A downhole flow regulating device

Abstract

This invention relates to a downhole flow rate regulating device, comprising a pipeline assembly, a movable pipe section, and a hydraulic control assembly. The pipeline assembly connects to a downhole pipeline, and the movable pipe section is disposed inside the pipeline assembly and movably connected to it. The outer wall of the movable pipe section is sealed to the inner wall of a fixed pipe section to block a through-slot. The hydraulic control assembly includes a hydraulic control line and hydraulic control components. The hydraulic control components drive the pipeline assembly and the movable pipe section. The hydraulic control line extends upwards and controls the movement of the movable pipe section within the pipeline assembly, moving the end of the movable pipe section at the through-slot to adjust the blocking area of ​​the through-slot. Compared with existing technologies, this device can regulate the flow rate of fluid passing through it by adjusting the position of the movable pipe section. The overall regulating structure is simple, facilitating downhole installation. Furthermore, the hydraulic control method provides high regulation stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of oil extraction technology, and in particular to a downhole flow regulation device. Background Technology

[0002] During the development of oil and gas fields, it is often necessary to inject gas or water into the reservoir to improve oil and gas recovery rates. In the context of an oil field with a formation gas source, injecting gas into the same well can significantly improve the oil recovery rate while saving on surface gas injection equipment costs. Therefore, gravity-flow gas injection technology is adopted for wells with gas source layers. This involves high-pressure gas from the gas-producing layer in the same well flowing into the oil layer through a tubing system, achieving the purpose of gas injection for oil recovery.

[0003] Not only for gas injection to drive oil, but also in other downhole components, there is a common problem of difficulty in adjusting flow rate. First, the downhole pressure is relatively high, and simple valve-type regulation has poor overall stability and requires frequent maintenance. Second, in order to facilitate installation and improve installation efficiency, the overall structure of downhole components needs to meet the installation requirements. Everything is simplified, which means that there is still no regulating device that can easily adjust downhole flow rate. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a downhole flow rate regulating device, which has the advantages of simple regulation method and high stability of regulation effect.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A downhole flow rate regulating device, comprising:

[0007] A pipe assembly for connecting to a downhole pipe. The pipe assembly has a fixed pipe section inside, one end of which is a sealed end and the other end is an open end. A through groove is opened on the side of the fixed pipe section. Fluid flows in from one end of the pipe assembly, flows through the fixed pipe section and the through groove in sequence, and then flows out from the other end of the pipe assembly.

[0008] A movable pipe section, disposed inside the pipe assembly and movably connected to the pipe assembly; the outer wall of the movable pipe section is sealed to the inner wall of the fixed pipe section to block the through groove; and

[0009] The hydraulic control assembly includes a hydraulic control pipeline and a hydraulic control component. The hydraulic control component drives the pipeline assembly and the movable pipe section. The hydraulic control pipeline extends and runs upward to the wellhead. The hydraulic control pipeline is used to control the movement of the movable pipe section within the pipeline assembly and drives the end of the movable pipe section to move at the through-slot to adjust the sealing area of ​​the through-slot.

[0010] In one embodiment, the piping assembly includes:

[0011] A first pipe section, one end of which is connected to a downhole pipeline, and the other end of which is connected to the fixed pipe section, the fixed pipe section being connected to the first pipe section; and

[0012] The second pipe section is sleeved outside the first pipe section, and there is a cavity between the second pipe section and the fixed pipe section for fluid to pass through. The cavity is connected to the fixed pipe section through the through groove.

[0013] In one embodiment, the hydraulic control component includes:

[0014] An annular groove is formed on the inner wall of the first pipe section, and the outer edge of the movable pipe section seals the edge of the annular groove. The movable pipe section and the annular groove form a liquid-controlled cavity for the liquid to enter. The liquid-controlled pipeline includes a first pipeline and a second pipeline. The liquid-controlled cavity has a first connection port and a second connection port at its two ends along the axial direction, respectively. The first connection port is connected to the first pipeline, and the second connection port is connected to the second pipeline.

[0015] The first seal is sleeved on the outer edge of the movable pipe section and located inside the annular groove. The first seal is used to seal and isolate the first connection port from the second connection port.

[0016] When the first seal moves to one side of the hydraulic control cavity, the movable pipe section closes the through groove;

[0017] When the first seal moves to the other side of the hydraulic control chamber, the movable tube section disengages from the through groove.

