Test device, system and method for testing a flow control device

By designing an experimental device to simulate the performance of a flow control device under the interaction of fluids with different properties in multiple layers, the simulation problem that cannot be analyzed in the existing technology is solved, and more accurate parameter design and stable oil and water control effect are achieved.

CN122108552APending Publication Date: 2026-05-29PETROCHINA CO LTD

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
PETROCHINA CO LTD
Filing Date
2024-11-29
Publication Date
2026-05-29

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing technologies cannot simulate and analyze the performance of flow control devices when different fluids of different properties interact during segmented well completion.

Method used

Design an experimental device including a base and multiple mounting channels to simulate the performance of a flow control device under the interaction of fluids with different properties in multiple layers under different usage conditions. The channels are isolated and connected by a sealing component, and pressure and flow data are collected by combining supply and drainage pipelines.

Benefits of technology

It can simulate and analyze the performance of flow control devices under the interaction of fluids with different properties in different layers, guide the design of flow control device parameters, ensure the effect of water control and oil stabilization, and improve the efficiency of experiments and the accuracy of parameter design.

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Abstract

The present application relates to the field of oil exploitation, and discloses a test device, a system and a method for testing a flow control device, the test device comprising: a base having a plurality of mounting channels; a plurality of fluid receiving portions in communication with first ends of the plurality of mounting channels respectively; and a fluid discharge portion in communication with second ends of the plurality of mounting channels; wherein the test device has a first use state, when in the first use state, the plurality of mounting channels are isolated from each other and are used for mounting the flow control device respectively, and the plurality of fluid receiving portions are used for receiving different fluids. The present application can simulate the use scenarios of the flow control device under the interaction of different layer segments and different properties of fluids, and can also simulate the parallel use scenario, the single use scenario and the series use scenario of the flow control device, so that the present application can simulate and analyze the performance of the flow control device in a plurality of different use scenarios, better guide the parameter design of the flow control device, and ensure the effect of water control and oil stabilization.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of oil extraction technology, and more specifically to a test apparatus, system, and method for testing flow control devices. Background Technology

[0002] As inter-layer conflicts intensify in the later stages of oilfield development, especially after entering the high water-cut phase, the oil-water distribution becomes more complex, and the problem of high water cut in produced fluids becomes increasingly prominent. High water cut leads to an increased risk of sand production. Currently, the main water control methods at home and abroad include ICD completion technology and center-controlled water management technology. These technologies require a detailed understanding of the reservoir conditions, and the parameters cannot be adjusted after the well is run. The water control effect is generally poor after water is produced from the well.

[0003] Existing conventional water-finding and plugging techniques are not suitable for sand-producing wells. AICD (Artificial Intelligence and Control) water control and sand prevention technology can automatically throttle produced water, effectively solving the aforementioned problems. The core of AICD water control and sand prevention technology is the flow control device. Utilizing the fundamental differences in the physical properties of oil, gas, and water, it alters the kinetic potential energy of the fluid by changing the geometric characteristics of the flow channel, achieving automatic fluid identification and adaptive oil and gas stabilization and water control. There is no need to replace the tubing string after changes in formation water cut; the tubing string automatically adjusts the resistance of each section according to the water cut change, achieving the purpose of regulating inter-layer imbalances. The flow control device, as a key component of this technology, plays a crucial role in the implementation process due to its design parameters.

[0004] In existing technologies, the design of flow control device parameters is guided by testing the flow control device. Patent CN209513290U discloses a test mechanism for simulating flow control and water control devices. This mechanism can simultaneously measure the throttling effect and water control performance of different flow control and water control devices under different water content oil-water mixed fluid conditions. Patent CN111271050A discloses a performance testing method for AICD intelligent water control screens in horizontal wells. This method uses multi-pipeline testing fixtures, which can simultaneously test the performance of multiple AICD intelligent water control screens, effectively simulating the performance characteristics of multiple intelligent water control screens working in parallel downhole. It can also test the performance of individual AICD intelligent water control screens one by one, alternately.

