Adjustable inflow control device
By introducing gear mechanism and rotatable coupling device into the inflow control device, the control flexibility and structural complexity of the existing device are solved, the effect of low torque adjustment and wear reduction is achieved, and the operability and stability of the device in the wellbore is improved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202380083176.5
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2023-02-01
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-11
AI Technical Summary
Existing inflow control devices (ICD and ICV) have problems such as passive control that is difficult to adapt to inflow variation, complex structure and expensive, and the actuator is difficult to move in the wellbore, prone to wear and fault sensitivity.
The adjustable inflow control device is adopted, and the gear mechanism and rotatable coupling device are used to achieve small torque adjustment through the worm driver. The coupling device and gear mechanism are partially exposed to fluid flow, and the adjustment actuator is supported and adjusted with the RFID tag and the support recessed portion to reduce fault sensitivity and movement difficulty.
Flexible control of inflow is achieved, reducing the torque requirement for regulating the actuator, reducing wear and failure risks, and improving the accessibility and stability of the device in the wellbore.
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Figure CN120303466A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an adjustable inflow control device, an adjustment actuator for an adjustable inflow control device, an inflow control system, and a method for adjusting an adjustable inflow control device. Background Art
[0002] It is known that underground pipes are used for oil production. Specifically, at least one pipe is guided through a reservoir / underground oil field. The at least one pipe has lateral openings such that the oil in the reservoir can flow into the pipe / wellbore and be transported to the earth's surface. However, it is also known that, in addition to oil, various other substances, such as gas and / or water, may be present in an underground oil field. These other substances are typically unevenly distributed in the underground oil field. In addition, the local concentration of these substances often changes over time. Generally, the aim is to extract as much oil as possible and as little of the other substances as possible.
[0003] Therefore, devices for setting the flow rate through the lateral openings of at least one pipe have been developed and used. Examples of such devices include so-called inflow control devices (ICDs) and inflow control valves (ICVs). Each of these devices has specific advantages but also has disadvantages, as described below.
[0004] An ICD is a passive component that is installed as part of a well completion to optimize production by balancing reservoir inflows along the length of the wellbore. Multiple inflow control devices can be installed along the reservoir section of the well completion, where each device uses a specific setting to partially throttle the flow. The resulting arrangement can be used to delay the breakthrough of water and / or gas. However, a disadvantage of an ICD is that it does not allow active control. Thus, an ICD does not allow a specific response to changing water / gas ratios, for example, does not allow the ICD to throttle when water inflow increases. The ICV addresses this specific problem, as outlined below.
[0005] An ICV is an active component that is installed as part of a well completion to partially or fully restrict the flow into the wellbore. The ICV can also be installed along the reservoir section of the well completion. Each valve can be controlled from the surface to maintain flow compliance and prevent unwanted fluids from entering the wellbore while the reservoir is being depleted. Permanent downhole cables provide electrical lines and / or hydraulic lines to transmit commands from the surface to each valve. Thus, in contrast to an ICD, an ICV allows a specific response to changing water / gas ratios, for example, causing the ICV to throttle when water inflow increases. However, a disadvantage of an ICV is that it is complex compared to an ICD and is therefore much more expensive. In addition, as described, an ICV requires downhole cables.
[0006] There are already some methods to combine the advantages of ICD and ICV and minimize the disadvantages of ICD and ICV. An example in this regard is described in US2021 / 156227 A1 (US’227). US’227 proposes an ICD that can be adjusted in response to an external force selectively applied by an actuator inserted into a wellbore. In particular, US’227 proposes a latch arm combined with the actuator. The latch arm can extend from the actuator in the direction along which the actuator is inserted into the wellbore. In addition, the latch arm is provided with a coupling profile that corresponds to a profile provided on a sleeve within the ICD. Axial displacement of the sleeve through the latch arm coupled to the sleeve allows inflow control. However, the configuration of US’227 has some of the disadvantages outlined below.
[0007] First, due to the extension of the described latch arm, a certain length of actuator is required, which can, for example, make it difficult for the actuator to move through a bend in the wellbore. Second, additionally, the sleeve having a profile thereon is exposed to the fluid flow inside the ICD, which may lead to wear and / or failure. Third, it has been shown that the axial displacement of the sleeve directly performed by the actuator requires a high force transfer from the actuator to the sleeve. This can lead to an increased sensitivity to failure.