[0018] In one embodiment, limit rings are provided on both sides of the first seal.

[0019] In one embodiment, the inner wall of the fixed pipe section is provided with a limiting block, and the movable pipe section is also provided with a guide groove structure, which is correspondingly provided with the limiting block;

[0020] The guide groove structure includes a guide section and at least three positioning sections. The number and length of the positioning sections are set in a gradient manner corresponding to the total length of the through groove. The positioning sections are evenly spaced along the circumference of the movable pipe section, and one end of each positioning section is a positioning port and the other end is a closed end. The positioning ports are all flush with each other and are connected to the guide section.

[0021] When the movement of the movable pipe segment drives the limiting block to enter the guide segment from one of the positioning ports, the movable pipe segment closes the through slot, and the guide segment guides the movable pipe segment to rotate; when the movable pipe segment moves in the opposite direction, the limiting block continues to rotate under the guidance of the guide segment until it enters the adjacent positioning port, and when the limiting block moves to the closed end of the corresponding positioning segment, the open length of the through slot corresponds to the length of the positioning segment.

[0022] In one embodiment, the guide segment includes a transition end, a first inclined edge, and a second inclined edge;

[0023] The number of transition ends corresponds to the number of positioning segments, and the transition ends and the positioning segments are staggered.

[0024] The ports of adjacent transition ends are connected by the first inclined side, and the ports of adjacent positioning ports are connected by the second inclined side; the inclination directions of the first inclined side and the second inclined side are opposite to each other, and the first inclined side is correspondingly located opposite the positioning port, and the second inclined side is correspondingly located opposite the transition end. There is a clearance distance between the first inclined side and the second inclined side for the positioning block to move.

[0025] In one embodiment, one of the transition ends extends away from the positioning segment to form a zero segment, the zero segment being located between the positioning segments corresponding to the highest gear and the lowest gear.

[0026] In one embodiment, the positioning port is located at the middle position corresponding to the first inclined side, and the transition end is located at the middle position corresponding to the second inclined side.

[0027] In one embodiment, the limiting block is circular or elliptical.

[0028] In one embodiment, the positioning segment is provided with 7 segments.

[0029] In one embodiment, the pipe assembly is further provided with a flow monitoring component for monitoring the liquid flow rate within the pipe assembly.

[0030] In one embodiment, the traffic monitoring component includes:

[0031] The outer cylinder is fixedly connected to the second pipe section, and a flow convergence area for liquid flow is formed between the outer edge of the outer cylinder and the inner wall of the second pipe section.

[0032] An inner cylinder, which is coaxially and sealed inside the outer cylinder;

[0033] A heating element, sleeved on the outer edge of the inner cylinder, is used to heat the outer cylinder; and

[0034] A plurality of temperature sensors are provided and spaced apart on the heating belt, and the temperature sensors are used to monitor the temperature of the outer cylinder.

[0035] The present invention has the following advantages due to the adoption of the above technical solutions:

[0036] After the installation of the device and all downhole pipelines is completed, and before the start of operations, the movable pipe section is moved via the hydraulic control line, allowing its end to enter the through-slot position. This adjusts the through-slot from a completely closed state to an appropriately open state. The specific sealing area can be adjusted according to site requirements, at which point the through-slot is in a connected state. During operations, the fluid in the downhole pipeline flows sequentially through the fixed pipe section and the through-slot in the pipeline assembly, exiting from the other end of the assembly. When it is necessary to adjust the fluid flow rate in the downhole pipeline, the movable pipe section is moved again via the hydraulic control line. The movement of the end of the movable pipe section adjusts the sealing area of ​​the through-slot. Compared with existing technologies, this device can regulate the fluid flow rate by controlling the position of the movable pipe section. The overall adjustment structure is simple, facilitating downhole installation operations. Furthermore, the hydraulic control method provides high adjustment stability. Attached Figure Description

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the downhole flow regulating device in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle;

[0039] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle;

[0040] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the fixed pipe section in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a fixed pipe section according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Figure 6 for Figure 5 A magnified view of a section at point C;

[0043] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the movable pipe section in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the sealing plate in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0045] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the flow monitoring component in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0046] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the heating belt in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure label:

[0048] 1. Pipe assembly; 11. Fixed pipe section; 111. Sealed end; 112. Open end; 12. First pipe section; 13. Second pipe section; 14. Limiting block;