[0005] However, the inventors of this application recognize that existing solutions cannot simulate and analyze the performance of flow control devices when different fluids of different properties interact during segmented well completion. Therefore, existing technologies still need improvement. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The main objective of this invention is to provide a test apparatus, system, and method for testing flow control devices, so as to at least solve the following technical problem: how to simulate and analyze the performance of flow control devices under the interaction of fluids with different properties in multiple layers.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, a test apparatus for testing a flow control device is provided, comprising: The base has multiple mounting holes; Multiple fluid receiving units are respectively connected to the first end of multiple mounting channels; The fluid discharge section is connected to the second end of multiple mounting channels; The test device has a first use state. When in the first use state, multiple mounting channels are isolated from each other and are used to install flow control devices, and multiple fluid receiving parts are used to receive different fluids.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the different fluids are selected from a plurality of the following: water, oil, gas, oil-water mixture, gas-water mixture, oil-gas mixture, and oil-gas-water three-phase mixture.

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the test apparatus further has a second use state, in which multiple mounting channels are interconnected and used to install flow control devices respectively, and a fluid receiving section is used to uniformly receive fluid.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the base also has a connecting channel, the connecting portion of the connecting channel being connected to a plurality of channels, and the test apparatus further includes a first sealing member that selectively blocks the connecting portion.

[0011] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting channel has an opening for inserting a first sealing member, and the test apparatus further includes a second sealing member capable of sealing the opening without sealing the connecting portion.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the connecting channel has an opening for inserting a first sealing member, the first sealing member having a first sealing state capable of sealing the connecting portion and a second sealing state capable of sealing the opening without sealing the connecting portion.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the test apparatus further includes a channel sealing member for sealing the mounting channels; the test apparatus also has a third use state, in which one mounting channel is used to install a flow control device, and the channel sealing members are installed in the other mounting channels.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the test apparatus further includes a channel sealing member for sealing the installation channels; the test apparatus also has a fourth use state, in which one installation channel is used to install a plurality of flow control devices arranged sequentially along the fluid flow direction, and the channel sealing members are installed in the other installation channels.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the test apparatus further includes a channel sealing member for sealing the mounting channels; when in the first use state or the second use state, some of the mounting channels of the base are used to install the flow control device, and the channel sealing member is installed in the other mounting channels.

[0016] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fluid discharge section includes a cover surrounding the outside of the base and a discharge pipe connected to the cover.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a connecting channel is disposed at the center of the base, and a plurality of mounting channels surround the connecting channel circumferentially.

[0018] According to another aspect of the present invention, a test system for testing flow control devices is provided, comprising: The test apparatus as described above; Multiple flow supply devices, each flow supply device including a flow supply section for supplying a single fluid and a flow supply line communicating with the flow supply section, the flow supply line being selectively connected to a fluid receiving section; a first pressure gauge and a flow meter are provided on the flow supply line; The drain pipe is connected to the fluid discharge section and is equipped with a second pressure gauge. The data acquisition device is used to collect data from the first pressure gauge, the flow meter, and the second pressure gauge.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the flow supply pipeline includes two branches that are switchably connected to the flow supply section, and the flow meter includes a gas flow meter and a liquid flow meter respectively disposed in the two branches.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a check valve is provided on the flow supply line.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, a test method for testing a flow control device is provided, the test method employing the test apparatus described above; the test method includes performing a first simulation test, the first simulation test comprising: A flow control device is installed in each of the multiple mounting channels, and the multiple mounting channels are isolated from each other; Different fluids are supplied to multiple fluid receiving sections, so that the different fluids are discharged through multiple flow control devices and then through the fluid discharge section; The fluid flow rate is adjusted, and the pressure of the fluid before and after passing through each flow control device is collected at different flow rates.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the test method further includes conducting a second simulation test, which includes: A flow control device is installed in each of the multiple mounting channels, and the multiple mounting channels are connected to each other; Fluid is supplied to a single fluid receiving unit, and then discharged through a fluid discharge unit after passing through multiple flow control devices. The fluid flow rate is adjusted, and the pressure of the fluid before and after passing through multiple flow control devices is collected at different flow rates.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the base further has a connecting channel, the connecting portion of which communicates with a plurality of channels; to isolate the plurality of mounting channels from each other, the connecting portion is blocked by a first sealing member; to make the plurality of mounting channels communicate with each other, the first sealing member is removed, and the opening of the connecting channel is blocked by a second sealing member without blocking the connecting portion.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the test method further includes conducting a third simulation test, which includes: Install a flow control device in one mounting channel and install channel sealing components in the other mounting channels; Fluid is supplied to the corresponding fluid receiving unit, so that the fluid is discharged through the fluid discharge unit after passing through the flow control device; The fluid flow rate is adjusted, and the pressure of the fluid before and after passing through the flow control device is collected at different flow rates.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the test method further includes conducting a fourth simulation test, which includes: Multiple flow control devices are installed in one installation channel in sequence along the direction of fluid flow, and channel sealing components are installed in other installation channels. Fluid is supplied to the corresponding fluid receiving unit, so that the fluid is discharged through the fluid discharge unit after passing through multiple flow control devices; The fluid flow rate is adjusted, and the pressure of the fluid before and after passing through multiple flow control devices is collected at different flow rates.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the present invention, conducting the first simulation test further includes: adjusting the installation angle of the test device, and collecting the pressure of the fluid before and after passing through each flow control device at different flow rates and angles.

