipe from the second outlet.

[0053] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3As shown, the adjustment component 500 is disposed at the third water inlet 304 so as to adjust the size of the third water inlet 304.

[0054] Specifically, when the water injection volume is large (i.e., the flow rate is high), the regulating component 500 does not make any adjustments, or it increases the size of the third inlet 304 to reduce the fluid velocity, thus allowing the power generation component 400 to operate normally. Using the general formula "flow rate = flow velocity * outlet cross-sectional area," it can be seen that when the injection volume is constant, the fluid velocity can be increased by decreasing the size of the third outlet. Therefore, when the water injection volume is small (i.e., the flow rate is low), the regulating component 500 decreases the size of the third inlet 304 to increase the fluid velocity in the power generation channel, thereby enabling the fluid to drive the power generation component 400 to generate electricity.

[0055] In one embodiment, the second flow channel 305 is arranged in a funnel shape; wherein the diameter of the third inlet 304 is larger than the diameter of the second outlet.

[0056] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, the second flow channel 305 is arranged in a funnel shape, which is conducive to the discharge of sewage from the second flow channel 305 and thus prevents the accumulation of sewage in the second flow channel 305.

[0057] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the power generation component 400 includes: a battery pack 403, a generator 402, and an impeller 401 connected in sequence; the battery pack 403 and the generator 402 are disposed between the outer protective tube 200 and the central channel, and the impeller 401 is disposed in the second flow channel 305.

[0058] Specifically, when the water distributor is working normally, the fluid enters the first flow channel 303 and the second flow channel 305 through the second inlet 302 during backwashing or through the outlet. Since the impeller 401 is located in the second flow channel 305, the fluid drives the impeller 401 to rotate. The impeller 401 then drives the generator 402, causing the coil and magnet inside the generator 402 to rotate relative to each other, cutting magnetic field lines to generate current. After the current is collected and amplified by the internal circuit of the generator, it charges the rechargeable battery pack 403. The principle of the generator 402 is based on existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0059] It is understandable that battery pack 403 can be a rechargeable battery capable of storing electrical energy. Battery pack 403 can consist of multiple batteries connected in series.

[0060] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4As shown, a sealing element 404 is provided between the battery pack 403 and the generator 402, and between the generator 402 and the impeller 401.

[0061] Specifically, the seal 404 can seal the generator 402 to the battery pack 403 and the impeller 401 respectively to prevent water from entering and affecting the normal operation of the power generation component 400.

[0062] In one embodiment, it further includes: a controller; the controller is disposed between the outer protective pipe 200 and the central channel, and the controller is electrically connected to the adjustment component 500 to control the adjustment component 500 to adjust the size of the third inlet 304.

[0063] Specifically, the controller can control the regulating component 500. When the water injection volume is large, the controller controls the regulating component 500 to not make any adjustments, or the controller controls the regulating component 500 to increase the size of the third water inlet 304 to reduce the fluid flow rate, thereby allowing the power generation component 400 to operate normally. When the water injection volume is small, the controller controls the regulating component 500 to decrease the size of the third water inlet 304 to increase the fluid flow rate in the power generation channel, thereby enabling the fluid to drive the power generation component 400 to generate electricity.

[0064] In one embodiment, it further includes: an internal pressure sensor; the internal pressure sensor is disposed in the central channel and is electrically connected to the controller.

[0065] Specifically, the internal pressure sensor is a flow and pressure detection device, which is a commonly used instrument for measuring flow rate by changing the area in automation processes. It features small size, large detection range, and ease of use.

[0066] The internal pressure sensor is mainly used for monitoring and measuring the pressure inside the pipe. When the instrument is working normally, after the internal pressure sensor detects the pulse sequence of the internal pressure, it transmits the signal to the controller, which then processes the measured internal pressure.

[0067] In one embodiment, it further includes: an external pressure sensor; the external pressure sensor is disposed outside the outer protective tube 200, and the external pressure sensor is electrically connected to the controller.

[0068] Specifically, the external pressure sensor includes an external detection section and a communication interface. Its main function is to detect the external pressure of the oil tubing (i.e., formation pressure) and to provide an interface for setting and reading its internal parameters when the instrument is on the ground. The external pressure sensor is connected to the controller. The controller controls the pressure inside the external pressure sensor tube.

[0069] In one embodiment, it further includes: a flow meter sensor; the flow meter sensor is disposed in the central channel and is electrically connected to the controller.

[0070] Specifically, the flow meter sensor is used to measure the flow rate of fluid injected from inside the pipe into the outside of the pipe. After measuring the flow rate of fluid injected from inside the pipe into the outside of the pipe, the flow meter sensor sends the information to the controller for processing.

[0071] After collecting information from the internal pressure sensor, external pressure sensor, and flow meter sensor, the controller processes the information and then determines how to control the regulating component 500.

[0072] The internal pressure sensor, external pressure sensor, and flow meter sensor can be combined into a short measurement circuit section, and the controller is connected to the internal pressure sensor, external pressure sensor, and flow meter sensor respectively through the wiring in the junction box.

[0073] In one specific embodiment, the controller acquires an ordered pressure fluctuation sequence within the pipe via an internal pressure sensor, analyzes it, and obtains corresponding commands. The controller acquires and stores relevant data from various sensors and controls the flow rate via the control and regulation component 500.