[0049] 2. Active pipe section;

[0050] 3. Hydraulic control assembly; 31. Annular groove; 32. First seal; 33. First pipeline; 34. Second pipeline; 35. First connection port; 36. Second connection port; 37. Limiting ring;

[0051] 4. Through groove;

[0052] 5. Guide groove structure; 51. Guide section; 511. Transition end; 512. First inclined side; 513. Second inclined side; 52. Positioning section; 521. Positioning port; 522. Closed end;

[0053] 6. Sealing plate; 61. Through hole;

[0054] 7. Flow monitoring component; 71. Outer cylinder; 72. Inner cylinder; 73. Heating belt; 74. Temperature sensor; 75. Combination area; 76. Insulation layer; 77. Cable connector; 8. Connecting fittings; 81. Tank body. Detailed Implementation

[0055] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention are described clearly and completely below. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0056] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this invention shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and similar terms used in this invention do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Terms such as "comprising" or "including" mean that the element or object preceding the word encompasses the elements or objects listed following the word and their equivalents, without excluding other elements or objects. Terms such as "connected" or "linked" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect.

[0057] During the development of oil and gas fields, it is often necessary to inject gas or water into the reservoir to improve oil and gas recovery rates. In the context of an oil field with a formation gas source, injecting gas into the same well can significantly improve the oil recovery rate while saving on surface gas injection equipment costs. Therefore, gravity-flow gas injection technology is adopted for wells with gas source layers. This involves high-pressure gas from the gas-producing layer in the same well flowing into the oil layer through a tubing system, achieving the purpose of gas injection for oil recovery.

[0058] Beyond gas injection for oil displacement, other downhole components commonly face the problem of difficult flow rate adjustment. Firstly, downhole pressures are high, and simple valve-based regulation suffers from poor overall stability, requiring frequent maintenance. Secondly, to facilitate installation and improve efficiency, downhole components must adhere to simplistic design requirements, resulting in the lack of a readily available downhole flow rate adjustment device. To address these issues, this invention provides a downhole flow rate adjustment device with advantages such as simple adjustment method and high stability of adjustment effect. The technical solution of this invention will be described in detail below with specific examples.

[0059] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the downhole flow regulating device involved in this invention includes a pipeline assembly 1, a movable pipe section 2, and a hydraulic control assembly 3.

[0060] Pipe assembly 1 is used to connect to the underground pipeline. Pipe assembly 1 has a fixed pipe section 11 inside. One end of the fixed pipe section 11 is a sealed end 111 and the other end is an open end 112. A through groove 4 is opened on the side of the fixed pipe section 11. Fluid flows in from one end of pipe assembly 1, flows through the fixed pipe section 11 and the through groove 4 in sequence, and then flows out from the other end of pipe assembly 1.

[0061] The movable pipe section 2 is located inside the pipe assembly 1 and is movably connected to the pipe assembly 1. The outer wall of the movable pipe section 2 is sealed to the inner wall of the fixed pipe section 11 to block the through groove 4.

[0062] The hydraulic control assembly 3 includes a hydraulic control pipeline and a hydraulic control component. The hydraulic control component drives the pipeline assembly 1 and the movable pipe section 2. The hydraulic control pipeline extends and runs upward to the well. The hydraulic control pipeline is used to control the movement of the movable pipe section 2 within the pipeline assembly 1. The end of the movable pipe is moved at the through groove 4 to adjust the sealing area of ​​the through groove 4.

[0063] It should be noted that the entire device is used to connect to the downhole pipeline. During the installation of the downhole pipeline, the pipeline assembly 1 needs to be connected to the downhole pipeline according to the work plan. During subsequent normal operations, the fluid in the downhole pipeline will flow sequentially through the fixed pipe section 11 and the through groove 4 in the pipeline assembly 1 and then flow out from the other end of the pipeline assembly 1. Therefore, by controlling and adjusting the sealing area of ​​the through groove 4, the flow rate of the fluid passing through the device can be regulated, and the flow rate of the fluid in the downhole pipeline can be controlled and regulated.

