Improved inflow control device

Abstract

A cabled movement controller arranged to open or close an inflow control device installed in a borehole, the movement controller comprising: a first connector for electrically connecting the movement controller to a cable, and a second connector for mechanically connecting the movement controller to the cable; and an electrical component arranged to be electromagnetically coupled to the inflow control device when it is energized and to remotely open or close the inflow control device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hydrocarbon production system, and more particularly to an inflow control device, method and assembly for a drilling system, an intelligent drilling system or an advanced drilling system. Background Art

[0002] In order to increase the production and recovery of oil and gas reservoirs (oil and gas reservoirs), drilling and well completion methods and systems have become increasingly complex in recent years. Traditional vertical drilling is being replaced by horizontal drilling and / or multilateral wells that have more contact with the reservoir. Although such structures can improve production efficiency, they are more expensive and complex to drill and install. After installation, changes in reservoir pressure and / or the well-known "heel-toe" effect can lead to uneven inflow along the wellbore, which can cause early gas and / or water breakthrough. Therefore, these complex drilling structures cannot be effectively controlled by surface wellhead chokes. Instead, the inflow is controlled downhole.

[0003] Many different inflow restriction systems have been proposed in the prior art. These systems can be roughly divided into three categories: passive, active and reactive.

[0004] In passive systems, inflow control devices (ICDs) are used to restrict inflow to varying degrees along the producing intervals in the well. An ICD consists of a nozzle or channel that is used to restrict the flow of fluid. The degree of restriction is sometimes referred to as the "strength" of the ICD. There are several different types of ICDs, including nozzle-type, orifice-type, spiral-type, and labyrinth-type. The basic working principle is to vary the strength of each ICD along the base string in a way that produces a more uniform inflow. The strength of the ICD is set by the geometry and size of the fluid passages and is therefore fixed after installation. The resulting system is passive and cannot adapt to dynamic changes. These fluid passages cannot be closed, so the ICD cannot be closed.

[0005] In a feedback system, an autonomous inflow control device (AICD) or autonomous inflow control valve (AICV) is used, which can self-adjust according to the viscosity and density of the reservoir fluid to restrict the flow of unwanted fluids. AICD / AICV-based systems can be designed to reduce / prevent the flow of water and / or gas, and increase / allow the flow of oil.

[0006] US9376892 discloses an actuation device comprising a housing having one or more ports, a magnetic valve component and a central flow hole. The central flow hole is configured to receive a disposable component configured to emit a magnetic field, and the magnetic valve component is configured to radially shift from a first position to a second position in response to interaction with the magnetic field.

[0007] In an active system, packers are used to divide the drilling completion structure into several zones, and inflow control valves (ICVs) are used to control the inflow to each zone. Summary of the invention

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cable (or wired) type mobile controller, which is arranged to open or close an inflow control device installed in a drilling well, the mobile controller comprising: a first connector for electrically connecting the mobile controller to a cable (wireline), and a second connector for mechanically connecting the mobile controller to the cable; an electrical component, which is arranged to be electromagnetically coupled to the inflow control device when it is energized, and to remotely open or close the inflow control device.

[0009] The electrical component may include two electromagnets arranged substantially coaxially around the core and arranged in use to generate two corresponding magnetic fields of opposite polarity. The two electromagnets may be arranged along a longitudinal axis, and the longitudinal axis may substantially coincide with the main axis of the barrel (wellbore or wellbore) of the well being drilled in use.

[0010] A centraliser may be provided to centre the mobile controller within the wellbore.

[0011] As an alternative or in addition to the pair of electromagnets, the electrical component may include an electromagnetic transmitter arranged to emit an electromagnetic pulse and an electronic circuit that sends an electronic signal to the transmitter for emitting the electromagnetic pulse. The electromagnetic transmitter and the electronic circuit may be arranged to generate at least two electromagnetic pulses, wherein the first electromagnetic pulse has a different frequency than the second electromagnetic pulse. One pulse may be used to open the inflow control device and the other pulse may be used to close the inflow control device.

[0012] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an inflow control device suitable for use with a mobile controller of the first aspect, wherein the electronic inflow control device is configured to switch between an open state and a closed state, and the inflow control device comprises: an inlet for fluid entry; an outlet for fluid exit; a shell; a first body and a second body arranged in the shell, wherein the second body is capable of moving relative to the first body, wherein in an energized state, the first body operates to magnetically attract or repel the second body; wherein, in the open state, the first body and the second body are located in corresponding open positions, and a continuous fluid path is defined in the shell, and the fluid is capable of flowing from the inlet to the outlet through the continuous fluid path; wherein, in the closed state, the first body and the second body are located in corresponding closed positions, thereby blocking the continuous fluid path.

[0013] The first body may include an electromagnet, and the second body may include a permanent magnet, which can be controlled by the mobile controller, and the shell may include one or more parts made of magnetic material, and in the open state or the closed state, the one or more parts made of magnetic material are arranged adjacent to the permanent magnet.

[0014] A spacer may be provided to avoid direct contact between the permanent magnet and the one or more parts made of magnetic material. The technical effect of the spacer is that the fluid pressure can act on the surface facing the valve seat so that pressure balance is achieved and less energy is required to open or close.

[0015] At least one resonant circuit may be provided, which is adapted to receive electromagnetic pulses, wherein the at least one resonant circuit is electrically coupled to an electromagnet in the first body.

[0016] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method for changing the state of an inflow control device is provided, the method comprising: arranging a mobile controller in a drilling well, the mobile controller comprising: a first connector electrically connecting the mobile controller to a cable, and a second connector mechanically connecting the mobile controller to the cable; an electrical component, which, when energized, is electromagnetically coupled to the inflow control device to operate the mobile controller to remotely open or close the inflow control device.

[0017] Energizing the electrical component may include generating an electromagnetic pulse having a predetermined frequency, and converting energy from the pulse into an electric current using a resonant circuit, wherein the resonant circuit is provided at the electron inflow control device.

[0018] The electrical component may generate a magnetic field, and the magnetic field may bias the movable second body within the electron inflow control device from a closed state to an open state, or from an open state to a closed state.

[0019] The inflow control device can be reversibly opened or closed during the process to optimize production. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described for purposes of illustration only with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0021] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a section of a wellbore.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an electronic inflow control device.

[0023] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of a valve.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a landing mechanism of an electronic inflow control device.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a schematic BH curve diagram.

[0026] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an electronic inflow control device.

[0027] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an electronic inflow control device.

[0028] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of an electronic inflow control device.

[0029] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an electronic inflow control device.

[0030] 10 is a schematic diagram of a section of a wellbore.

[0031] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram of the mobile controller.

[0032] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram of a mobile controller in a wellbore.

[0033] Fig.13 is a schematic diagram of the resonant circuit and the inflow control device.

[0034] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram of a resonant circuit.

[0035] Fig.15 It is a method flow chart. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Figure 1A section 100 of a production interval of a completed well is shown, the production interval being disposed within a reservoir 102. A complete production interval may include one such section 100 or a plurality of such sections 100 connected at the ends. In one example, each section may be approximately 12 meters in length, and each section may be connected to an adjacent section by a threaded joint. A typical completed well may include ten to one thousand such sections 100 connected together. Return to Reference Figure 1 , the section includes a base drill string 104 configured to transmit production fluids to the surface, a sand screen 106 configured to block sandy particles, and one or more inflow control devices (ICDs) 108 configured to control the inflow of fluids from the reservoir. Depending on the geology of the formation, the sand screen 106 may be required, or may not be required. For example, if sand control is not expected to be a problem, the sand screen 106 may not be used. In this regard, the sand screen 106 may be considered an optional feature. In the absence of the sand screen 106, a filter for coarser particles may be used in place to protect the inflow control device 108. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the sand screen 106 is a filter, and there is no limitation on the pore size of the sand screen 106. Therefore, the sand screen 106 may be referred to as a "screen".