[0008] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an adjustable inflow control device, an adjustment actuator for the adjustable inflow control device, an inflow control system, and a method for adjusting the adjustable inflow control device that at least partially overcome the above disadvantages. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] This object is achieved at least in part by the following, as defined in the independent claims: an adjustable inflow control device, an adjustment actuator for the adjustable inflow control device, an inflow control system, and a method for adjusting the adjustable inflow control device. Other aspects of the present disclosure are defined in the dependent claims.
[0010] It should first be noted that the adjustable inflow control device, the adjustment actuator, and the inflow control system described throughout this disclosure are interrelated with each other. Therefore, the technical features and / or advantages described with respect to one of the adjustable inflow control device, the adjustment actuator, and the inflow control system can apply to the other two.
[0011] In particular, this object is achieved by an adjustable inflow control device (ICD) for arrangement in a wellbore. It should be understood that the adjustable inflow control device can form part of the wellbore when arranged in the wellbore.
[0012] The adjustable inflow control device includes a hollow cylindrical base body, wherein at least one through hole is formed in the outer shell of the hollow cylindrical base body. The hollow cylindrical base body may include a pipe, a conduit, and / or the like. Additionally, for example, depending on the expected flow rate, a plurality of through holes may be formed in the outer shell of the hollow cylindrical base body.
[0013] Furthermore, the adjustable inflow control device includes an adjustable throttling mechanism adapted to control the flow through at least one through hole. The throttling mechanism may be referred to as the mechanism by which the fluid flow is managed by contraction and / or blockage.
[0014] Moreover, the adjustable inflow control device includes a coupling device that can be accessed from the inside of the hollow cylindrical base body and is rotatable. For example, the coupling device may include a shaft end having a coupling profile. Exemplarily, the shaft end may have a square or hexagonal profile.
[0015] In addition, the adjustable inflow control device includes a gear mechanism adapted to convert the rotation of the coupling device into the adjustment of the adjustable throttling mechanism. The adjustment of the adjustable throttling mechanism can be used to increase or decrease the flow rate through at least one through hole.
[0016] The adjustable inflow control device according to the present disclosure has multiple advantages over the prior art, and four of the multiple advantages are elaborated below. Thus, those skilled in the art will understand from the present disclosure that there may also be multiple other advantages.
[0017] First, by means of the gear mechanism, it can be achieved that only a small force needs to be applied to the coupling device to achieve the adjustment of the adjustable throttling mechanism. Exemplarily, through a corresponding reduction gear, only a small force needs to be applied to the coupling device to achieve the adjustment of the adjustable throttling mechanism. Therefore, high force / torque transmission from the corresponding adjustment actuator to the coupling device can be avoided. This can, for example, reduce the sensitivity to faults by avoiding damage to the coupling device. Additionally, it may be possible to provide a weaker support for the actuator within the adjustable inflow control device.
[0018] Second, since the coupling device is rotatable, it is possible to avoid the need for axial movement of the adjustment actuator inside the hollow cylindrical base body to adjust the adjustable throttling mechanism. Therefore, a compact adjustment actuator can be used. Thus, the accessibility of the adjustable inflow control device according to the present disclosure can be improved, especially when compared with US’227.
[0019] Thirdly, by means of a gear mechanism, parts of the adjustable inflow control device can be arranged such that the parts are less exposed to the fluid flow inside the adjustable inflow control device. This can reduce wear and / or failure. Specific examples regarding this are described by the present disclosure.
[0020] Fourthly, generally, the adjustable inflow control device according to the present invention is used to overcome the disadvantages of ICDs and ICVs as described in the prior art section above.
[0021] It should be understood that these advantages can also apply to the specific embodiments described with different emphases throughout the present disclosure.
[0022] The adjustable throttling mechanism can be arranged outside the hollow cylindrical base body. This allows avoiding the exposure of the adjustable throttling mechanism to the fluid flow inside the adjustable inflow control device. Therefore, wear and / or failure can be avoided or at least reduced.
[0023] Furthermore, the coupling device and / or the gear mechanism can at least partially extend through the housing of the hollow cylindrical base body, preferably extending from the inside to the outside of the hollow cylindrical base body. Thus, the sensitive parts of the adjustable inflow control device can be arranged such that the sensitive parts are less exposed to the fluid flow inside the adjustable inflow control device. In addition, the coupling device and / or the gear mechanism can be protected and / or supported by the housing of the hollow cylindrical base body.
