ROTARY FLOW SEAL FOR A FLOW CONTROL VALVE

Abstract

The invention relates to a flow control valve (126, 132). The flow control valve comprises a body (302) defining a central flow passage (300) and one or more lateral flow openings (301) for fluid communication between the central flow passage and an exterior of the body. The flow control valve also comprises a flow packing (306) positioned inside the central flow passage and defining at least a first (406, 412) and a second (414) set of flow orifices, the first set of flow orifices each being defined along a radial portion of a longitudinal cross-section of the flow packing, and the second set of flow orifices each being defined along the radial portion and between a respective pair of the first plurality of flow orifices.The flow packing is movable in rotation to align one of the first set of flow orifices or the defined plurality of flow orifices with the one or more lateral flow openings. Figure for abbreviation: Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: ROTARY FLOW TRIM FOR A FLOW CONTROL VALVE Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to flow control systems, and more specifically to a rotatable flow packer for a flow control valve of a downhole control system. CONTEXT

[0002] A downhole control system provides zonal control of multiple valves within a wellbore. The downhole control system, via controls provided on the surface, can operate multiple downhole flow control devices, such as interval control valves (ICVs), in multiple zones. An ICV can regulate fluid flow from a corresponding formation section. For example, multiple ICVs can be placed in different isolated sections within a production tubing to control fluid flow within the tubing section and to mix various fluids within the common production tubing. As a result, ICVs are able to reduce water and gas shutoffs, minimize well interventions, and maximize well productivity.Typically, ICV actuation is accomplished using electrical and hydraulic lines that can be used to control the positioning of the ICV, without the need to re-enter the wellbore. In addition, ICVs may have ports to open or throttle fluid flow from different positions of the ICV. Brief description of the drawings

[0003] Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference and in which:

[0004] [Fig. 1] illustrates an example downhole environment in which a downhole flow control is deployed, according to one embodiment;

[0005] [Fig.2] illustrates a plan view of a downhole control system incorporating an interval control valve (ICV) having a rotating flow packer, according to one embodiment;

[0006] [Fig.3] illustrates a sectional view of the ICV of [Fig.2], according to one embodiment;

[0007] [Fig.4] illustrates a cross-sectional view of the rotating choke flow packer orifice of the ICV of [Fig.2], according to one embodiment; and

[0008] [Fig.5] illustrates a method for aligning orifices on a flow packer of the ICV of [Fig.2] based on a downhole specification, according to one embodiment.

[0009] The illustrated figures are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to state or imply any limitation with respect to the environment, architecture, design or process in which different embodiments may be implemented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] In the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form an integral part of the present invention. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable a person skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be used and that structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemical logical modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid details that are not necessary to enable a person skilled in the art to practice the embodiments described herein, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is therefore not to be construed in a limiting sense, and the scope of the illustrative embodiments is defined solely by the appended claims.

[0011] Flow control valves, such as interval control valves (ICVs), are used to precisely control fluid flow at specific intervals. An ICV typically includes a flow closure member, such as a cylindrical sliding sleeve, which can be axially moved to open or close flow ports placed on a flow trim thereof. The flow trims, typically made of carbide, are used to provide production and injection at various throttling positions through the flow ports, which can be selectively and adjustably opened or closed with the sliding sleeve. It is desirable to have flexibility in the throttling positions of ICVs to allow operators to better control various parameters such as flow rate, flow maintenance, handling high pressure drops, and the like.However, design considerations must also ensure that these conditions are not adversely affected by additions or modifications to the throttle positions.

[0012] Generally, the design of the flow trim of an ICV is such that the flow ports are spaced substantially 90 degrees apart from each other, for example along the radial of the flow trim at a longitudinal cross-section. Control valve bypass lines are generally routed between these flow ports (for example, at substantially 45 degrees radially to the ports) along the exterior of the ICV. However, at the flow trim itself, this portion between the flow ports along the same circumference is generally unused.

[0013] Embodiments presented herein disclose a flow control valve, such as an ICV, that has an alternating rotating flow trim port pattern. More specifically, embodiments are directed to a rotating flow trim defining a placement of flow ports at angle offsets along a radial, e.g., placements at 90 degrees to each other, over and also having one or more additional flow ports placed within the portions between the 90 degree placements. For example, it is assumed that a first set of flow ports is placed in a 90 degree spaced configuration along a radial of the flow trim. In one embodiment, a second set of flow ports may be placed at the 45 degree marks of the flow trim along the radial.In such a case, the flow trim may then be rotated along its axis to switch between the first set of flow ports or the second set of flow ports to align with flow openings outside the flow control valve, wherein the second set of flow ports is obstructed when the first set of flow ports is aligned with the flow openings, and wherein the first set of flow ports is obstructed when the second set of flow ports is aligned with the flow openings.