[0027] In the technical solution of the present invention, when the test device is in the first use state, multiple mounting channels are isolated from each other and are used to install flow control devices respectively, and multiple fluid receiving parts are used to receive different fluids. At this time, different fluids pass through multiple flow control devices and are discharged through the fluid discharge part. This can well simulate the use scenario of the flow control device under the interaction of fluids with different properties in different layers. Thus, the present invention can simulate and analyze the performance of the flow control device under this use scenario, better guide the design of flow control device parameters, and ensure the effect of water control and oil stabilization. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a test apparatus for testing a flow control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a base according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a test system for testing a flow control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific examples and the accompanying drawings.

[0031] It should be noted that all uses of "first" and "second" in the embodiments of the present invention are for the purpose of distinguishing two entities or parameters with the same name but different names. It is clear that "first" and "second" are only for the convenience of expression and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of the present invention. Subsequent embodiments will not explain this in detail.

[0032] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The present invention proposes a test apparatus 100 for testing a flow control device 10, comprising: a base 110 having a plurality of mounting holes 112; a plurality of fluid receiving parts 120 respectively connected to the first end of the plurality of mounting holes 112; and a fluid discharging part 130 connected to the second end of the plurality of mounting holes 112. The test apparatus 100 has a first use state, in which the plurality of mounting holes 112 are isolated from each other and are respectively used to install the flow control device 10, and the plurality of fluid receiving parts 120 are used to receive different fluids.

[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, when the test device 100 is in the first use state, multiple mounting channels 112 are isolated from each other and are used to install flow control devices 10 respectively. Multiple fluid receiving parts 120 are used to receive different fluids. At this time, different fluids pass through multiple flow control devices 10 and are discharged through fluid discharge parts 130. This can well simulate the use scenario of flow control devices 10 under the interaction of fluids with different properties in different layers. Thus, the present invention can simulate and analyze the performance of flow control devices 10 under this use scenario, better guide the design of flow control device parameters, and ensure the effect of water control and oil stabilization.

[0034] It should be noted that, in the first usage state, the number of mounting holes 112 for installing multiple flow control devices 10 can be less than or equal to the total number of mounting holes 112 of the base 110. The number of mounting holes 112 for installing the flow control devices 10 can be selected according to actual needs. In some embodiments, the test apparatus 100 further includes hole sealing members 142 for sealing the mounting holes 112; in the first usage state, some mounting holes 112 of the base 110 are used to install the flow control devices 10, and the other mounting holes 112 are used to install the hole sealing members 142. When the number of mounting holes 112 for installing the flow control devices 10 is less than the total number of mounting holes 112 of the base 10, the unused mounting holes 112 can be sealed with the hole sealing members 142 to avoid interference and influence on the test process.

[0035] In some embodiments, the different fluids are selected from multiple of the following: water, oil, gas, oil-water mixture, gas-water mixture, oil-gas mixture, and oil-gas-water three-phase mixture. Compared with the prior art, which can only simulate scenarios under the action of a single fluid, the present invention can simulate the performance of the flow control device when different layers and fluids of different properties interact during staged well completion.