[0024] The gear mechanism can include a worm drive. The worm drive can be referred to as a gear device in which a worm - a gear in the form of a screw - meshes with a worm wheel. By means of the worm drive, it can be achieved that, for example, through a corresponding reduction section, only a small force / torque needs to be applied to the coupling device to achieve the adjustment of the adjustable throttling mechanism. Therefore, as described above, a high force / torque transfer from the corresponding adjustment actuator to the coupling device can be avoided. In addition, by means of the worm drive, it can also be achieved that the selected setting of the adjustable throttling mechanism remains stable.
[0025] The worm of the worm drive can be connected to the coupling device in a torque-resistant manner, wherein, preferably, the worm and the coupling device are integrally formed. Thereby, the number of parts required for the adjustable inflow control device can be kept low. This can reduce the sensitivity to errors.
[0026] Furthermore, the worm of the worm drive can at least partially extend through the housing of the hollow cylindrical base body, preferably extending from the inside to the outside of the hollow cylindrical base body. Thus, the sensitive part of the adjustable inflow control device, such as the worm wheel, can be arranged such that the sensitive part is less exposed to the fluid flow inside the adjustable inflow control device. Furthermore, the worm of the worm drive can be protected and / or supported by the housing of the hollow cylindrical base body.
[0027] Inside the hollow cylindrical base body, at least two support recesses can be provided, which are adapted to engage with corresponding support arms, wherein, preferably, the at least two support recesses are located in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylindrical base body. Thus, support can be provided for the adjustment actuator with the corresponding support arms.
[0028] The adjustable inflow control device can also include a movable cover adapted to cover and / or expose the coupling device. Thus, protection can be provided for the coupling device against the influence of the flow inside the adjustable inflow control device.
[0029] The movable cover can be a hollow cylindrical sleeve preferably arranged inside the hollow cylindrical base body. By the movable cover being a hollow cylindrical sleeve, the guiding of the movable cover inside the hollow cylindrical base body can be facilitated. In particular, the movable cover can be supported by the inside of the hollow cylindrical base body.
[0030] Preferably, at least one of the support recesses includes a contact detection device adapted to move the movable cover when contact is detected. Exemplarily, the contact detection device can send an electrical signal to an electric motor, which moves the movable cover. Alternatively, the contact detection device can directly forward a mechanical input to move the sleeve. For example, by means of a suitable gear design. This configuration not only provides support for the adjustment actuator, but also ensures that the movable cover is removed when the adjustment actuator is in place.
[0031] The adjustable throttling mechanism can include a flow channel, wherein, preferably, the cross-section of the flow channel taken parallel to the flow direction includes the cross-section of a Venturi tube. The cross-section allows avoiding permanent pressure losses and at the same time achieving high throttling accuracy.
[0032] The adjustable throttling mechanism can also include a throttling element for restricting the flow through the flow channel. Exemplarily, the throttling element can restrict the flow through the flow channel by tilting and / or laterally shifting relative to the flow channel.
[0033] The flow channel and / or the throttling element can surround the hollow cylindrical base body. Thus, the flow channel and / or the throttling element can exemplarily have a hollow cylindrical shape. In this way, a continuous inflow from the outside to the adjustable inflow control device can be achieved.
[0034] The adjustable inflow control device can also include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, wherein preferably the RFID tag can be detected from the inside of the hollow cylindrical base body. Thus, for a device having an RFID reader, it can be determined when the device reaches the adjustable inflow control device.
[0035] Furthermore, the above object is achieved by an adjustment actuator for an adjustable inflow control device, in particular the adjustable inflow control device as described above. The adjustment actuator includes a housing and an extendable actuator arm having a rotatably driven coupling element at the end of the actuator arm. By means of the rotatably driven coupling element, the length of the housing in the direction along which the adjustment actuator is inserted into the wellbore can be kept low. In particular, compared with an embodiment in which the actuator arm extends in the direction along which the adjustment actuator is inserted into the wellbore for actuation, the length of the housing in the direction along which the adjustment actuator is inserted into the wellbore can be kept low.