[0064] For example, after the installation of the device and all downhole pipelines is completed, and before the start of operation, the movable pipe section 2 is moved via the hydraulic control line, causing its end to enter the through-slot 4. This adjusts the through-slot 4 from a completely closed state to an appropriately open state. The specific sealing area can be adjusted according to site requirements, at which point the through-slot 4 is in a connected state. During operation, the fluid in the downhole pipeline flows sequentially through the fixed pipe section 11 and the through-slot 4 in the pipeline assembly 1, and then flows out from the other end of the pipeline assembly 1. When it is necessary to adjust the fluid flow rate in the downhole pipeline, the movable pipe section 2 is moved again via the hydraulic control line. The movement of the end of the movable pipe section 2 adjusts the sealing area of ​​the through-slot 4. Compared with the prior art, this device can adjust the fluid flow rate through the device by controlling the position of the movable pipe section 2. The overall adjustment structure is simple, facilitating downhole installation operations. Furthermore, the hydraulic control method provides high adjustment stability.

[0065] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 As shown, in one embodiment, the overall structure of the pipeline assembly 1 is further refined. The pipeline assembly 1 includes a first pipe section 12 and a second pipe section 13. One end of the first pipe section 12 is used to connect to the downhole pipeline, and the other end is connected to the fixed pipe section 11. The second pipe section 13 is sleeved outside the first pipe section 12, and there is a cavity between the second pipe section 13 and the fixed pipe section 11 for fluid to pass through. The cavity is connected to the fixed pipe section 11 through a through groove 4. The second pipe section 13 is used to connect to the downhole pipeline.

[0066] It should be noted that, in this embodiment, the first pipe section 12 and the second pipe section 13 are sealed together. The first pipe section 12 and the second pipe section 13 together form the outer casing of this device and are used to connect to the downhole pipeline. After the fluid flows into the first pipe section 12 from the downhole pipeline, it flows sequentially through the fixed pipe section 11 and the through groove 4, then into the cavity, the second pipe section 13, and finally into the subsequent part of the downhole pipeline through the second pipe section 13.

[0067] Reference Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the overall structure of the hydraulic control component is further refined, and the hydraulic control component includes an annular groove 31 and a first seal 32.

[0068] An annular groove 31 is formed on the inner wall of the first pipe section 12. The outer edge of the movable pipe section 2 seals the groove edge of the annular groove 31, and the movable pipe section 2 and the annular groove 31 form a liquid control cavity for the liquid to enter. The liquid control pipeline includes a first pipeline 33 and a second pipeline 34. The two ends of the liquid control cavity along the axial direction are respectively provided with a first connection port 35 and a second connection port 36. The first connection port 35 is connected to the first pipeline 33, and the second connection port 36 is connected to the second pipeline 34.

[0069] The first seal 32 is fitted onto the outer edge of the movable pipe section 2 and is located inside the annular groove 31. The first seal 32 is used to seal and isolate the first connection port 35 from the second connection port 36. When the first seal 32 moves to one side of the hydraulic control cavity, the movable pipe section 2 closes the through groove 4. When the first seal 32 moves to the other side of the hydraulic control cavity, the movable pipe section 2 disengages from the through groove 4.

[0070] For example, when it is necessary to adjust the sealing area of ​​the through groove 4, the well operation adjusts the second pipeline 34 to the normally open state and injects high-pressure hydraulic fluid into the first pipeline 33. The hydraulic fluid enters the hydraulic control chamber side through the first connection port 35. At this time, the first seal 32 is located on the hydraulic control chamber side close to the first connection port 35, and the movable pipe section 2 completely seals the through groove 4. Since the first seal 32 is used to seal the hydraulic control cavity and isolate the first connection port 35 from the second connection port 36, when the hydraulic fluid enters the hydraulic control cavity from the first connection port 35, the high-pressure hydraulic fluid will push the first seal 32 to move towards the second connection port 36. Since the second pipeline 34 connected to the second connection port 36 is in a normally open state, the second pipeline 34 plays a role in pressure balancing. The hydraulic fluid injected into the first pipeline 33 will drive the movable pipe section 2 to move, so as to gradually open the through slot 4. When the required flow rate is adjusted, the injection of hydraulic fluid is stopped, and the first pipeline 33 and the second pipeline 34 are simultaneously adjusted to the normally closed state. At this time, the pressure in the hydraulic control cavity is balanced, and the movable pipe section 2 is positioned in the hydraulic control cavity.