[0037] When the pressure of the surrounding reservoir is greater than the pressure within the base drill string, fluid flows from the reservoir through the sand screen and into the one or more ICDs 108 via one or more channels in the base drill string wall. Figure 1The arrows in the ICD 108 indicate the direction of fluid flow. Each ICD 108 includes an inlet for fluid entry and an outlet for fluid exit. The ICD 108 allows fluid to flow from one or more channels into the base drill string (open state) to be transported to the surface, or prevents fluid from flowing in (closed state). During production, the direction of fluid flow is expected to be from the reservoir 102 to the base drill string 104, but the inventors have contemplated that the ICD 108 can also be used to inject fluid from the base drill string 104 into the reservoir 102. Therefore, terms such as "inlet" and "outlet" can be considered to be interchangeable and defined by the direction of fluid flow. In the context of this specification, unless otherwise explicitly stated, the direction of fluid flow is assumed to be from the reservoir 102 to the base drill string 104. The completed section of the well can be in a horizontal configuration, a deflected configuration, or a vertical configuration (relative to the direction of the earth's gravity). In the deflected configuration, the inclination of the well relative to the vertical can be between 0 and 90 degrees. The base drill string 104 can be tubular, including a longitudinal axis and having a radius perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis defining a first axis, the radius defining a second axis and a radial direction. As will be appreciated by a skilled person, the cross-section of the base drill string 104 is not necessarily circular. For example, the base drill string can have a square cross-section. References herein to facing "inwardly" and "outwardly" should be interpreted relative to the first axis and the second axis. Specifically, the surface normal of the inwardly facing surface points toward the longitudinal axis, and the surface normal of the outwardly facing surface points away from the longitudinal axis. The ICD has dimensions (X, Y). The "width" of the ICD is referred to as the lateral extent, which is the dimension of the ICD along the first axis. The "height" of the ICD is referred to as the radial extent, which is the dimension of the ICD along the second axis. Further references to the lateral extent and radial extent should be interpreted accordingly. In one embodiment of the present invention, Figure 1 The illustrated ICD 108 is an electronic inflow control device (eICD).

[0038] Figure 2AAn electronic inflow control device (eICD) 200 is shown in an open state. The eICD 200 includes a housing 202, an inlet 204 for fluid entry, an outlet 206 for fluid exit, a movable body 208, and a fixed body 210 operable to generate a magnetic field. The movable body and the fixed body may also be referred to as a valve and a valve seat, respectively. The movable body 208 and the fixed body 210 are disposed in a chamber (or internal volume) defined by the housing. The fixed body 210 may also be formed integrally with the housing. The fixed body 210 defines a channel through which a fluid can pass unimpeded. The movable body 208 may be a magnetic disk or plate, more specifically a ferromagnetic disk or plate, or a permanent magnet. The lateral extent of the movable body is greater than the lateral extent of the channel defined by the fixed body. In this way, the movable body 208 is able to seal the channel defined by the fixed body 210 and prevent the fluid from flowing through the eICD 200.

[0039] In some examples, the minimum dimensions of the eICD 200 may be comparable to the smallest existing AICD. In such an AICD, the minimum radial extent (i.e., "height") is approximately 14 mm, and the minimum lateral extent (i.e., "width") is approximately 33 mm. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the eICD 200 may be smaller than this. The inventors contemplate that the minimum inlet dimension of the eICD 200 may be approximately eight times the size of the screen aperture. In a typical example, this dimension is thought to be approximately 2 mm, and in some cases a smaller dimension may risk causing blockage, particularly where the opening size is smaller than the aperture size of the sand screen. This minimum inlet dimension reduces the risk of blocking the flow through the eICD 200. In practice, the dimensions of the eICD 200 may be larger, and these values ​​are provided as examples only.

[0040] In the open state, the movable body 208 is in an open position. In the open position, fluid can pass over the outwardly facing surface of the movable body and enter the outlet area. The arrows represent the flow of fluid through the eICD 200. The arrows are for illustration purposes only, and as mentioned above, inlet and outlet can be used interchangeably.

[0041] Figure 2AAlso shown in the figure is a mobile controller 212. In the illustration, it is shown below the eICD 200, within the base drill string, tubular or borehole, and on the other side of the eICD than the reservoir. The mobile controller 212 can move through the bore of the base drill string and can be stationary at the eICD when used to control the eICD, or the mobile controller can be used to control the eICD while moving past the eICD. The mobile controller generates a magnetic field when in use, and the magnetic field acts on the movable body 208 to change position from open to closed or from closed to open.

[0042] Under normal operation, the eICD operates without the need for a mobile controller. However, normal operation may be interrupted by a fault. The source of the fault may vary, but some examples are a lack of power supplied to the fixed body 210, an electronic fault in a control unit for the fixed body 210, or a mechanical failure of the eICD due to wear or debris.

[0043] Figure 2B Shows the closed state Figure 2A eICD 200. In the closed state, the movable body 208 is in a closed position. In the closed position, the outwardly facing surface of the movable body and the inwardly facing surface of the fixed body are in contact, thereby forming a fluid-impermeable seal (fluid-tight seal).

[0044] exist Figure 2A and Figure 2B In the embodiment of the present invention, the inlet is disposed on the "top" radially extending surface of the eICD housing. As will be appreciated by the skilled artisan, the general location of the inlet is a design option, and the inlet is not limited to this configuration. For example, the inlet may alternatively be disposed on one of the laterally extending surfaces of the housing 202. In addition, each eICD may include one or more inlets and outlets.

[0045] The fixed body 210 may include a spool or coil of wire surrounded by an electrical insulating layer, which forms an encapsulation. In one example, the spool is annular in shape, and the annular hole surrounds the fluid channel. The spool generates a magnetic field after being energized. The spool can be energized by passing a direct current through the wire spool. Therefore, the fixed body can be used as an electromagnet. Here, the fixed body and the electromagnet are used interchangeably. In one example, the movable body 208 is magnetic (or magnetized). That is, in the presence of a magnetic field, a net magnetization (or unit volume magnetic moment) is caused in the movable body 208. Once the movable body 208 is magnetized, a magnetic attraction acts between the fixed body 210 and the movable body 208, which will drive the corresponding opposite faces of the fixed body 210 and the movable body 208 together and drive the eICD 200 into a closed state. In the example shown, the electrically insulating layer is arranged to form a flat (or planar) surface on the fixed body such that a fluid-impenetrable seal is formed when in contact with an opposing flat surface of the movable body.