[0014] Advantageously, providing multiple sets of rotationally alignable flow ports potentially increases the amount of throttling positions in the flow trim of the ICV. More particularly, the flow trim may be rotated to a particular alignment in smaller angle increments, e.g., 45 degree increments, to achieve a given position. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure allow an operator, e.g., from a controller console on the surface, to rotate the flow trim to align ports to a desired configuration based on associated conditions to the downhole environment, based on well plan specifications, based on specified flow and pressure parameters, etc. The operator may perform such rotational alignment before deploying a downhole control system to provide the ability to determine how the flow packer ports should be configured or aligned in advance. In addition, the operator may also rotationally align the flow packer after deploying the downhole control system to achieve all available positions after deployment.

[0015] Referring now to [Fig. 1], an example of a multi-zonal downhole environment in which a flow control valve having a rotatably movable flow packer is shown. The entry of fluids from or injection of fluids into zones of a formation 116 through a casing 104 of a wellbore 120 is controlled for each zone. A downhole control system 100 manages a flow of produced or injected materials into a zone 110 and a zone 112 through perforations 108 and 114. The downhole control system 100 includes a tubing hanger 101 secured at a wellhead. The tubing hanger 101 supports a tubing 103 (e.g., a production tubing). The subsurface safety valve (SSSV) 102 is also coupled to the tube support 101. The SSSV 102 may be tube retrievable or cable retrievable and may be surface operated or subsurface operated.

[0016] The downhole control system 100 also includes flow control valves 126 and 132. In one embodiment, the flow control valves 126 and 132 may be implemented as an interval control valve (ICV). The flow control valves 126 and 132 are remotely operable. For example, the flow control valves 126 and 132 may be hydraulically actuated ICVs. As another example, the flow control valves 126 and 132 may operate with one or more electric actuators and / or one or more electrohydraulic actuators. In this example, the flow control valve 126 controls incoming flow from the perforation 108. The flow control valve 132 controls incoming flow from the perforation 114.The flow control valves 126 and 132 may be set to one of multiple opening positions to control the differential pressure between the formation 116 and the wellbore 120 and / or the flow rate of the inflow from the perforations 108 and 114.

[0017] Each of the flow control valves 126 and 132 may include a flow trim and flow closure member that is actuable and otherwise movable between a closed position, in which a flow of fluid through the flow fittings and openings is prevented, and an open position, in which fluid flow through the flow fitting and openings is permitted.

[0018] In addition to the flow control valves 126 and 132, a downhole gauge and a packer are installed in each zone. As illustrated, [Fig. 1] shows a downhole gauge 124, a downhole gauge 130, a packer 122, and a packer 128. The packers 122 and 128 are secured against the casing 104 of the wellbore 120 and isolate the tubing 103 from the annular region of the wellbore 120. The packers 122 and 128 may be mechanical and / or a hydraulic assembly and / or permanent. The packers 122 and 128 may be retrievable or permanent packers. The downhole gauges 124 and 130 measure and record the downhole pressure and / or temperature of the corresponding zone. A fitting 134 of the system 100 is installed downhole to the lowest perforation. For example, the fitting 134 may be any type of inside-span fitting. The fitting 134 is coupled to a cable entry guide 136.

[0019] [Fig.l] also depicts a wellbore system controller 150. The controller 150 may include a processor and memory containing instructions and modules for managing various elements of the downhole control system from a surface 106. For example, the controller may also include a hydraulic actuator for remotely controlling the flow control valves 126 and 132. The controller 150 may retrieve and store data from the downhole control system (e.g., pressure and / or temperature data from the downhole gauge). The data from the downhole control system may also be communicated uphole to the controller. The controller may further obtain flow sensor data and / or throttle valve position sensor data.The controller 150 may include a graphical user interface (GUI) for entering limits and limit values ​​and / or selecting factors that influence the adjustment of a flow trim of the flow control valves 126 and 132, as described in more detail herein.

[0020] The controller 150 may determine a flow orifice setting for the flow control valves 126 and 132 based on downhole conditions and formation attributes in the zones 110 and 112 to be achieved. Flow orifice settings may be set, for example, to achieve a certain differential pressure based on open flow openings of the flow control valves 126 and 132. Flow orifice settings may also be determined to achieve a certain flow rate based on the adjusting the open position of the flow control valves 126 and 132. In addition, the flow ports may be adjusted to facilitate inlet or outlet adjustments, such as a "discharge flood," in which one of the zones 110 or 112 has a high injection pressure of gas, oil, and / or water into the other zone. The flow trim may be adjusted to direct fluid injection from zone 110 to zone 112.