[0036] The actuator arm can extend laterally from the housing in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction along which the adjustment actuator is inserted into the wellbore. Thereby, the length of the housing in the direction along which the adjustment actuator is inserted into the wellbore can be kept low. In particular, compared with an embodiment in which the actuator arm extends in the direction along which the adjustment actuator is inserted into the wellbore, the length of the housing in the direction along which the adjustment actuator is inserted into the wellbore can be kept low. Thus, this configuration makes it less difficult to move the adjustment actuator through a curved section of the wellbore.
[0037] The housing can include at least two laterally extendable support arms, wherein preferably the support arms can extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction along which the adjustment actuator is inserted into the wellbore. The support arms can generally ensure a stable position of the adjustment actuator relative to the above-mentioned adjustable inflow control device and / or the wellbore.
[0038] The adjustment actuator can also include an elongate support device adapted to lower the adjustment actuator into the wellbore, wherein the elongate support device is attached to the housing. The elongate support device can include a power cable, a hydraulic line, a steel cable, a steel pipe, a data cable, a control line, and / or an optical fiber line.
[0039] An extendable actuating arm can be connected to the housing between the elongate support device and at least two extendable support arms. This configuration allows for precise positioning of the rotatably driven coupling element when the extendable actuating arm is extended. This is because the rotatably driven coupling element can be stabilized between the at least two extendable support arms and the elongate support device.
[0040] The adjustment actuator can include at least one detection device for detecting the position of the adjustment actuator relative to the adjustable inflow control device. Thus, the adjustment actuator can be precisely positioned.
[0041] The at least one detection device can include an RFID reader. Thus, for a device having an RFID tag, it can be determined when the adjustment actuator reaches the device.
[0042] Preferably, the adjustment actuator does not include any part that can extend from the housing in the direction along which the adjustment actuator is inserted into the wellbore such that the any part protrudes beyond the housing. Thereby, the length of the housing in the direction along which the adjustment actuator is inserted into the wellbore can be kept low. Especially when compared with embodiments in which the actuating arm extends in the direction along which the adjustment actuator is inserted into the wellbore, the length of the housing in the direction along which the adjustment actuator is inserted into the wellbore can be kept low. Thus, this configuration makes it less difficult to move the adjustment actuator through a curved section of the wellbore.
[0043] The adjustment actuator can include an electric drive for driving the coupling element in a rotational manner. The electric drive can be driven by a rechargeable battery or a power cable.
[0044] Furthermore, the above object is achieved by an inflow control system including the adjustable inflow control device as described above and the adjustment actuator as described above. The coupling device and the rotatably driven coupling element are configured to be coupled to each other. It should be understood that the features and / or advantages described above with respect to the adjustable inflow control device and the adjustment actuator can also apply to the inflow control system, and the features and / or advantages described with respect to the inflow control system can also apply to the adjustable inflow control device and the adjustment actuator.
[0045] At least two support recesses of the adjustable inflow control device and at least two extendable support arms of the adjustment actuator can be configured to engage with each other correspondingly. Thus, the support arms can ensure a stable position of the adjustment actuator relative to the adjustable inflow control device.
[0046] Furthermore, the above object is achieved by an oilfield including at least one adjustable inflow control device as described above. Thus, the features and / or advantages described above can also apply to the oilfield.
[0047] Furthermore, the above object is achieved by a method for adjusting an adjustable inflow control device. The method includes the following steps in a given order: (i) providing the adjustable inflow control device as described above and the adjustment actuator as described above. (ii) Inserting the adjustment actuator into the hollow cylindrical base body of the adjustable inflow control device. (iii) Connecting the connecting device and the rotatably driven connecting element to each other. (iv) Driving the rotatably driven connecting element in a rotational manner.
[0048] It should be understood that the method may further include the step of engaging at least two support recesses of the adjustable inflow control device and at least two extendable support arms of the adjustment actuator with each other respectively. This step may be carried out before connecting the connecting device and the rotatably driven connecting element to each other. Description of the Drawings
[0049] Hereinafter, the drawings are briefly described:
[0050] Figure 1 A schematic cross-section of an adjustable inflow control device according to the present invention is shown;
[0051] Figure 2 A schematic cross-section of an inflow control system according to the present invention is shown, in which the adjustable inflow control device and the adjustment actuator are not connected;
[0052] Figure 3 A schematic inflow control system is shown, in which the adjustable inflow control device and the adjustment actuator are partially connected;
[0053] Figure 4 A schematic inflow control system is shown, in which the adjustable inflow control device and the adjustment actuator are fully connected;
[0054] Figure 5 A schematic inflow control system is shown after the adjustable inflow control device has been adjusted by the adjustment actuator, and
[0055] Figure 6 A flowchart of the method according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Description of the Invention
[0056] Figures 1 to 5 Each shows an adjustable inflow control device 10 according to the present invention. The adjustable inflow control device 10 includes a hollow cylindrical base body 11, in which at least one through hole 13 is formed in the outer shell 12 of the hollow cylindrical base body 11.