[0046] During operation, the fluid pressure on the inlet side is greater than the fluid pressure on the outlet side. When the eICD 200 is in the open state, this pressure difference drives the fluid through the eICD. The choking effect of the eICD 200 itself causes a pressure drop, which ensures that the pressure difference between the inlet side and the outlet side remains unchanged under steady-state conditions. In principle, during operation, a smaller pressure drop is desirable because it can minimize the skin factor, thereby maximizing production efficiency. However, in practice, due to different rock permeabilities and porosities, different reservoir regions produce at different rates, and the water / gas composition of different reservoir regions may also be different. Therefore, in general, the production volume and production quality between different reservoir regions are unbalanced. Controlling the pressure drop in a specific reservoir region helps to balance both the production volume and production quality between different reservoir regions. For example, if too much water or gas is produced in one (reservoir) region, the region can be throttled (i.e., the eICD 200 is closed) to reduce output. Likewise, areas where there is too much produced fluid (regardless of quality) can be throttled to slow the flow in. The degree of throttling in the reservoir can be controlled by opening and / or closing individual eICDs 200 in an array of eICDs distributed along a base drill string or pipeline.

[0047] Optionally, a nozzle or other fluid restriction device may be placed at the outlet 206 of the eICD. A nozzle may also be placed at the inlet 204. A fixed nozzle may be used to control the pressure drop caused by the fluid passing through the eICD 200. The pressure drop is controlled by the shape and size of the nozzle. The pressure drop may also be controlled by opening or closing adjacent eICDs.

[0048] When the eICD 200 is in the closed state, a pressure differential exists between the opposing faces of the movable body 208. The outwardly facing surface of the movable body is at a pressure P 1 and the inwardly facing surface of the movable body is at a pressure P 2 In general, P 1 Greater than P 2 As long as the magnetic attraction between the movable body 208 and the fixed body 210 is greater than the force applied by the pressure differential, the eICD 200 remains in the closed state. Ignoring any other effects (such as weight), the pressure differential across the movable body 208 is given by:

[0049]

[0050] Where ΔP is the pressure difference P1-P2, A 1 is the area of ​​the channel defined by the fixed body 210, A 3 is the contact area between the fixed body 210 and the movable body 208, and P 3 is the pressure applied by the electromagnet 210 to the movable body 208. Thus, by increasing the ratio of A3 to A1 (or by increasing the contact area between the movable body 208 and the fixed body 210 relative to the fluid channel defined by the fixed body 210), a weaker electromagnet is required (for the same input current). Thus, this equation may not hold true for other examples described in further detail below.

[0051] The pressure difference also depends on whether the fluid on the inwardly facing side of the movable body is a liquid or a gas. Back to Reference Figure 1 , the fluid on the outlet side may be the fluid in the base drill string. These fluids may be extracted from a reservoir. Such fluids include a mixture of water, oil, and / or gas. Since these phases each have different densities, they tend to separate in the base drill string 204. This is particularly true when the base drill string 204 is oriented in a horizontal manner relative to the earth's gravity, in which case the different phases will be layered. Typically, the eICD 200 may be located in an area containing liquid or gas, which in turn affects the outlet side pressure P 2 The value of .

[0052] However, it is emphasized that the completion structure 100 can be in a vertical configuration or a horizontal configuration (relative to the earth's gravity), and no gravity is required to open or close the eICD 200. In other words, the orientation of the base drill string and the relative placement of the eICD in the base drill string are not important, but will affect the operating requirements (i.e., the strength of the required electromagnet). In addition, the weight of the movable body 208 will also affect the above pressure difference formula. For example, the weight may reduce the maximum pressure difference to a certain extent (the maximum pressure difference is defined in the case where the above formula is an equality). Similarly, depending on the orientation of the completion structure, the weight may also increase the maximum pressure difference. Generally, the lighter the movable body, the faster the eICD can switch from an open state to a closed state (and vice versa). Therefore, it is preferred to minimize the thickness of the movable body 208. A typical thickness value may be 5 mm, and more preferably less than 1 mm. During operation, abrasive particles in the fluid flowing through the eICD 200 may erode the movable body 208 in an abrasive manner. Therefore, over time, the movable body 208 may become thinner. To account for this thinning, the thickness of the movable body may be greater than the total erosion over the expected lifetime of the eICD 200. As will be appreciated by the skilled artisan, the exact value depends on the choice of material and the expected operating pressure differential.

[0053] Returning to the mobile controller 212, a malfunction may occur in the fixed body 210, which causes the normal operation of the eICD 200 to fail. In the first example, the power supply to the electromagnet of the fixed body 210 fails, and no power is supplied to the electromagnet. As a result, the fixed body 210 cannot exert a magnetic force on the movable body 208. 1 Greater than P 2 In the most likely scenario, the movable body 208 will be pushed downward by the drilling fluid overpressure, such as Figure 2A As shown, the valve will remain open. As mentioned previously, this is not necessarily the case, as inflows of mixtures of gas, water and hydrocarbons are common, and unstable force distributions on the movable body 208 may cause the movable body to rattle and fluctuate between (partially) open and closed positions. Either way, when the fixed body 210 becomes a passive element without power supply, control of the valve position will be lost.

[0054] In one embodiment, the mobile controller 212 includes an electromagnet to generate a magnetic field. The mobile controller is a cable tool, and the cable connects the tool to a control unit and a power source, which are typically located at the surface (or ground surface), such as on a ship or a land-based facility. In an example where the movable body 208 includes a permanent magnetic field, the position of the movable body 208 can be controlled by the mobile controller 212 by generating a magnetic field with opposite polarity to repel the movable body or generating a magnetic field with the same polarity to attract the movable body. Control of the position of the movable body is thereby regained.

[0055] If the movable body 208 comprises a soft magnetic material having little or no retentive and / or coercivity, the movable body 208 is demagnetized once the electromagnet 210 is de-energized. The differences between hard and soft magnetic materials are discussed in more detail below with reference to FIG. 5. In the example where the movable body 208 comprises a soft magnetic material, the mobile controller 212 can be used to attract the movable body, but generally does not repel the movable body. If the mobile controller 212 is moved through the wellbore, away from another valve and no longer adjacent to the previous eICD, full control is again lost.

[0056] In an alternative example, the movable body 208 comprises a permanent magnetic material. In the absence of a magnetic field generated by the electromagnet 210 or the movement controller 212, in this embodiment, the movable body is bistable. The lower portion of the housing 214 comprises a soft magnetic material. Figure 2AIn the open configuration shown, the attractive magnetic force between the permanent magnet 208 and the co-directional magnetic field induced in the housing 214 will keep the eICD in the open position. The electromagnet 210 does not need to remain on to keep the eICD in the open position. The electromagnet 210 can be activated to generate a magnetic field with the same polarity as the permanent magnet 208, thereby attracting the body 208 and switching the eICD to the closed position. The shape of the magnetic field of a typical magnet shows that the density of magnetic field lines adjacent to the magnet is significantly greater than the density of magnetic field lines farther away from the magnet. In order to "override" the attractive magnetic force between the permanent magnet 208 and the housing 214 when the permanent magnet 208 and the housing 214 are in contact, a sufficiently large force needs to be generated by the electromagnet 210, and the attractive force between the permanent magnet 208 and the housing 214 can be kept small. There are different ways to keep the attraction between the permanent magnet 208 and the housing 214 small, such as selecting a material for the housing 214 that is only weakly magnetic, and / or providing magnetic material for only a small portion of the housing 214, while making other portions of the housing 214 that are in contact with the permanent magnet when in the open configuration from non-magnetic material. Another way is to provide a spacer to separate the permanent magnet from the magnetic material by a small distance, thereby avoiding the strong magnetic attachment associated with direct contact between magnetic surfaces. The spacer preferably creates a sealed contact between the (two) surfaces when docked, so that the separation does not create a leak path in the eICD, or a separate seal can be added.