[0071] When the fluid flow rate of the through-slot 4 needs to be reduced, the first pipeline 33 is adjusted to the normally open state, and high-pressure hydraulic fluid is injected into the second pipeline 34. The hydraulic fluid enters the hydraulic control cavity through the first connection port 35. The high-pressure hydraulic fluid will push the first seal 32 to move towards the first connection port 35. Since the first pipeline 33 connected to the first connection port 35 is in the normally open state, the first pipeline 33 plays a role in pressure balancing. The hydraulic fluid injected into the second pipeline 34 will drive the movable pipe section 2 to move, so as to gradually reduce the fluid passage area of ​​the through-slot 4. When the required flow rate is adjusted, the injection of hydraulic fluid is stopped, and the first pipeline 33 and the second pipeline 34 are simultaneously adjusted to the normally closed state. At this time, the pressure in the hydraulic control cavity is balanced, and the movable pipe section 2 is positioned in the hydraulic control cavity.

[0072] In this embodiment, in order to improve the overall structural strength of the first seal 32, limit rings 37 are provided on both sides of the first seal 32. The limit rings 37 play a role in positioning and fixing the first seal 32.

[0073] Reference Figure 3 , Figure 6 as well as Figure 7 As shown, in one embodiment, more preferably, a limiting block 14 is provided on the inner wall of the fixed pipe section 11, and the movable pipe section 2 is also provided with a guide groove structure 5, which is correspondingly provided with the limiting block 14.

[0074] The guide groove structure 5 includes a guide section 51 and at least three positioning sections 52. The number and length of the positioning sections 52 are set in a gradient manner corresponding to the total length of the through groove 4. The positioning sections 52 are evenly spaced along the circumference of the movable tube section 2, and one end of the positioning section 52 is a positioning port 521, and the other end is a closed end 522. The positioning ports 521 are all flush with each other and are connected to the guide section 51.

[0075] When the movement of the movable pipe segment 2 drives the limiting block 14 to enter the guide segment 51 from one of the positioning ports 521, the movable pipe segment 2 closes the through slot 4, and the guide segment 51 guides the movable pipe segment 2 to rotate; when the movable pipe segment 2 moves in the opposite direction, the limiting block 14 continues to rotate under the guidance of the guide segment 51 until it enters the adjacent positioning port 521. When the limiting block 14 moves to the closed end 522 of the corresponding positioning segment 52, the open length of the through slot 4 corresponds to the length of the positioning segment 52.

[0076] It should be noted that in this embodiment, there are a total of 7 positioning segments 52, and the length of the positioning segments 52 is arranged in a gradient increasing manner. The length of the longest positioning segment 52 corresponds to the overall length of the through groove 4. When the movable pipe segment 2 moves to the point where the limiting block 14 contacts the closed end 522 of the positioning segment 52, the open length of the through groove 4 corresponds to the length of the positioning segment 52. Therefore, in this embodiment, the 7 positioning segments 52 form 7 flow adjustment levels.

[0077] For example, when adjusting the fluid flow rate of the downhole pipeline through the device, the control of the hydraulic control line drives the movable pipe section 2 to move within the fixed pipe section 11. During the movement, the limiting block 14 guides and limits the guide groove structure 5 on the movable pipe section 2. Since the positioning sections 52 are arranged circumferentially, when the movement of the movable pipe section 2 drives the limiting block 14 to enter the guide section 51 from one of the positioning ports 521, the movable pipe section 2 closes the through groove 4, and the guide section 51 guides the movable pipe section 2 to rotate. When the movable pipe section 2 moves in the opposite direction, the limiting block 14 continues to rotate under the guidance of the guide section 51 until it enters the adjacent positioning port 521. When the limiting block 14 moves to the closed end 522 of the corresponding positioning section 52, the open length of the through groove 4 corresponds to the length of the positioning section 52.

[0078] In this embodiment, the guide segment 51 specifically includes a transition end 511, a first inclined edge 512, and a second inclined edge 513. The number of transition ends 511 corresponds to the number of positioning segments 52, and the transition ends 511 and positioning segments 52 are offset from each other.

[0079] The ports of adjacent transition ends 511 are connected by a first inclined edge 512, and the ports of adjacent positioning ports 521 are connected by a second inclined edge 513. The inclined directions of the first inclined edge 512 and the second inclined edge 513 are opposite to each other, and the first inclined edge 512 is located opposite to the positioning port 521, and the second inclined edge 513 is located opposite to the transition end 511. There is a clearance distance between the first inclined edge 512 and the second inclined edge 513 for the positioning block to move.