[0036] In actual production, when the flow supply capacity of a certain section of multiple oil wells exceeds the application range of the flow control device, multiple flow control devices can be connected in parallel to solve the problem. Therefore, it is necessary to simulate whether the performance of the flow control devices is affected by each other when fluid passes through multiple parallel flow control devices, thus affecting their stability. Then, the experimental data can guide the parameter optimization design of the water control string. To simulate the parallel use scenario of flow control devices, the experimental device 100 of this invention also has a second use state. In the second use state, multiple installation channels 112 are interconnected and used to install flow control devices 10 respectively, and a fluid receiving section 120 is used to uniformly receive fluid. Since the multiple installation channels 112 are interconnected, the fluid received from the fluid receiving section 120 can simultaneously pass through the flow control devices 10 in the multiple installation channels 112 and be discharged through the fluid discharge section 130. That is to say, this simulates the situation of multiple flow control devices 10 being used in parallel, with multiple flow control devices 10 having a unified fluid source and a unified fluid destination. Thus, this invention can simulate and analyze the performance of multiple flow control devices in the parallel use scenario. In the second operating state, the fluid used can be any one of water, oil, gas, oil-water mixture, gas-water mixture, oil-gas mixture, or oil-gas-water three-phase mixture.

[0037] Similarly, in the second usage state, the number of mounting holes 112 for mounting multiple flow control devices 10 can be less than or equal to the total number of mounting holes 112 of the base 110. The number of mounting holes 112 for mounting the flow control devices 10 can be selected according to actual needs. In some embodiments, some mounting holes 112 of the base 110 are used to mount the flow control devices 10, while the other mounting holes 112 are used to mount hole sealing members 142. When the number of mounting holes 112 for mounting the flow control devices 10 is less than the total number of mounting holes 112 of the base 10, unused mounting holes 112 can be sealed with hole sealing members 142 to avoid interference and influence on the test process.

[0038] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2In some embodiments, the base 110 further includes a connecting channel 114, with a connecting portion 115 of the connecting channel 114 communicating with multiple channels 112. The test apparatus 100 also includes a first sealing member 144 that selectively blocks the connecting portion 115. The connecting portion 115 may be a segment of the connecting channel 114, which communicates with multiple mounting channels 112 through multiple channels. When the first sealing member 144 blocks the connecting portion 115, the multiple mounting channels 112 can be isolated from each other; when the first sealing member 144 is removed from the connecting portion 115, the multiple mounting channels 112 can be connected to each other. This invention can easily and quickly switch between the isolated state and the connected state of the multiple mounting channels 112.

[0039] In some embodiments, the connecting channel 114 has an opening for inserting and removing the first sealing member 144. The test apparatus 100 also includes a second sealing member 146 capable of sealing the opening without sealing the connecting portion 115. When multiple mounting channels 112 are in communication with each other, fluid may flow out from the opening of the connecting channel 114, affecting the test process. This problem is avoided by the second sealing member 146. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the first sealing member has a first sealing state capable of sealing the connecting portion 115 and a second sealing state capable of sealing the opening without sealing the connecting portion 115. The first sealing member can switch between the first sealing state and the second sealing state by changing its length and / or installation position, thus eliminating the need for a second sealing member.

[0040] In some embodiments, the test apparatus also has a third usage state. In this third usage state, one mounting channel 112 is used to install a flow control device 10, and channel sealing members 142 are installed in the other mounting channels 112. At this time, the corresponding receiving part 120 communicating with the mounting channel 112 is used to receive fluid, which is then discharged via the fluid discharge part 130 after passing through the flow control device 10. Thus, the present invention can simulate and analyze the performance of a single flow control device in a standalone usage scenario. In the third usage state, the fluid used can be any one of water, oil, gas, oil-water mixture, gas-water mixture, oil-gas mixture, or oil-gas-water three-phase mixture.

[0041] In some embodiments, the test apparatus also has a fourth operating state. In this fourth operating state, one mounting channel 112 is used to install multiple flow control devices 10 arranged sequentially along the fluid flow direction, and other mounting channels 112 are used to install channel sealing members 142. At this time, the corresponding receiving section 120 communicating with the mounting channel 112 is used to receive fluid, which is then discharged via the fluid discharge section 130 after passing through the multiple flow control devices 10. Thus, the present invention can simulate and analyze the performance of multiple flow control devices used in series. In the fourth operating state, the fluid used can be any one of water, oil, gas, oil-water mixture, gas-water mixture, oil-gas mixture, or oil-gas-water three-phase mixture.

[0042] Based on the above description, the experimental device 100 of the present invention has multiple usage states, and different usage states can be used to simulate different usage scenarios of the flow control device, thus possessing the characteristic of multifunctionality. Furthermore, the experimental device 100 has a simple structure and is easy to use; switching between different usage states can be achieved through simple operations.