[0057] In Fig. 2, the contact surface between the movable body 208 and the fixed body 210 that forms a fluid-impermeable seal includes two flat surfaces abutting. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, there are many possible shapes that can abut against each other. For example, the contact surface of the movable body and the fixed body is not necessarily flat. Figure 3A and Figure 3B Some alternative arrangements are shown. In general, when the fluid-impermeable seal is non-planar, the shapes of the movable body and the fixed body are complementary. The shape of the fixed body can be controlled by varying the thickness of the electrically insulating encapsulation that spatially surrounds the wire roll / wire coil. Thus, the shape of the fixed body is not limited to the shape of the wire roll or wire coil. See Figure 3A , the movable body 208 is spherical and is configured to fit (or be assembled) within a channel defined by the fixed body 210. Figure 3B, the insert 302 is arranged in a channel defined by the fixed body 210. The radial extent of the insert may be smaller than the radial extent of the channel defined by the fixed body (in which the insert is arranged). The insert 302 may include one or more socket elements 304. Accordingly, the movable body 208 may include one or more plug elements 306, which are configured to fit into such socket elements 304 when in the closed position to form a fluid-impermeable seal. An open configuration and a closed configuration of each arrangement are shown. See Figure 3B , the insert 302 may not be necessary. For example, instead of the insert 302, the fixed body 210 may define one or more fluid channels that serve as one or more socket elements 304. An advantage of using an insert is that the fluid on the inlet side can surround the internal channel wall of the fixed body, thereby acting as a coolant. This helps to dissipate heat from the coil and prevent overheating.

[0058] In the eICD 200, the movable body 208 may be mounted on a landing arrangement 400. The landing arrangement 400 is configured to receive the movable body 208 in the open position and allow the movable body 208 to be releasably disengaged, thereby enabling the movable body 208 to transition to the closed position. Therefore, the landing arrangement 400 includes a fastening device.

[0059] See also Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the landing mechanism 400 may include one or more pins 402, and the movable body 208 may include one or more corresponding recesses 404 for receiving the pins 402 in a mating connection. In the accompanying drawings, the inward-facing surface of the movable body and the lateral profile of the landing mechanism are shown. In some examples, the shape of the pins 402 and the corresponding recesses 404 can be arc-shaped, or can even be circular. Preferably, the landing mechanism 400 is rotationally symmetric so that any rotation of the movable body 208 relative to the landing mechanism 400 does not affect the ability to form a reliable mating connection. Similarly, the landing mechanism 400 may alternatively include the recesses 404 and the inward-facing surface of the movable body includes the pins 402. Figure 4A and Figure 4B This example is not shown in FIG. The landing mechanism 400 can in turn be securely assembled into the eICD (eg, using a permanent adhesive). Alternatively, the housing of the eICD 202 can include the landing mechanism 400 integrally formed in the housing.

[0060] See also Figure 4C, the landing mechanism 400 includes one or more biasing devices such as springs 406. Therefore, the movable body 208 is mounted on one or more springs. In the closed position, the spring stretches from its equilibrium position, thereby generating a restoring force that actuates the movable body 208 away from the fixed body 210. The arrow shown in Figure 3C indicates the direction of the restoring force. In this way, after the power supply to the fixed body 210 is cut off, the movable body 208 automatically "rebounds" back to the open position using the stored elastic energy. As the technician will understand, the stiffness of the spring can be reasonably selected to ensure that this function is achieved. At the same time, the inventors realize that the use of springs requires a trade-off. On the one hand, the use of springs can produce faster switching (switches), but on the other hand, the fixed body 210 needs to be stronger to keep the eICD 200 in the closed state.

[0061] Likewise, a spring (or force restoring component) may not be required. For example, after the electromagnet 210 is de-energized (turned off), the pressure differential between the inlet 204 and the outlet 206 may force the movable body 208 inwardly to the open position, and continued fluid flow through the eICD 200 may maintain the movable body 208 in its open position.

[0062] In some examples, such as Figure 4D As shown, the landing mechanism 400 includes a tapered portion of the inner radially extending surface 408 of the eICD. Accordingly, the movable body 208 is also tapered so as to fit tightly within the tapered region of the eICD. Therefore, the shape of the movable body 208 can be a truncated cone. Therefore, the friction (force) between the contact surface of the tapered wall and the edge of the movable body forms a mechanical connection that resists the relative movement of the movable body. The movable body 208 can alternatively be a sphere. In this example, the landing mechanism 400 can include a receiving cup or groove (or recess) that is integrally formed in the eICD housing, and the movable body 208 fits tightly in the receiving cup or groove. More generally, the landing mechanism 400 can be a profile formed in the housing of the eICD that enables the movable body 208 to cooperate with the landing mechanism. Therefore, the shape of the profile and the shape of the movable body 208 are complementary. That is, in the open position, the movable body 208 fits tightly within the profile.

[0063] Figure 4C and Figure 4D The motion controller 212 is shown in a position proximate to the bore of the eICD. As previously described, the motion controller can be used to switch the valve when the electromagnet 210 fails.

[0064] Once the power to the fixed body 210 is cut off, the fixed body 210 is no longer an electromagnet and the magnetic field it generates will quickly dissipate. The movable body 208 may be demagnetized or may remain magnetized. The response of the movable body 208 to the removal of the externally applied magnetic field depends on the material that the movable body is composed of. The characteristics of the material are represented in the shape of the hysteresis loop in the BH curve diagram. Typical curves for hard magnetic materials and soft magnetic materials are shown in Figures 1 and 2, respectively. Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown. As the skilled person will appreciate, magnetic materials are not inherently "hard" or "soft", but these properties can be acquired externally through appropriate material processing. If the movable body 208 includes a soft magnetic material (a soft magnetic material has little or no remanence and / or coercivity), then once the electromagnet 210 is de-energized, the movable body 208 will be demagnetized. That is, after the external magnetic field (H) is removed, the magnetization within the movable body 208 will actually disappear (effectively lost). The movable body 208 still has magnetism, but it is not a magnet. In general, a magnet has a non-zero net magnetization, while a magnetic material does not. Reference Figure 5B , in the absence of an external magnetic field (H), the "B" magnetic field generated by the movable body 208 can be ignored. If the movable body 208 includes a "hard magnetic material", the movable body 208 remains magnetized after the power supply to the fixed body 210 is cut off. Hard magnetic materials have obvious retentivity and coercivity. That is, after the external magnetic field (H) is removed, the magnetization within the material still exists (which is called "retentivity"). Therefore, in the absence of an external magnetic field (H), the "B" magnetic field generated is large and non-zero. In this case, the movable body 208 becomes a permanent magnet. Hard magnetic materials can be demagnetized by applying an external magnetic field (H) pointing in the opposite direction. The magnetic field strength (H) required to demagnetize a magnet c ) is referred to as the coercivity value. The movable body 208 in the present invention may include a hard magnetic material or a soft magnetic material.