[0080] Even better, to optimize the guiding effect of the limiting block 14, the limiting block 14 is set in a circular or elliptical shape. Specifically, in this embodiment, the limiting block 14 is specifically set in an elliptical shape.

[0081] For example, the seven positioning segments 52 represent seven sequentially increasing flow adjustment levels. For instance, when it is necessary to adjust from the first level to the second level, the first pipeline 33 is adjusted to the normally open state, and high-pressure hydraulic fluid is injected into the second pipeline 34. The injected hydraulic fluid will drive the movable pipe segment 2 to move, while the current limiting block 14 gradually moves from the closed end 522 of the positioning segment 52 to the positioning port 521. The continued movement of the movable pipe segment 2 will cause the limiting block 14 to contact the first inclined side, until the limiting block 14 squeezes the first inclined side and enters the corresponding transition end 511 under the inclined guidance of the first inclined side, until the limiting block 14 contacts the bottom of the transition end 511. At this time, the movable pipe segment 2 is restricted from continuing to move, and the through groove 4 is in a transitional closed state completely blocked by the movable pipe segment 2. The well surface can know whether the movable pipe segment 2 is in place by the pressure of the hydraulic fluid.

[0082] After learning that the channel 4 is in a transitional closed state, the movable pipe section 2 is controlled to move in the opposite direction. The wellhead operator adjusts the second pipeline 34 to the normally open state and injects high-pressure hydraulic fluid into the first pipeline 33. The hydraulic fluid injected into the first pipeline 33 will drive the movable pipe section 2 to move in the direction of disengaging from the channel 4, so as to gradually open the channel 4. At this time, the limiting block 14 gradually disengages from the transition end 511 and gradually contacts the opposite second inclined side. When the movable pipe section 2 continues to move, the second inclined side guides the limiting block 14 and enters the positioning section 52 of the second gear adjacent to the first gear. Until the limiting block 14 continues to move to the closed end 522 of the positioning section 52, the movement of the movable pipe section 2 is restricted again. The open length of the channel 4 corresponds to the length of the positioning section 52. At this time, the channel 4 is adjusted to the flow rate corresponding to the gear. Similarly, the wellhead can know whether the movable pipe section 2 is in place by the pressure of the hydraulic fluid.

[0083] When the flow rate needs to be increased again, the above operation can be repeated. It should be noted that when adjusting the flow rate, the limit block 14 needs to complete one revolution in the guide groove structure 5, which has a time-sensitive issue. However, because the overall length of the downhole pipeline is relatively long during downhole operations, the flow rate change in the downhole is not instantaneous during the adjustment process, so there is no requirement for the timeliness of the adjustment. Therefore, the timeliness of the adjustment will not have an adverse impact on the overall operation during downhole operations.

[0084] Furthermore, during the adjustment process, surface workers cannot observe which specific gear position the limit block 14 is located in within the corresponding positioning segment 52. However, each positioning segment 52 has a different length, and workers can correlate the gear position by observing the flow rate of the injected hydraulic control fluid. Simultaneously, workers can also determine the current gear position based on the flow rate feedback from the downhole measuring equipment.

[0085] In this embodiment, more preferably, one of the transition ends 511 extends away from the positioning segment 52 to form a zero segment, which is located between the positioning segments 52 corresponding to the highest gear and the lowest gear.

[0086] The zero-position setting facilitates routine maintenance operations for workers, and also serves as a reminder for well operations.

[0087] Reference Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the overall positions of the first inclined edge 512 and the second inclined edge 513 corresponding to each positioning port 521 and transition end 511 are further refined. The positioning port 521 is located in the middle position corresponding to the first inclined edge 512, and the transition end 511 is located in the middle position corresponding to the second inclined edge 513, so as to optimize the guiding effect of the overall structure.

[0088] Reference Figure 8 As shown, in some embodiments, a sealing plate 6 is provided at the through groove 4, and seven through holes 61 are opened on the sealing plate 6 corresponding to the positions of the seven positioning sections 52. When the limiting block 14 is located at the positioning section 52 corresponding to position 1, the movable pipe section 2 disengages from one through hole 61. When the limiting block 14 is located at the positioning section 52 corresponding to position 7, the movable pipe section 2 disengages from all seven through holes 61. This structure is suitable for downhole operations with high flow control accuracy. Operators can make adaptive selections and installations during the initial operation and installation according to the actual situation on site.