[0043] refer to Figure 2 In some embodiments, the connecting channel 114 is located at the center of the base 110, and multiple mounting channels 112 surround the connecting channel 114 circumferentially. This arrangement facilitates the connection of the connecting channel 114 to the multiple mounting channels 112, allowing for a more compact structure of the test apparatus 100. The connecting channel 114 and the multiple mounting channels 112 can extend axially along the base 110, and the connecting portion 115 of the connecting channel 114 can communicate with the multiple connecting channels 114 through multiple radially extending channels. (See reference...) Figure 1 In some embodiments, the fluid discharge section 130 includes a cover 132 surrounding the outside of the base 110 and a discharge pipe 134 connected to the cover 132. The cover 132 collects and aggregates the fluid discharged from the plurality of mounting channels 112, and the aggregated fluid is further discharged via the discharge pipe 134. The fluid receiving section 120 may include an inlet pipe. Both the fluid receiving section 120 and the fluid discharge section 130 can be connected to the base 110 by threaded connection, and a sealing element ensures a tight seal. The first sealing element 144 and the second sealing element 146 can also be connected to the base 110 by threaded connection, and a sealing element ensures a tight seal.

[0044] refer to Figure 3The present invention also proposes a test system 200 for testing the flow control device 10, comprising: the test device 100 as described above; a plurality of flow supply devices 210, each flow supply device 210 including a flow supply section 212 for supplying a single fluid and a flow supply pipe 214 communicating with the flow supply section 212, the flow supply pipe 214 being selectively connected to a fluid receiving section 120; a first pressure gauge 211 and a flow meter being provided on the flow supply pipe 214; a discharge pipe 220 connected to a fluid discharge section 130, the discharge pipe 220 being provided with a second pressure gauge 222; and a data acquisition device 230 for acquiring data from the first pressure gauge 211, the flow meter, and the second pressure gauge 222. By acquiring the inlet and outlet pressures of the flow control device under different flow rates, the performance of the flow control device can be analyzed.

[0045] Depending on the test requirements, a single fluid or a mixture of fluids can be selected. A single fluid can be water, oil, or gas. Mixed fluids can be oil-water mixtures, gas-water mixtures, oil-gas mixtures, or three-phase mixtures of oil, gas, and water. A single fluid can be supplied by a single supply device 210, while a mixed fluid can be supplied by combining multiple supply devices 210 connected in parallel. During testing, following the principle of gas first, then liquid, the corresponding valves of the supply devices 210 are gradually opened to begin the test. The data acquisition device 230 automatically records all pressure and flow rate values ​​every few seconds during the test until its completion.

[0046] In some embodiments, the supply line 214 includes two branches that are switchably connected to the supply unit 212, and the flow meters include a gas flow meter 213 and a liquid flow meter 215 respectively disposed on the two branches. The appropriate flow meter can be selected according to the type of fluid provided by the supply unit 212. A first switching valve can be installed on the main line of the supply line 214, and a second switching valve and a third switching valve can be installed on the two branches respectively.

[0047] When conducting a single-fluid simulation test, the first switching valve of one of the flow supply devices 210 is opened. Simultaneously, the appropriate flow meter is selected based on the flow phase: if it is a gaseous fluid, the second switching valve is opened and the third switching valve is closed; if it is a liquid fluid, the third switching valve is opened and the second switching valve is closed. When conducting a mixed-fluid simulation test, the first switching valves of multiple flow supply devices 210 are opened according to the test requirements, and the appropriate flow meter is selected based on the flow phase of the fluid in each flow supply device 210.

[0048] The flow supply line 214 can be equipped with components such as a drive pump, a pressure reducing valve, and a check valve 217. When the fluid is gas, a gas compression pump can be used; when the fluid is liquid, a screw pump can be used. This invention employs multiple independent flow supply devices 210. The check valve 217 prevents excessive pressure in one flow supply device 210 from affecting the parameter measurements of other flow supply devices 210 during the experiment, thus ensuring the accuracy of the test results.

[0049] The present invention also proposes a test method for testing the flow control device 10. The test method can be performed using the test system 200 described above. The test method includes performing a first simulation test, which includes: A flow control device 10 is installed in each of the multiple mounting channels 112, and the multiple mounting channels 112 are isolated from each other; Different fluids are supplied to multiple fluid receiving units 120 respectively, so that the different fluids are discharged through multiple flow control devices 10 and then discharged through fluid discharge unit 130; The flow rate of the fluid is adjusted, and the pressure of the fluid before and after passing through each flow control device 10 is collected at different flow rates.