[0065] Possible magnetic materials include: iron, cobalt, nickel. Preferably, the movable body includes a magnet or a nickel alloy. Magnet alloys include any magnetic form of steel (i.e., including a ferrite phase). Iron-based alloys are inexpensive, but are more susceptible to corrosion. On the other hand, nickel alloys are more resistant to corrosive environments, but are more expensive. In some examples, the iron or nickel alloy may include a polymer metal matrix composite (PMMC). In PMMC, particles of iron and / or nickel are dispersed in an electrically insulating polymer matrix. These particles can be magnetically "soft" or magnetically "hard". Polymers have two main functions. First, polymers have high ionic resistance and protect the metal particles dispersed therein from corrosion. Second, polymers are more compliant than traditional metal alloys, and therefore can form a more durable fluid-impermeable seal. In addition, the inventors envision that the fluid flowing through the eICD 200 may contain abrasive particles. These abrasive particles can cause abrasion to mechanically soft materials. Therefore, the portion of the eICD 200 that contacts the fluid may include mechanically hard tungsten carbide, which may serve as an outer layer. The PMMC described above can be hardened by including tungsten carbide particles in the matrix.

[0066] Abrasive particles in the fluid may cause rapid erosion within the eICD 200, especially for components facing the direction of the fluid. The erosion may be concentrated in this area. The inventors foresee that this may affect the service life of the eICD 200. In this regard, Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Fig. 6A , Figure 6B , Fig.9A , Fig. 9B The flow direction shown in can be reversed. That is, the inlet 210 can be used as the outlet 206 instead, and vice versa. In this configuration, the fluid inflow acts tangentially on the surface of the movable body 208, and local abrasion is not prone to occur. In the case of flow on the surface of the movable body 208, the force generated by the Bernoulli effect can be large enough to cause lift. Therefore, this configuration can further include a landing mechanism to ensure that the movable body 208 remains in the open position. Preferably, the lift generated by the Bernoulli effect is less than the force that keeps the movable body 208 in the open position.

[0067] In other examples, the movable body 208 may already be a permanent magnet. In this case, the magnetic axis of the magnet 208 is aligned with the coil axis (i.e., the polarity of the electromagnet 210). If the movable body 208 is a magnet, the open position and the closed position can be controlled by switching the polarity of the electromagnet 210. That is, by reversing the direction of the direct current in the wire roll / wire coil. In the closed position, the fixed body 210 is configured to attract the movable body 208, and in the open position, the fixed body 210 is configured to repel the movable body 208. Preferably, but not necessarily, the magnetic field (in the opposite direction) applied to the movable body 208 (which is a magnet) is smaller than the coercive field (H c ), so that the movable body 208 remains magnetized. Reversing the polarity of the electromagnet 210 to repel the movable body 208 can shorten the time required for the eICD 200 to switch from the closed state to the open state (or vice versa) because an additional external force is applied to open and close the eICD 200.

[0068] refer to Fig. 6A and Figure 6B , the eICD 200 may also include a second electromagnet 602. The second electromagnet 602 may also include a wire reel or wire coil encapsulated by an electrically insulating material. The second electromagnet 602 may replace the landing mechanism 400. Therefore, the eICD 200 includes a pair of electromagnets 210 and 602. In the open position, direct current passes through the wire reel in the second electromagnet 602 to turn it on, thereby magnetically attracting the movable body 208 in the open position. The first electromagnet 210 is powered off (switch off). In the closed position, the second electromagnet 602 is powered off, and the first electromagnet 210 is powered on (switch on) to attract the movable body 208 to the first electromagnet 210, thereby forming a fluid-impermeable seal. In these examples, the movable body 208 may be a magnet and / or include a magnetic material. If the movable body 208 is a magnetic material, the polarity of each electromagnet 210, 602 may be the same or different, because the magnetic material will not be repelled in the magnetic field. If the movable body 208 is a magnet, the polarity of each electromagnet 210, 602 is the same. In another example, each electromagnet 210, 602 is energized in the closed state and the open state. In the closed state, the electromagnet 210 magnetically attracts the movable body 208, while the second electromagnet 602 magnetically repels the movable body 208. Conversely, in the open position (or state), the opposite is true. In these examples, the polarity of each electromagnet 210 and 608 is opposite. The second electromagnet 602 can further include a core material disposed within the wire winding / wire coil, the core material exhibiting a high magnetic permeability so as to enhance the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet 602.

[0069] Figure 6B 208 is a permanent magnet, the electromagnet of the mobile controller can repel the movable body by generating a magnetic field with opposite polarity, and can attract the movable body by generating a magnetic field with the same polarity. If the movable body is a magnetic material instead of a permanent magnet, the mobile controller 212 can only attract the movable body.

[0070] Although a mobile controller is not shown in every figure showing an eICD, it may be used in each example.

[0071] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B Another example of an eICD 200 in an open state and a closed state is shown. In this configuration, the inlet 204 and the outlet 206 are disposed on opposite sides of the housing 202. The inlet 204 and the outlet 206 are disposed in a laterally extending surface of the housing 202. Thus, the path of the fluid through the eICD 200 is similar to that of the housing 202. Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Fig. 6A and Figure 6B The path of the eICD 200 depicted in FIG is different. The fluid flows in through the inlet, flows over the outward-facing surface of the movable body, and flows around and under the movable body 208, rather than simply flowing over the movable body 208. The fluid path is indicated by arrows in the figure. The closing and opening principles of the eICD 200 are the same as described in detail above. In this example, the landing mechanism 400 may include a plurality of pins 402 or a plurality of springs 406. Each pin 402 is configured to fit into a corresponding recess 404 in the inward-facing surface of the movable body. Preferably, the radial extent of each pin is greater than the depth of the corresponding recess, so that when the movable body 208 contacts the landing mechanism 400, there is a gap for the fluid to flow around and under the movable body 208 and out of the eICD 200 via the outlet 206. If the pressure on the outlet side exceeds the pressure on the inlet side, any induced flow induced in the opposite direction (opposite to the arrow in the figure) will cause the movable body 208 to contact the electromagnet 210, thereby preventing fluid flow. Therefore, this arrangement produces a unidirectional flow.

[0072] Fig. 8A and Figure 8BAnother example of an eICD 200 in an open state and a closed state is shown. In this example, the channel defined by the fixed body 210 is not used for fluid flow. Instead, the channel defined by the fixed body 210 is filled with (or contains) a core 802. The core 802 includes a material with high magnetic permeability so as to increase the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet 210. In some examples, the core can be "T" shaped so that in the closed position, the movable body 208 is in contact with the core 802 (which exhibits an amplified magnetic field) instead of directly contacting the package of the fixed body 210. In the eICD 200, the fluid flows around the electromagnet 210, through the channel defined by the orifice 804 in the movable body 208, and then leaves from the outlet 206. The fluid path is indicated by arrows in the figure. In one example, the movable body 208 is annular in shape. Annular can refer to a circular ring or a rectangular ring. In other examples, the movable body is a cube or a rectangular cuboid with one or more orifices 804. The entire lateral extent of the movable body (including the orifice) is substantially the same as the lateral extent of the eICD. In this way, the movable body 208 forms a fluid-impenetrable seal along the radially extending walls of the eICD. Lubricants can be used along these walls within the eICD 200 to allow such movement of the movable body 208. If the movable body 208 includes a single orifice, the lateral extent of the orifice 804 is less than the lateral extent of the fixed body 210 to ensure a fluid-impenetrable seal in the closed position. If the movable body 208 includes more than one orifice 804, each orifice 804 is located in an area defined by projecting the lateral extent of the fixed body onto the movable body 208 in a radial direction. Similarly, when in the closed position, all orifices 804 of the movable body are located within the lateral extent of the fixed body 210, thereby forming a fluid-impenetrable seal. Any of the landing mechanisms 400 described above can be used.