[0089] The present invention also provides a preferred embodiment, referring to... Figure 9 as well as Figure 10 As shown, a flow monitoring component 7 is also provided inside the pipe assembly to monitor the liquid flow rate inside the pipe assembly. In this embodiment, the flow monitoring component 7 is specifically a thermal flow meter, which includes an outer cylinder 71, an inner cylinder 72, a heating belt 73, and a temperature sensor 74.

[0090] The outer cylinder 71 is fixedly connected to the second pipe section 13. A flow convergence area 75 for liquid flow is formed between the outer edge of the outer cylinder 71 and the inner wall of the second pipe section 13. The inner cylinder 72 is coaxially sealed inside the outer cylinder 71. A heating band 73 is sleeved on the outer edge of the inner cylinder 72 to heat the outer cylinder 71. Multiple temperature sensors 74 are provided and spaced apart on the heating band 73 to monitor the temperature of the outer cylinder 71.

[0091] In addition, specifically, at the end of the second pipe section 13, a connecting pipe fitting 8 is sealed and connected. The outer edge of the connecting pipe fitting 8 is threaded and sealed to the port of the second pipe section 13. One end of the connecting pipe fitting 8 is connected to the inlet pipe through an internal thread, while the other end of the connecting pipe fitting 8 is inserted into the second pipe section 13. A groove 81 is provided on the inner wall of the connecting pipe fitting 8, and the groove 81 is used to connect the liquid in the second pipe section 13.

[0092] The flow monitoring assembly 7 also includes a cable connector 77, and the outer cylinder 71 is specifically a fixed mounting component of the flow monitoring assembly 7. One end of the outer cylinder 71 is threaded to the insertion end of the connecting pipe 8, and the other end is threaded to the end of the fixing segment 11, thereby achieving overall installation and fixation.

[0093] The power supply and monitoring data feedback of the flow monitoring component 7 are communicated with the surface via cable connector 77. The surface control system is connected to the cable connector 77 in the well via a single-core steel pipe cable for signal transmission.

[0094] It should be noted that three temperature sensors 74 are arranged along the axial direction of the inner cylinder 72, and four groups are evenly distributed along the circumference. During operation, the heating band 73 heats the outer edge of the outer cylinder 71, while the temperature sensors 74 monitor the temperature of the outer cylinder 71 and feed the measurement signal back to the wellhead control system via the cable plug. When fluid passes through, the fluid flow carries away some of the heat from the outer edge of the outer cylinder 71, and the temperature sensors 74 can monitor the temperature change in real time, and then analyze the heat carried away by the fluid. From the heat carried away, the fluid's flow rate, water content, and other physical properties can be analyzed.

[0095] Even better, in order to achieve the effect of heat preservation, a heat insulation layer 76 is provided on one side of the heating band 73. The inner end of the outer cylinder 71 and the heat insulation layer 76 are a sealed space, which can play a good role in heat preservation of the heating band 73.

[0096] This structure enables the invention to integrate control and monitoring. After the installation of the device and all downhole pipelines is completed, during operation, the operator can adjust the flow rate by hydraulic control based on the data feedback from the flow monitoring component 7. The overall adjustment structure is simple and facilitates downhole installation. In addition, the hydraulic control method also has high adjustment stability.