[0057] In addition, the adjustable inflow control device 10 includes an adjustable throttling mechanism 14 which is adapted to control the flow 5 through at least one through-hole 13. The adjustable throttling mechanism 14 is arranged outside the hollow cylindrical base body 11. The adjustable throttling mechanism 14 includes a flow channel 22, wherein a cross-section of the flow channel 22 taken parallel to the flow direction includes the cross-section of a Venturi tube. In addition, the adjustable throttling mechanism 14 includes a throttling element 23 for restricting the flow 5 through the flow channel 22.
[0058] In addition, as Figure 3 depicted, the adjustable inflow control device 10 includes a coupling device 15 which can be accessed and rotated from the inside of the hollow cylindrical base body 11.
[0059] In addition, the adjustable inflow control device 10 includes a gear mechanism 16 which is adapted to convert the rotation of the coupling device 15 into an adjustment of the adjustable throttling mechanism 14. It should be understood that the gear mechanism 16 is simplified for simplicity. The gear mechanism 16 includes a worm drive 17, wherein a worm 18 of the worm drive 17 is connected to the coupling device 15 in a torque-resistant manner. In particular, as Figure 3 depicted, the worm 18 and the coupling device 15 are integrally formed. In addition, the worm 18 of the worm drive 17 extends from the inside to the outside of the hollow cylindrical base body 11 through the housing 12 of the hollow cylindrical base body 11.
[0060] Inside the hollow cylindrical base body 11, at least two support recesses 19a, 19b are provided, and the at least two support recesses 19a, 19b are adapted to engage with corresponding support arms 54a, 54b. The support recesses 19a, 19b are located in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylindrical base body 11.
[0061] In addition, the adjustable inflow control device 10 further includes a movable cover 20 adapted to cover and / or expose the coupling device 15. The movable cover 20 is a hollow cylindrical sleeve arranged inside the hollow cylindrical base body 11. One of the support recesses 19a, 19b includes a contact detection device 21 which is adapted to move the movable cover 20 when contact is detected. This function is as Figure 2 and Figure 3 illustrated.
[0062] The adjustable inflow control device 10 further includes an RFID tag 24, wherein the RFID tag 24 can be detected from the inside of the hollow cylindrical base body 11. In particular, the RFID tag 24 is arranged inside the hollow cylindrical base body 11.
[0063] Figures 2 to 5 Each shows an adjustment actuator 50 according to the present invention. The adjustment actuator 50 includes a housing 51 and an extendable actuator arm 52, and the actuator arm 52 has a rotatably driven coupling element 53 (not clearly depicted) located at the end of the actuator arm 52. The actuator arm 52 can laterally extend from the housing 51 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction along which the adjustment actuator 50 is inserted into the wellbore.
[0064] In addition, the housing 51 includes at least two laterally extendable support arms 54a, 54b, wherein the support arms 54a, 54b can extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction along which the adjustment actuator 50 is inserted into the wellbore.
[0065] The adjustment actuator 50 further includes an elongate support device 56 adapted to lower the adjustment actuator 50 into the wellbore, wherein the elongate support device 56 is attached to the housing 51. In particular, the extendable actuator arm 52 is connected to the housing 51 between the elongate support device 56 and the at least two extendable support arms 54a, 54b.
[0066] In addition, the adjustment actuator 50 includes at least one detection device 55 for detecting the position of the adjustment actuator 50 relative to the adjustable inflow control device 10. The at least one detection device 55 includes an RFID reader for detecting the RFID tag 24.
[0067] The adjustment actuator 50 does not include any part that can extend from the housing 51 in the direction along which the adjustment actuator 50 is inserted into the wellbore such that the any part protrudes beyond the housing 51.