[0073] The fixing body 210 may be fixed to the "top" laterally extending surface of the housing by any means conceivable to the skilled person. Figure 8C The "top side" of the eICD is shown including a plurality of inlets 204. Each inlet 204 is separated from the other inlets 204 by a bridging member formed by the eICD housing 202. As will be appreciated by the skilled artisan, the shape of each inlet 204 may be arcuate, circular, rectangular, or any other shape. Figure 8C The central element shown in FIG. 2 provides a location for fixing the fixing body 210 .

[0074] See also Fig.9A and Fig. 9B, another example of an eICD 200 in an open state and a closed state is shown. Comparing this example with the eICD 200 in FIG. 8 , the outlet portion includes a channel having a lateral extent and a radial extent within the housing. The electromagnet may include a core. In the example shown, a T-shaped core is used. Since the outlet 206 is no longer disposed directly below the movable body 208, the movable body 208 does not require an orifice 804. The movable body may be a flat disc or plate. As shown in FIG. 8 , the lateral extent of the movable body is substantially the same as that of the eICD so as to form a fluid-impenetrable seal along the radially extending wall of the eICD 200. A lubricant may be used to move the movable body 208. In the closed position, preferably, the movable body 208 does not completely cover the outlet. In this way, any low pressure area (i.e., no fluid) generated when the movable body 208 moves from the open position to the closed position can be filled with fluid on the outlet side. Thus, the pressure differential across the movable body is minimized by eliminating areas of very low pressure, thereby reducing the required strength of the electromagnet 210. As described in detail above, the movable body 208 may be controlled by magnetic means. Any of the landing mechanisms 400 described above may be used.

[0075] As referred to above, the inlet 204 may also be provided in one of the laterally extending surfaces of the eICD housing 202. In such an example, a fluid inflow may pass through the surface of the movable body 208. As is known, for example from WO2008 / 004875, flow over a surface generates lift according to the Bernoulli effect. Preferably, in such an arrangement, the lift generated by the Bernoulli effect is less than the force holding the movable body 208 in the open position.

[0076] In another example, the movable body 208 in the eICD 200 can be free-floating. That is, the movable body 208 can be placed on the landing mechanism in a non-fixed manner. According to the Bernoulli principle, the movable body 208 can be pressed onto the landing mechanism, or can be actuated away from the landing mechanism so that the movable body 208 is in an open state, as in the example described in WO2008 / 004875, for example. In this regard, the eICD 200 can be structurally similar to an AICD. However, the disadvantage of the AICD is that it cannot be completely closed. This means that during the production process, unwanted fluids such as excess gas or water can be reduced, but cannot be completely eliminated. This eICD 200 can operate essentially autonomously, but in addition, can be operated to be completely closed using the magnetic means described in detail above.

[0077] Preferably, the housing of the eICD 202 may be integrally formed with the wall of the base drill string, but this is not required. In other examples, the eICD 200 is a separate component that is inserted into a hole or recess drilled in the wall of the base drill string. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B Such arrangements are shown separately.

[0078] Although the inventors contemplate using the eICD 200 primarily in the production section of a well, it may also be used in other areas of a well. For example, the eICD may be used as a water injector in a water injection well. When used as a water injector, the pressure differential across the eICD 200 in the closed state may be relatively high compared to when used as an inflow control device. Therefore, a larger input current may be required to the electromagnet 210, 602.

[0079] Fig. 9C Another embodiment is shown in which the eICD is shown attached to a pipe section. The eICD includes a first body that houses a movable second body. The second body includes a permanent magnet 91 that attracts an adjacent magnetic material 94 in a closed position and a permanent magnet that attracts an adjacent magnetic material 93 in an open position. The magnetic materials 93 and 94 are relatively thin to reduce the attractive force, and a spacer is provided to avoid strong magnetic forces when the permanent magnet and the magnetic material are in direct contact so that the attractive force can be overcome by an electromagnet 95. The electromagnet 95 can switch the valve between a closed position and an open position, and the valve can be stabilized in either position when the electromagnet is de-energized. The top 96 of the eICD has a frustoconical shape, with a corresponding technical effect of reducing turbulence of the fluid flowing into the valve. The portion of the fluid entering the device of the eICD includes a hardened material 97, such as hardened steel or synthetic diamond, to reduce wear. The second body includes a shoulder 98 arranged around the periphery of the body, and the shoulder 98 engages with a corresponding shoulder 99 on the housing to improve sealing and / or define a stopper other than the spacer.

[0080] As described in detail above, the complete production interval of the wellbore may include Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B One or more sections shown in . Each section shown can be connected to other sections by, for example, threaded joints located at either end. Each section includes at least one eICD. In some examples, each section includes more than one eICD, and multiple eICDs are arranged in the base drill string wall at angular intervals. Typically, the interval is equal to 360 / n, where n is the number of eICDs in the section. In addition, each section of the production layer section of the drilling is in electrical connection so that power can be supplied to one or more eICDs 200 located on each section. The electrical connection can be provided by means (or methods) known to the technician, such as cables, optionally combined with inductive coupling.

[0081] A cable 1002 is provided, which is connected to the mobile controller 212. The cable includes one or more of a power cable, a control cable, and a support cable for structural support. The term "cable" is a term in the art, and the technical personnel will understand the technical requirements. The device can be attached to the cable, lowered into the wellbore, raised back to the surface, and controlled from the surface. The advantages of cable technology include the use of smaller surface containers and simpler technology compared to some other intervention tools. Optionally, a production logging tool (PLT) 1004 is also attached to the cable 1002. The PLT can be used to measure the inflow from each eICD or reservoir zone, and includes the required sensors, such as flow meters, thermometers, pressure sensors, etc. The measurements made by the PLT can be used to determine the control signal of the mobile controller. For example, if a sudden inflow of an unexpected fluid is detected using the PLT, the mobile controller can be used to close the corresponding set of eICDs. The mobile controller can be pulled through the eICD and switch positions between open and closed when adjacent to the eICD.

[0082] Although not shown, a cable tractor may also be used to transport the mobile controller through the wellbore. While the cable itself can generally perform the pulling function, in some wells, pushing is more challenging, particularly in horizontal wells where gravity does not assist in moving the mobile controller downward. The cable tractor receives power and signals from the cable. The tractor includes a drive section, such as a wheel, that engages the wall of the wellbore. The wheels may be driven by hydraulic power or electricity and rotate against the wall to drive the tractor to transport a passenger vehicle, such as a PLT and mobile controller, toward a desired location.

[0083] refer to Fig.11 The schematic diagram in Figure 1 describes the mobile controller. The mobile controller comprises an electromagnet 1101. Position, power and control signals are provided to the electromagnet by cables 1002. The electromagnet comprises a soft magnetic core 1102 surrounded by two sets of coils 1103, 1104. The current through one of the two coils is opposite to the current through the other of the two coils, and the two coils thus generate magnetic fields with opposite polarities. Thus, one set of poles overlaps, regardless of whether Fig.11 The two north poles shown in A are still the same Fig.11 The two south poles shown in B. Fig.11 C shows the Fig.11 A is a vertical cross section of the dotted line L (cutaway). The cross section of the core is shown as circular, but other shapes such as square or rectangular can also be used. The magnetic field lines extend radially outward uniformly at all angles, such as Fig.11 C. Therefore, the mobile controller can be used in any rotational orientation. By reversing the direction of the current in the two coils, Fig.11 A and Fig.11 Switch between fields of B.