[0097] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A downhole flow rate regulating device, characterized in that, include: A pipe assembly for connecting to a downhole pipe. The pipe assembly has a fixed pipe section inside, one end of which is a sealed end and the other end is an open end. A through groove is opened on the side of the fixed pipe section. Fluid flows in from one end of the pipe assembly, flows through the fixed pipe section and the through groove in sequence, and then flows out from the other end of the pipe assembly. A movable pipe section is disposed inside the pipe assembly and is movably connected to the pipe assembly; the outer wall of the movable pipe section is sealed to the inner wall of the fixed pipe section to block the through groove. as well as The hydraulic control assembly includes a hydraulic control pipeline and a hydraulic control component. The hydraulic control component drives the pipeline assembly and the movable pipe section. The hydraulic control pipeline extends and runs towards the surface. The hydraulic control pipeline is used to control the movement of the movable pipe section within the pipeline assembly and drives the end of the movable pipe section to move at the through groove to adjust the sealing area of ​​the through groove. The inner wall of the fixed pipe section is provided with a limit block, and the movable pipe section is also provided with a guide groove structure, which is provided in correspondence with the limit block. The guide groove structure includes a guide section and at least three positioning sections. The number and length of the positioning sections are set in a gradient manner corresponding to the total length of the through groove. The positioning sections are evenly spaced along the circumference of the movable pipe section, and one end of each positioning section is a positioning port and the other end is a closed end. The positioning ports are all flush with each other and are connected to the guide section. When the movement of the movable pipe segment drives the limiting block to enter the guide segment from one of the positioning ports, the movable pipe segment closes the through slot, and the guide segment guides the movable pipe segment to rotate; when the movable pipe segment moves in the opposite direction, the limiting block continues to rotate under the guidance of the guide segment until it enters the adjacent positioning port, and when the limiting block moves to the closed end of the corresponding positioning segment, the open length of the through slot corresponds to the length of the positioning segment.

2. The downhole flow rate regulating device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The piping assembly includes: A first pipe section, one end of which is connected to a downhole pipeline, and the other end of which is connected to the fixed pipe section; and The second pipe section is sleeved outside the first pipe section, and there is a cavity between the second pipe section and the fixed pipe section for fluid to pass through. The cavity is connected to the fixed pipe section through the through groove. The second pipe section is used to connect to the downhole pipeline.

3. The downhole flow rate regulating device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The hydraulic control component includes: An annular groove is formed on the inner wall of the first pipe section, and the outer edge of the movable pipe section seals the edge of the annular groove. The movable pipe section and the annular groove form a liquid-controlled cavity for the liquid to enter. The liquid-controlled pipeline includes a first pipeline and a second pipeline. The liquid-controlled cavity has a first connection port and a second connection port at its two ends along the axial direction, respectively. The first connection port is connected to the first pipeline, and the second connection port is connected to the second pipeline. The first seal is sleeved on the outer edge of the movable pipe section and located inside the annular groove. The first seal is used to seal and isolate the first connection port from the second connection port. When the first seal moves to one side of the hydraulic control cavity, the movable pipe section closes the through groove; When the first seal moves to the other side of the hydraulic control cavity, the movable tube section disengages from the through groove.

4. The downhole flow rate regulating device according to claim 3, characterized in that, Limiting rings are provided on both sides of the first seal.

5. The downhole flow rate regulating device according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The guide segment includes a transition end, a first inclined side, and a second inclined side; The number of transition ends corresponds to the number of positioning segments, and the transition ends and the positioning segments are staggered. The ports of adjacent transition ends are connected by the first inclined side, and the ports of adjacent positioning ports are connected by the second inclined side; the inclination directions of the first inclined side and the second inclined side are opposite to each other, and the first inclined side is correspondingly located opposite the positioning port, and the second inclined side is correspondingly located opposite the transition end. There is a clearance distance between the first inclined side and the second inclined side for the positioning block to move.

6. The downhole flow rate regulating device according to claim 5, characterized in that, One of the transition ends extends away from the positioning segment to form a zero segment, which is located between the positioning segments corresponding to the highest gear and the lowest gear.

7. The downhole flow rate regulating device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The positioning port is located at the middle position corresponding to the first inclined side, and the transition end is located at the middle position corresponding to the second inclined side.

8. The downhole flow rate regulating device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The limiting block is circular or elliptical.

9. The downhole flow rate regulating device according to claim 5, characterized in that, There are 7 positioning segments.

10. The downhole flow rate regulating device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pipeline assembly is also equipped with a flow monitoring component to monitor the liquid flow rate within the pipeline assembly.

11. The downhole flow rate regulating device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The flow monitoring component includes: The outer cylinder is fixedly connected to the second pipe section, and a flow convergence area for liquid flow is formed between the outer edge of the outer cylinder and the inner wall of the second pipe section. An inner cylinder, which is coaxially and sealed inside the outer cylinder; A heating element, sleeved on the outer edge of the inner cylinder, is used to heat the outer cylinder; and A plurality of temperature sensors are provided and spaced apart on the heating belt, and the temperature sensors are used to monitor the temperature of the outer cylinder.

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