[0050] In a specific embodiment, the first simulation test is conducted as follows: Based on the number of segments N required in the test, N installation channels 112 are selected in the test device 100 to install flow control devices 10, one device per channel 112. The remaining unused channels 112 are sealed with channel plugs 142, and first plugs 144 are used to isolate the multiple channels 112 from each other. Depending on the required fluid, the corresponding valves of the N flow supply devices 210 are opened, allowing the corresponding fluid to pass through the flow control devices 10. The inlet and outlet pressures of each flow control device under different fluids and flow rates are recorded. Through this first simulation test, the mutual interference and influence of the flow control devices when multiple segments of fluids with different properties work together can be simulated and analyzed.

[0051] In some embodiments, the test method further includes conducting a second simulation test, which includes: A flow control device 10 is installed in each of the multiple mounting channels 112, and the multiple mounting channels 112 are connected to each other; Fluid is uniformly supplied to a fluid receiving unit 120, and the fluid is discharged through a fluid discharge unit 130 after passing through multiple flow control devices 10. The flow rate of the fluid is adjusted, and the pressure of the fluid before and after passing through multiple flow control devices 10 at different flow rates is collected.

[0052] In a specific embodiment, the second simulation test is conducted as follows: Based on the number M of flow control devices connected in parallel according to the test requirements, M installation channels 112 are selected in the test apparatus 100 to install flow control devices 10, with one flow control device 10 installed in each installation channel 112. The remaining unused installation channels 112 are fitted with channel sealing components 142, and second sealing components 146 are used to ensure that the multiple installation channels 112 are interconnected. Depending on the required fluid, the corresponding single flow supply device 210 or multiple flow supply devices 210 are opened, allowing the fluid to pass through the multiple flow control devices 10. The inlet and outlet pressures at different flow rates are recorded. Through this second simulation test, it is possible to simulate whether the performance of the flow control devices interferes with each other when the fluid passes through multiple parallel flow control devices, affecting their stability. Then, the test data can guide the parameter optimization design of the water control string.

[0053] In some embodiments, isolating the plurality of mounting channels 112 from each other includes: blocking the connecting portion 145 of the connecting channel 114 with a first sealing member 144. Connecting the plurality of mounting channels 112 to each other includes: removing the first sealing member 144 and blocking the opening of the connecting channel 114 without blocking the connecting portion 115 with a second sealing member 146. Alternatively, in some embodiments, isolating the plurality of mounting channels 112 from each other includes: adjusting the first sealing member to a first blocking state to block the connecting portion 145 of the connecting channel 114. Connecting the plurality of mounting channels 112 to each other includes: adjusting the first sealing member to a second blocking state to block the opening of the connecting channel 114 without blocking the connecting portion 115.

[0054] In some embodiments, the test method further includes conducting a third simulation test, which includes: A flow control device 10 is installed in one mounting channel 112, and channel sealing components 142 are installed in the other mounting channels 112. Fluid is supplied to the corresponding fluid receiving unit 120, so that the fluid is discharged through the fluid discharge unit 130 after passing through the flow control device 10; The flow rate of the fluid is adjusted, and the pressure of the fluid before and after passing through the flow control device 10 is collected at different flow rates.

[0055] In a specific embodiment, the third simulation test is conducted as follows: A flow control device 10 is installed in one mounting channel 112 of the test device 100, and channel sealing components 142 are installed in other mounting channels 112. A second sealing component 146 is also installed. Depending on the required fluid, the corresponding single or multiple flow supply devices 210 are opened, allowing the fluid to pass through the flow control device. The inlet and outlet pressures at different flow rates are recorded. For example, nitrogen can be used as the test gas source. The main switch valve of the flow supply device is opened, and the pressure reducing valve is adjusted counterclockwise to gradually increase the gas flow rate, with each adjustment interval greater than 8 seconds. When the pressure reducing valve is fully open, it is adjusted clockwise to gradually decrease the gas flow rate, with each adjustment interval greater than 8 seconds. When the pressure reducing valve is fully closed, the main switch valve is closed, the pressure reducing valve is opened again to release pressure, and then the pressure reducing valve is closed. All switch valves are then closed, completing the test. All pressure, flow rate, and time data are automatically saved in the data acquisition device and can be exported and analyzed as needed. The third simulation experiment can simulate and analyze the flow control performance of a single flow control device for different fluids and multiphase fluid mixtures, providing a basis for the optimized design of the performance parameters of the flow control device.