[0084] The technical effect of using two opposing magnetic fields is twofold: the density of magnetic field lines across line L is significantly higher than if a single magnet were used, and the density in the center is significantly higher than the density of opposite poles at the ends of the mobile controller. Fig.11 In the diagram of A, the density of field lines at the central north pole is much higher than the density of field lines at the south poles at the two ends of the device. Fig.11 The same is true for the diagram of B, but in reverse, with strong south pole field lines in the center and weaker north pole field lines at the outside. When used to switch a magnetic eICD, the magnetic field strength threshold according to which the second body of the permanent magnet switches position is selected so that the central magnetic field lines are above the switching threshold, while the magnetic field density of the opposite pole is below the switching threshold. This avoids the switching performed by the central field with field reversal of the opposite pole.

[0085] The strength of the central magnetic field relative to the end poles can be further increased by increasing the overall length of the electromagnet, or by decreasing the diameter of the electromagnet towards the ends.

[0086] If using a threshold is too difficult in some practical scenarios, for example, if the distance between the mobile controller and the eICD cannot be easily controlled due to strong fluid flow, an odd number of poles can be used, resulting in an efficient overall switch: Fig.11 A's two south poles and one north pole (or Fig.11 Two north poles and one south pole of B) will result in an odd number of switching sequences – “up-down-up” or “down-up-down” – as the mobile controller passes through the eICD, causing an overall change.

[0087] In a particular use scenario, a series of eICDs (perhaps even all of the eICDs) have experienced a power failure and are in the open position, and the ability to switch them back to the closed position through a permanent control system is no longer available. Thus, a mobile controller can be passed through the wellbore using a cable. The mobile controller can remain on and can be pulled through the series of eICDs, thereby switching each eICD from open to closed as it passes. In this use scenario, the mobile controller does not need to "know" the exact location of the eICD. If the location needs to be determined, for example, the eICD can be provided with an RFID tag and the mobile controller can be provided with a corresponding detector circuit. Additionally or alternatively, a casing collar locator (CCL) can be used to locate a casing collar or a sand screen collar. Such a casing collar locator is a known technology, and a technician will know how to use a casing collar locator to locate a collar. The position of the eICD is then determined based on the distance between the sand screen collar and the eICD, which is a known and fixed distance.

[0088] By passing current through one of the cables of the cable into the coil, the presence and direction of the current can be controlled directly by the cable.Alternatively, a local microprocessor is provided at the mobile controller for controlling the current, and the microprocessor is arranged to receive signals from the surface via the cable.

[0089] Fig.12 The diagram shows the flow of a stream of eICDs 200 through a set of eICDs 200 disposed within a sand screen sub 1202. Fig.11 A's mobile controller. Fig. 9C The eICD is particularly suitable for Fig.12 The mobile controller is used with the eICD because it is bistable in the absence of an operating eICD electromagnet and it can be switched bi-directionally because the second body includes a permanent magnet. The magnetic field lines pass through the eICD to switch the position from open to closed, or vice versa. The housing of the eICD and the position within the joint 1202 are designed to avoid shielding the magnetic field from the mobile controller by positioning and / or selecting magnetic materials. The magnetic field can be blocked by a Faraday cage or thick layer of magnetic material, and such structures are avoided between the eICD and the mobile controller. The mobile controller is preferably centered within the wellbore or pipe, and a standard centerer can be used for this purpose.

[0090] Fig.13 An alternative arrangement for an eICD is shown whereby a mobile controller sends short pulses of EM energy to the eICD. The mobile controller has an EM transmitter for this purpose, which is arranged to transmit RF pulses. Examples of transmitters are loop antennas, coil antennas, dipole antennas. The pulses have a first frequency for turning the eICD on and a second frequency for turning the eICD off. Although purely for illustrative purposes, the frequency of the first pulse may be approximately 300 MHz and the frequency of the second pulse may be 350 MHz or higher to avoid overlap with the first resonance. Higher frequencies may also be used, for example in the GHz range, while preferably avoiding frequencies within the strong absorption band of water. The first frequency resonates with a first pickup coil located at the eICD, while the second frequency resonates with a second pickup coil located at the eICD.

[0091] Fig.13 A shows the method for picking up the first frequency f 1 The first circuit includes an inductor L 1 (usually a coil) and a capacitor C 1 The signal is converted by an AC to DC converter D 1 rectified, and the signal is then coupled to the coil L 3， to push the magnet M. Similarly, the inductor L 2 is arranged with a capacitor C 2 and rectifier D 2The second frequency f is picked up in the circuit 2 , to drive the second coil L 4 , used to pull the magnet M. Pulling and pushing are obtained by generating opposite magnetic fields.

[0092] Fig.13 C shows that the inductor L is included at the lower part of the eICD 1 and L 2 The eICD of the mobile controller makes it close to the mobile controller when it passes through the eICD. 3 and L 4 are positioned close to the magnet M so that they can exert a force on the magnet. The eICD is shown in an open configuration, with arrows showing the fluid path through the eICD.

[0093] When the same inductor L 3 and L 4 They may be used for non-emergency operations when receiving power and signals from a cable or other device that is a permanent feature of the drilling assembly (rather than receiving signals or power from a mobile controller).

[0094] Next, we discuss the power and signal supply from the permanent drilling component features. Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B As shown, each section of the well completion includes an electrical circuit that powers one or more electrical devices within the section. The circuit may include a local energy storage unit (e.g., a battery). However, preferably, the sections are powered by cables. One such electrical device may be the fixed body 210 of the eICD 200. Other electrical devices include: pressure gauges, temperature gauges and flow meters, water meters, and gas detectors. Now see Fig.14 , a schematic circuit 1400 is shown. The circuit 1400 includes: a pick-up coil 1402, which operates to generate an alternating current in the circuit in a magnetic field; an AC to DC converter 1404, which is configured to rectify the electrical signal; a computer chip 1406, which includes an electronic circuit; and one or more electrical devices 200, 1208 connected to the computer chip 1406. The circuit 1400 may also include an amplifier. In general, the computer chip is configured with a microcomputer circuit board (microcontroller and microprocessor), memory, and an optional antenna for communication. The computer chip 1406, the AC to DC converter 1404, and the pick-up coil 1402 can be housed in an electrically insulating package 1410 to prevent fluid intrusion from causing an electrical short circuit. One or more electrical connections from the computer chip 1406 to the one or more electrical devices 1408, 210 can be established via a fluid-tight port in the housing 1410.

[0095] The pickup coil 1402 is positioned radially adjacent to the cable and is oriented so that the coil axis of the pickup coil 1202 is aligned in the circumferential direction (i.e., magnetic field). For example, in the wall of the base drill string. When the cable is laid along the base drill string 104 and carries an alternating current, it generates an alternating magnetic field in the circumferential direction, which in turn induces an alternating electromotive force (emf) in the pickup coil 1402. The induced emf causes the alternating current to flow in the circuit. In this way, power can be inductively transmitted from the cable to the circuit 1400. In another example not shown, power can be delivered to the circuit 1400 by a direct electrical connection to a tubular cable or cable. Subsequently, the power can be used to control one or more devices connected to the computer chip 1406. If the segment includes more than one eICD 200, each eICD can be connected to a different computer chip port.