[0074] In addition, the controller controls the adjustment component 500 to perform switching operations, so that the pressure inside the pipe fluctuates in an orderly manner. The ground equipment obtains the corresponding data by detecting the orderly pressure fluctuations and analyzing them.

[0075] When the volume is large, the fluid velocity in the central channel and the current generation channel of the water distributor is relatively fast. At this time, the impeller 401 in the power generation component 400 can rotate rapidly. The impeller 401 drives the rotor permanent magnet in the generator 402 to rotate. The stator coil in the generator 402 cuts the magnetic lines of force of the permanent magnet to generate current. The circuit part in the generator 402 summarizes the generated induced current and boosts it to store electricity for the battery pack 403.

[0076] When the volume is small, the impeller 401 rotates too slowly or not at all due to the low flow velocity, making power generation impossible. In this case, it is necessary to adjust the component 500 and the power generation component 400 by using a structural linkage to increase the flow velocity, thereby enabling the power generation component 400 to obtain a higher flow velocity and improving the power generation efficiency of the power generation component 400 at small volumes.

[0077] from Figure 3As shown, after the fluid enters the first flow channel 303 through the second inlet 302, its flow rate is regulated by the regulating component 500. Then, it flows into the second flow channel 305 through the third inlet, and after exiting, it impacts the impeller 401 of the power generation component 400 to generate electricity. Since the flow rate is consistent throughout the first and second flow channels 303 and 305, and according to the formula "flow rate = velocity * outlet cross-sectional area," the fluid velocity is at its maximum at the third inlet 304 after regulation by the regulating component 500. At this point, the velocity meets the minimum velocity requirement of the impeller 401. Therefore, by using a structural linkage between the regulating component 500 and the power generation component 400, the power generation efficiency of the entire power generation component 400 can be improved.

[0078] Through the aforementioned self-generating water distributor, on the one hand, while the fluid flows sequentially through the first inlet 101, the central channel, and the first outlet 301, it also flows into the power generation channel to drive the power generation component 400 to generate electricity. On the other hand, the regulating component 500 can adjust the flow rate of the fluid in the power generation channel. When the flow rate of the fluid in the central channel is low, after flowing into the power generation channel, the regulating component 500 increases the flow rate of the fluid to ensure that it can drive the power generation component 400 to generate electricity.

[0079] It should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise" in the above description indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of this disclosure and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0080] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of embodiments of this disclosure, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0081] In the embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure according to the specific circumstances.

[0082] In embodiments of this disclosure, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0083] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. In addition, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification.

[0084] Other embodiments of this disclosure will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the invention disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this disclosure that follow the general principles of this disclosure and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A self-generating water distributor characterized by, The utility model relates to a kind of tidal power generation device, including: Upper joint, outer protective tube and lower joint connected in sequence, first water inlet is equipped on the upper joint, first water outlet is equipped on the lower joint; Center channel is arranged in the outer protective tube, and the center channel is communicated with the first water inlet and the first water outlet;Wherein, power generation flow channel is further equipped in the lower joint, the power generation flow channel is communicated with the center channel, and the power generation flow channel forms second water outlet with the side wall of the lower joint; The power generation flow channel includes: First flow channel and second flow channel; The first flow channel is communicated with the center channel by second water inlet, and the first flow channel and the second flow channel are communicated by third water inlet;The second flow channel forms second water outlet with the side wall of the lower joint;The second flow channel is arranged in horn shape;Wherein, the diameter of the third water inlet is greater than the diameter of the second water outlet; Power generation assembly, a part is arranged between the outer protective tube and the center channel, another part is arranged in the second flow channel of the power generation flow channel, so that fluid can make the power generation assembly generate electricity when passing through the power generation flow channel; Adjusting assembly is arranged in the power generation flow channel, and the flow rate of fluid in the power generation flow channel can be adjusted, when the flow rate of fluid in center channel is small, after flowing into power generation flow channel, adjusting assembly adjusts the flow rate of fluid to fast, to ensure that power generation assembly can be driven to generate electricity, the adjusting assembly is arranged at the third water inlet, to adjust the size of the third water inlet.

2. The self-generating water distributor of claim 1, wherein, The power generation assembly includes: Battery pack, generator and impeller connected in sequence; The battery pack and the generator are arranged between the outer protective tube and the center channel, and the impeller is arranged in the second flow channel.

3. The self-generating water distributor of claim 2, wherein, Sealing element is arranged between the battery pack and the generator and between the generator and the impeller respectively.

4. The self-generating water distributor of claim 1, wherein, Further including: Controller; The controller is arranged between the outer protective tube and the center channel, and the controller is electrically connected with the adjusting assembly to control the adjusting assembly to adjust the size of the third water inlet.

5. The self-generating water distributor of claim 4, wherein, Further including: Internal pressure sensor; The internal pressure sensor is arranged in the center channel, and the internal pressure sensor is electrically connected with the controller.

6. The self-generating water distributor of claim 5, wherein, Further including: External pressure sensor; The external pressure sensor is arranged outside the outer protective tube, and the external pressure sensor is electrically connected with the controller.

7. The self-generating water distributor of claim 6, wherein, Further including: Flow meter sensor; The flow meter sensor is arranged in the center channel, and the flow meter sensor is electrically connected with the controller.

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