[0056] In some embodiments, the test method further includes conducting a fourth simulation test, which includes: Multiple flow control devices 10 are installed in one installation channel 112, arranged sequentially along the fluid flow direction, and channel sealing components 142 are installed in the other installation channels 10. Fluid is supplied to the corresponding fluid receiving unit 120, so that the fluid is discharged through the fluid discharge unit 130 after passing through multiple flow control devices 10; The flow rate of the fluid is adjusted, and the pressure of the fluid before and after passing through multiple flow control devices 10 at different flow rates is collected.

[0057] In one specific embodiment, the fourth simulation test is conducted as follows: Multiple flow control devices 10 are installed in one mounting channel 112 of the test device 100, and channel sealing components 142 are installed in other mounting channels 112. A second sealing component 146 is also installed. Depending on the required fluid, the corresponding single flow supply device 210 or multiple flow supply devices 210 are opened, allowing the fluid to pass through multiple series-connected flow control devices. The inlet and outlet pressures at different flow rates are recorded. Through this fourth simulation test, the flow control performance of multiple series-connected flow control devices for different fluids and multiphase fluid mixtures can be simulated and analyzed, providing a basis for optimizing the performance parameters of the flow control devices.

[0058] In some embodiments, conducting the first simulation test further includes adjusting the installation angle of the test apparatus 100 and collecting the pressure of the fluid before and after passing through each flow control device 10 at different flow rates and angles. Similarly, when conducting the second, third, and fourth simulation tests, the installation angle of the test apparatus 100 can also be adjusted to collect the pressure at different flow rates and angles.

[0059] The installation angle of the test device 100 can be adjusted by means of a universal joint according to the well type and inclination angle of the test well, so that the flow control device 10 is as close as possible to the installation state at the bottom of the well.

[0060] In summary, to address the shortcomings of existing flow control device testing methods, low formation simulation accuracy, and complex operation, this invention provides a testing device, system, and method for testing flow control devices. This invention allows for the series and parallel connection of multiple flow control devices to simulate interference when multiple devices operate simultaneously within the same formation; it employs a parallel multi-flow supply system to simulate the operation of flow control devices under various test fluid conditions such as gas, water, and oil; it utilizes an independent tooling design for the multi-flow supply system to simulate interference when different fluid properties in multiple formations operate together; and it allows for the simulation of different well types, fluids, and production rates by adjusting parameters such as flow rate and angle. Through the technical solution of this invention, different formation conditions and different oil well conditions can be simulated, improving testing efficiency, enhancing the accuracy of flow control device and water control string parameter design, and ensuring the effectiveness of water control and oil stabilization technology. Furthermore, the testing method of this invention is simple to operate and can be completed by a single person.

[0061] Those skilled in the art should understand that the discussion of any of the above embodiments is merely exemplary and is not intended to imply that the scope of the invention (including the claims) is limited to these examples. Within the framework of the invention, technical features of the above embodiments or different embodiments can be combined, and many other variations of the different aspects of the invention as described above exist, which are not provided in the details for the sake of brevity. Therefore, any omissions, modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the invention should be included within the protection scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A test apparatus for testing flow control devices, characterized in that, include: The base has multiple mounting holes; Multiple fluid receiving units are respectively connected to the first end of multiple mounting channels; The fluid discharge section is connected to the second end of each of the plurality of mounting channels; The test device has a first use state. When in the first use state, the plurality of mounting holes are isolated from each other and are used to install flow control devices, and the plurality of fluid receiving parts are used to receive different fluids.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The different fluids are selected from multiple of the following: water, oil, gas, oil-water mixture, gas-water mixture, oil-gas mixture, and oil-gas-water three-phase mixture.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The test apparatus also has a second use state, in which the plurality of mounting channels are interconnected and used to install flow control devices respectively, and a fluid receiving unit is used to uniformly receive fluid.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The base also has a connecting channel, the connecting portion of which is connected to a plurality of the channels, and the test device further includes a first sealing element that selectively blocks the connecting portion.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connecting channel has an opening for inserting the first sealing member, and the test apparatus further includes a second sealing member capable of sealing the opening without sealing the connecting portion.

6. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connecting channel has an opening for inserting the first sealing member, and the first sealing member has a first sealing state capable of sealing the connecting portion and a second sealing state capable of sealing the opening without sealing the connecting portion.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The test apparatus also includes a channel sealing member for sealing the mounting channels; the test apparatus also has a third use state, in which one of the mounting channels is used to install a flow control device, and the channel sealing members are installed in the other mounting channels.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The test apparatus also includes a channel sealing member for sealing the mounting channels; the test apparatus also has a fourth use state, in which one of the mounting channels is used to install a plurality of flow control devices arranged sequentially along the fluid flow direction, and the channel sealing member is installed in the other mounting channels.

9. The apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that, The test apparatus also includes a channel sealing component for sealing the mounting channels; when in the first use state or the second use state, some of the mounting channels of the base are used to install the flow control device, and the channel sealing component is installed in the other mounting channels.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fluid discharge section includes a cover surrounding the outside of the base and a discharge pipe connected to the cover.

11. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The connecting channel is located at the center of the base, and a plurality of mounting channels surround the connecting channel circumferentially.

12. A test system for testing flow control devices, characterized in that, include: The test apparatus as described in any one of claims 1-11; Multiple flow supply devices, each of the flow supply devices including a flow supply section for supplying a single fluid and a flow supply line communicating with the flow supply section, the flow supply line being selectively connected to the fluid receiving section; the flow supply line is provided with a first pressure gauge and a flow meter; A drain pipe is connected to the fluid discharge section, and a second pressure gauge is provided on the drain pipe; A data acquisition device is used to acquire data from the first pressure gauge, the flow meter, and the second pressure gauge.

13. The system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The flow supply pipeline includes two branches that can be switched to be connected to the flow supply section, and the flow meter includes a gas flow meter and a liquid flow meter respectively installed in the two branches.

14. The system according to claim 12, characterized in that, The supply pipeline is equipped with a check valve.

15. A test method for testing a flow control device, characterized in that, The test method is performed using the test apparatus as described in any one of claims 1-11; the test method includes conducting a first simulation test, wherein conducting the first simulation test includes: A flow control device is installed in each of the plurality of mounting channels, and the plurality of mounting channels are isolated from each other; Different fluids are provided to the multiple fluid receiving sections, such that the different fluids are discharged through the fluid discharge section after passing through the multiple flow control devices; The flow rate of the fluid is adjusted, and the pressure of the fluid before and after passing through each of the flow control devices is collected at different flow rates.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, It also includes conducting a second simulation test, which includes: A flow control device is installed in each of the plurality of mounting channels, and the plurality of mounting channels are connected to each other; Fluid is uniformly supplied to one of the fluid receiving units, and the fluid is discharged via the fluid discharge unit after passing through multiple flow control devices; The flow rate of the fluid is adjusted, and the pressure of the fluid before and after passing through the multiple flow control devices at different flow rates is collected.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that, The base also has a connecting channel, the connecting portion of which is connected to a plurality of the channels; isolating the plurality of mounting channels from each other includes: sealing the connecting portion with a first sealing member; making the plurality of mounting channels connect to each other includes: removing the first sealing member and sealing the opening of the connecting channel with a second sealing member without sealing the connecting portion.

18. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, It also includes conducting a third simulation test, which includes: A flow control device is installed in one of the mounting channels, and channel sealing components are installed in the other mounting channels; Fluid is supplied to the corresponding fluid receiving unit, such that the fluid passes through the flow control device and is discharged via the fluid discharge unit; The flow rate of the fluid is adjusted, and the pressure of the fluid before and after passing through the flow control device is collected at different flow rates.

19. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, It also includes conducting a fourth simulation test, which includes: Multiple flow control devices are installed in one of the mounting channels, arranged sequentially along the fluid flow direction; channel sealing components are installed in the other mounting channels. Fluid is supplied to the corresponding fluid receiving unit, such that the fluid passes through the plurality of flow control devices and is discharged via the fluid discharge unit; The flow rate of the fluid is adjusted, and the pressure of the fluid before and after passing through the multiple flow control devices at different flow rates is collected.

20. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The first simulation test also includes: adjusting the installation angle of the test device and collecting the pressure of the fluid before and after passing through each of the flow control devices at different flow rates and angles.