[0096] Since the computer chip 1406 and the electrical devices 210, 1408 are powered by direct current, an AC to DC converter 1404 can be used to convert the induced alternating current into direct current. In some examples, the computer chip 1406 can include an AC to DC converter 1404. The alternating magnetic field generated by the cable will disturb the magnetic field generated by the fixed body 210. However, the magnitude of the latter magnetic field is much larger than the alternating magnetic field because the electromagnet 210 includes many turns of wire, and the radius of each coil in the electromagnet is very small (about a few millimeters). In contrast, the cable only includes a single (turn), and the radius of the turn is equal to the radius of the base drill string (about tens of centimeters). Therefore, it is expected that the alternating magnetic field will not be large or will not affect the position of the movable body 208 in the eICD 200. If an electromagnetic core 802 is used in the electromagnet 210, the magnetic field will be further increased. Similarly, in order to prevent the base drill string 104 from being used as a magnetic core of the cable, the base drill string can include a non-magnetic material.

[0097] Furthermore, when the cable is disposed around the base drill string 104, it does not generate a magnetic field within the base drill string 104. In this configuration, magnetic field interference is completely eliminated. Therefore, the pick-up coil 1402 is arranged radially adjacent to the cable, but arranged outside the cable, so as to "pick up" the magnetic field. As described above, this can be achieved by forming one or more holes in the cable.

[0098] Depending on the modulation of the electrical signal, the computer chip 1406 determines whether to connect or disconnect the corresponding computer chip port to which the electrical device 1408, 210 is connected. The computer chip 1406, which includes a microcontroller, is easy to program and belongs to "off-the-shelf" technology. Any known signal modulation technology can be used to provide instructions to the computer chip 1406. Preferably, the electrical signal is modulated at the surface of the well. However, in other examples, one or more modulators and demodulators can be set downhole for this purpose. The signal can be transmitted through a communication protocol. In this way, each section including the computer chip 1406 can be controlled independently. Any known communication protocol can be used.

[0099] The computer chip 1406 can be configured to periodically obtain readings from one or more other electrical devices 1408. The computer chip 1206 can then transmit the signal to the surface via a cable. One or more amplifiers can be used to amplify the signal before the signal is coupled to the cable. The signal can be used to Fig.14 A coil similar to the pickup coil shown is coupled between the computer chip and the cable by induction. Preferably, the longitudinal axis of the cable is substantially aligned with the axis of the coil to maximize this coupling. In another example, the reading can be transmitted via an antenna on the computer chip 1406, which can modulate the reading into a signal. The signal can be transmitted as an electromagnetic carrier (e.g., an RF signal). Subsequently, the signal can be relayed to adjacent sections by one or more transmitter and receiver elements in each section of the completion structure, and thus reach the surface. Since the power supply is provided via the cable, the transmitter and receiver can be directional. That is, the transmitter operates to send RF signals outside the wellbore, and the receiver operates to receive RF signals downhole. One or more amplifiers can also be used. The transmitter and receiver can be positioned in a channel defined in the base drill string wall. In another example, optical fiber can be used to transmit signals from the chip 1406 and the surface.

[0100] Fig.15 is a method diagram showing the following steps in a method of changing the state of an inflow control device: (S1) deploying a mobile controller within a wellbore. The mobile controller includes the features described previously: a first connector electrically connecting the mobile controller to a cable, and a second connector mechanically connecting the mobile controller to the cable; an electrical component that electromagnetically couples to the inflow control device when the electrical component is energized. (S2) operating the mobile controller to remotely open or close the inflow control device.

[0101] Although the present invention has been described according to the preferred embodiments as described above, it should be understood that these embodiments are illustrative only and the claims are not limited to these embodiments. Those skilled in the art will be able to make modifications and substitutions in view of the present disclosure, and these modifications and substitutions are considered to fall within the scope of the appended claims. Each feature disclosed or shown in this specification may be incorporated into the present invention individually or in any appropriate combination with any other features disclosed or shown herein.

Claims

1. A cable-type movement controller arranged to open or close an inflow control device installed in a wellbore, the movement controller comprising: a first connector for electrically connecting the mobile controller to a cable, and a second connector for mechanically connecting the mobile controller to the cable; An electrical component is arranged to electromagnetically couple to the inflow control device when it is energized and to remotely open or close the inflow control device.

2. The mobile controller according to claim 1, wherein: The electrical component comprises two electromagnets arranged substantially coaxially around a core and arranged, in use, to generate two corresponding magnetic fields of opposite polarity.

3. The mobile controller according to claim 2, wherein: The two electromagnets are arranged along a longitudinal axis, and wherein the longitudinal axis substantially coincides with the main axis of the barrel of the wellbore in use.

4. A mobile controller according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a centraliser for centralising the mobile controller within the borehole.

5. The mobile controller according to claim 1, wherein: The electrical component comprises an electromagnetic transmitter arranged to transmit electromagnetic pulses, and an electronic circuit sending an electronic signal to the transmitter for transmitting the electromagnetic pulses.

6. The mobile controller according to claim 5, wherein: The electromagnetic transmitter and the electronic circuit are arranged to generate at least two electromagnetic pulses, wherein a first electromagnetic pulse has a different frequency than a second electromagnetic pulse.

7. An inflow control device, which is suitable for use with the mobile controller according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The electron inflow control device is configured to switch between an open state and a closed state, the inflow control device comprising: an inlet for fluid entry; an outlet for fluid to exit; case; a first body and a second body disposed within the housing, wherein the second body is movable relative to the first body, wherein in an energized state, the first body operates to magnetically attract or repel the second body; PM / wy-HCP21541 wherein, in the open state, the first body and the second body are located at corresponding open positions, and a continuous fluid path is defined in the housing, and a fluid can flow from the inlet to the outlet through the continuous fluid path; Wherein, in the closed state, the first body and the second body are located at corresponding closed positions, thereby blocking the continuous fluid path.

8. The inflow control device of claim 7, wherein: The first body includes an electromagnet.

9. The inflow control device according to claim 7, wherein: The second body includes a permanent magnet, which can be controlled by the mobile controller, and wherein the shell includes one or more parts made of magnetic material, and in the open state or the closed state, the one or more parts made of magnetic material are arranged adjacent to the permanent magnet.

10. The inflow control device of claim 9, further comprising a spacer for avoiding direct contact between the permanent magnet and the one or more parts made of magnetic material.

11. The inflow control device of claim 7, further comprising at least one resonant circuit adapted to receive an electromagnetic pulse, wherein the at least one resonant circuit is electrically coupled to an electromagnet in the first body.

12. A method of changing the state of an inflow control device, the method comprising: deploying a mobile controller within the wellbore, the mobile controller comprising: a first connector electrically connecting the mobile controller to a cable, and a second connector mechanically connecting the mobile controller to the cable; an electrical component that electromagnetically couples to the inflow control device when the electrical component is energized, The mobile controller is operated to remotely open or close the inflow control device.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein: Energizing the electrical component includes generating an electromagnetic pulse having a predetermined frequency and converting energy from the pulse into an electric current using a resonant circuit, wherein the resonant circuit is provided at the electron inflow control device.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein: The electrical component generates a magnetic field, and wherein the magnetic field biases the movable second body within the electron flow control device from a closed state to an open state, or from an open state to a closed state.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein: The inflow control device is reversibly opened or closed during the process to optimize production.

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