[0068] Figures 2 to 5 An inflow control system 100 according to the present invention is depicted. The inflow control system 100 includes the adjustable inflow control device 10 as described above. In addition, the inflow control system 100 includes the adjustment actuator 50 as described above. The coupling device 15 of the adjustable inflow control device 10 and the rotatably driven coupling element 53 of the adjustment actuator 50 are configured to be coupled to each other. In addition, the at least two support recesses 19a, 19b and the at least two laterally extendable support arms 54a, 54b are configured to engage with each other correspondingly.
[0069] Figure 6 A flowchart of a method 1000 for adjusting the adjustable inflow control device 10 is shown. The method 1000 includes the following steps in a given order: (i) providing 1100 the adjustable inflow control device 10 as described above and the adjustment actuator 50 as described above; (ii) inserting 1200 the adjustment actuator 50 into the hollow cylindrical base body 11 of the adjustable inflow control device 10 (see Figure 2); (iii) coupling the coupling device 15 and the rotatably driven coupling element 53 to each other 1300 (see Figure 3 and Figure 4 ); and (iv) driving the rotatably driven coupling element 53 in a rotational manner 1400 (see Figure 4 and Figure 5 ).
[0070] Method 1000 may further include the step of engaging at least two support recesses 19a, 19b of the adjustable inflow control device 10 and at least two extendable support arms 54a, 54b of the adjustment actuator 50 with each other correspondingly 1250. This step 1250 may be performed before coupling the coupling device 15 and the rotatably driven coupling element 53 to each other 1300.
[0071] List of Reference Numerals
[0072] 5 Flow
[0073] 10 Adjustable Inflow Control Device
[0074] 11 Hollow Cylindrical Base Body
[0075] 12 Housing
[0076] 13 Through-Hole
[0077] 14 Adjustable Throttle Mechanism
[0078] 15 Coupling Device
[0079] 16 Gear Mechanism
[0080] 17 Worm Drive
[0081] 18 Worm of the Worm Drive
[0082] 19a, 19b Support Recesses
[0083] 20 Movable Cover
[0084] 21 Contact Detection Device
[0085] 22 Flow Channel
[0086] 23 Throttle Element
[0087] 24 RFID Tag
[0088] 50 Adjustment Actuator
[0089] 51 Housing
[0090] 52 Extendable Actuating Arm
[0091] 53 Rotatably Driven Coupling Element
[0092] Laterally extensible support arms 54a, 54b
[0093] Detection device 55
[0094] Elongated support device 56
[0095] Inflow control system 100
[0096] Method 1000 for adjusting an adjustable inflow control device
[0097] Provide an adjustable inflow control device and an adjustment actuator 1100
[0098] Insert the adjustment actuator 1200
[0099] Connect the connecting device 1300
[0100] Drive the rotatably driven connecting element 1400
Claims
1. An adjustable inflow control device (10) for being arranged in a wellbore, the adjustable inflow control device (10) comprising: A hollow cylindrical base body (11), wherein at least one through hole (13) is formed in a housing (12) of the hollow cylindrical base body (11); An adjustable throttling mechanism (14), the adjustable throttling mechanism (14) being adapted to control a flow (5) passing through the at least one through hole (13); A coupling device (15), the coupling device (15) being accessible and rotatable from inside the hollow cylindrical base body (11), and A gear mechanism (16), the gear mechanism (16) being adapted to convert rotation of the coupling device (15) into adjustment of the adjustable throttling mechanism (14).
2. The adjustable inflow control device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The adjustable throttling mechanism (14) is arranged outside the hollow cylindrical base body (11).
3. The adjustable inflow control device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The coupling device (15) and / or the gear mechanism (16) at least partially extends through the housing (12) of the hollow cylindrical base body (11), preferably extending from inside to outside of the hollow cylindrical base body (11).
4. The adjustable inflow control device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The gear mechanism (16) includes a worm drive (17).
5. The adjustable inflow control device (10) according to the previous claim, wherein, A worm (18) of the worm drive (17) is connected to the coupling device (15) in an anti-torque manner, wherein preferably, the worm (18) and the coupling device (15) are integrally formed.
6. The adjustable inflow control device (10) according to any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein, The worm (18) of the worm drive (17) at least partially extends through the housing (12) of the hollow cylindrical base body (11), preferably extending from inside to outside of the hollow cylindrical base body (11).
7. The adjustable inflow control device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, At least two support recesses (19a, 19b) are provided inside the hollow cylindrical base body (11), the at least two support recesses (19a, 19b) being adapted to engage corresponding support arms (54a, 54b), wherein preferably, the at least two support recesses (19a, 19b) are located in a plane substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the hollow cylindrical base body (11).
8. The adjustable inflow control device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The adjustable inflow control device (10) further includes a movable cover (20) adapted to cover and / or expose the coupling device (15).
9. The adjustable inflow control device (10) according to the previous claim, wherein, The movable cover (20) is a hollow cylindrical sleeve preferably arranged inside the hollow cylindrical base body (11).
10. The adjustable inflow control device (10) according to claim 7 and one of claims 8 or 9, wherein, At least one of the support recesses (19a, 19b) includes a contact detection device (21), the contact detection device (21) being adapted to move the movable cover (20) when contact is detected.
11. The adjustable inflow control device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The adjustable throttling mechanism (14) includes a flow channel (22), wherein preferably, a cross-section of the flow channel (22) taken parallel to the flow direction includes a cross-section of a Venturi tube.
12. The adjustable inflow control device (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The adjustable throttling mechanism (14) further includes a throttling element (23) for restricting the flow (5) passing through the flow channel (22).
13. The adjustable inflow control device (10) according to claims 11 and 12, wherein, The flow channel (22) and / or the throttling element (23) surround the hollow cylindrical base body (11).
14. The adjustable inflow control device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The adjustable inflow control device (10) further includes a radio frequency identification tag (24), wherein, preferably, the radio frequency identification tag (24) can be detected from inside the hollow cylindrical base body (11).
15. An adjusting actuator (50) for an adjustable inflow control device (10) in particular according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The adjustment actuator (50) includes: a housing (51); and an extendable actuator arm (52) having a rotatably drivable coupling element (53) at an end of the actuator arm (52).
16. The adjusting actuator (50) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The actuator arm (52) can extend laterally from the housing (51) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction along which the adjustment actuator (50) is inserted into the wellbore.
17. The adjustment actuator (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The housing (51) includes at least two laterally extendable support arms (54a, 54b), wherein the support arms (54a, 54b) can extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction along which the adjustment actuator (50) is inserted into the wellbore.
18. The adjustment actuator (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The adjustment actuator (50) further includes an elongate support device (56) adapted to lower the adjustment actuator (50) into the wellbore, wherein the elongate support device (56) is attached to the housing (51).
19. The adjustment actuator (50) according to claims 17 and 18, wherein, The extendable actuator arm (52) is connected to the housing (51) between the elongate support device (56) and the at least two extendable support arms (54a, 54b).
20. The adjusting actuator (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The adjustment actuator (50) includes at least one detection device (55) for detecting the position of the adjustment actuator (50) relative to the adjustable inflow control device (10).
21. The adjusting actuator (50) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The at least one detection device (55) includes a radio frequency identification reader.
22. The adjusting actuator (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The adjustment actuator (50) does not include any part that can extend from the housing (51) in the direction along which the adjustment actuator (50) is inserted into the wellbore such that the any part protrudes beyond the housing (51).
23. The adjustment actuator (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The adjustment actuator (50) includes an electric driver for rotatably driving the coupling element (53).
24. An inflow control system (100) comprising: an adjustable inflow control device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, and an adjustment actuator (50) according to any one of claims 15 to 23, wherein the coupling device (15) and the rotatably drivable coupling element (53) are configured to be coupled to each other.
25. The inflow control system (100) according to the previous claim, wherein, The adjustable inflow control device (10) is constructed according to claim 7 or 10, wherein the adjustment actuator (50) is constructed according to any one of claims 17 or 19, wherein the at least two support recesses (19a, 19b) and the at least two extendable support arms (54a, 54b) are configured to engage with each other correspondingly.
26. An oilfield, the oilfield including at least one adjustable inflow control device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14.
27. A method (1000) for adjusting an adjustable inflow control device (10), the method (1000) comprising the following steps in a given order: Providing (1100) an adjustable inflow control device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and an adjustment actuator (50) according to any one of claims 15 to 23; Inserting (1200) the adjustment actuator (50) into the hollow cylindrical base body (11) of the adjustable inflow control device (10); Coupling (1300) the coupling device (15) and the rotatably driven coupling element (53) to each other, and Rotatably driving (1400) the rotatably driven coupling element (53).
Citation Information
Patent Citations
System and method for operating inflow control devices
US20210156227A1