[0021] Referring now to [Fig. 2], a perspective view of one embodiment of the downhole control system is shown. The illustrative downhole control system may include at least one traverse packer 220, a downhole gauge assembly 222, a valve control system 224, and an interval control valve (ICV) 226.

[0022] The feed-through packer 220 may isolate adjacent zones (e.g., zones 110 and 112) within the well while allowing bypass of multiple electrical and / or hydraulic control lines. In one embodiment, the feed-through packer 220 may be representative of packers 122 and 128 of [Fig. 1]. The downhole gauge assembly 222 provides a permanent housing for a combination of pressure and temperature sensors (e.g., digital quartz pressure and temperature sensors) and communication electronics. In one embodiment, the downhole gauge assembly 222 is representative of downhole gauges 124 and 130.

[0023] The valve control system 224 incorporates one or more modules to enable selective throttling and flow control to and from multiple zones (e.g., zones 110 and 112) with a minimal number of surface control lines. The valve control system 224 may be coupled to the controller 150 on the surface, for example, via control lines extending thereto. The valve control system 224 may receive control signals used to control a sliding sleeve mechanism to restrict or permit flow in the ICV 226. As described in more detail herein, in one embodiment, the valve control system 225 may also receive control signals to axially rotate a flow trim of the ICV 226 to align flow ports with flow openings of the ICV.

[0024] In one embodiment, the ICV 226 controls fluid flow to and from a given area in the downhole environment. The ICV 226 generally includes a valve body, which is a housing that includes a sliding sleeve and other internal components. When actuated, for example via the controller 150 on the surface, the sliding sleeve moves to a desired position. The sliding sleeve moves along the length of the valve body such that when positioned over a flow port and / or opening of the valve body, fluid may flow through the port and / or opening. The ICV 226 may also have one or more communication ports to allow monitoring and control of its position and operation.

[0025] [Fig. 3] illustrates a progressive isometric sectional perspective view of components of the ICV 226, including at least a body 302, a sliding sleeve 304, and a flow liner 306. The body 302 defines a central flow passage 300 and one or more lateral flow openings 301. The one or more lateral flow openings may be defined on the exterior of the body and provide fluid communication between the central flow passage 300 and the exterior of the body.

[0026] The sliding sleeve 304 is movably disposed within the central flow passage 300. The sliding sleeve 304 is axially movable within the body 302 between a first or “closed” position (i.e., the minimum flow condition of the ICV 226) and a second or “open” position (i.e., the maximum flow condition of the ICV 226). Upon initiation of production or injection operations using the downhole control system 100, the sliding sleeve 304 may be actuated to initiate movement from the closed position to the open position. In other embodiments, the sliding sleeve 304 may be actuated in the opposite direction to move the sliding sleeve 304 to the open position.

[0027] In other embodiments, a rotating sleeve, a sliding plug, a rotating ball, an oscillating vane, an opening pocket, an opening window, or a valve capable of actuating the ICV 226 between the maximum and minimum conditions may be used as the flow closure element in place of the sliding sleeve 304. The sliding sleeve 304 may be selectively actuated between the first and second positions (and any position therebetween) using any suitable actuating device. In some embodiments, for example, the sliding sleeve 304 may be axially displaced within the body 302 using a hydraulic actuating device. In other embodiments, the sliding sleeve 304 may be actuated with a mechanical, electromechanical, or pneumatic actuating device.The sliding sleeve 304 may further be selectively actuated from a remote location, such as the surface, for example via the controller 150.

[0028] The ICV 226 may further include an upper seal 303a and a lower seal 303b positioned within the central flow passage 300 on opposite axial ends of openings exposed from the exterior of the body 302. The upper seal 303a interposes the body 302 and the sliding sleeve 304 when the ICV 226 is in a fully closed position. When in radial contact with the sliding sleeve, the upper and lower seals 303a,b operate to sealingly engage the sliding sleeve 304 such that fluid migration past the upper and lower seals 303a,b in either axial direction is substantially prevented.

[0029] In one embodiment, the flow liner 306 is positioned within the central flow passage 300. The illustrative flow liner 306 may be made of an erosion-resistant material such as, but not limited to, a carbide grade (e.g., tungsten, titanium, tantalum, vanadium, etc.), a carbide embedded in a cobalt or nickel matrix by sintering, a ceramic, a surface-hardened metal (e.g., nitrided metals, heat-treated metals, carburized metals, etc.), a surface-coated metal, a cermet-based material, a metal matrix composite, a nanocrystalline metal alloy, an amorphous alloy, a hard metal alloy, diamond, or any combination thereof.In one embodiment, a pin or similar object (or series thereof) may engage the flow packer 306 to lock the flow packer 306 in place relative to the body 302 to prevent rotational movement of the flow packer 306 during injection or production operations.

[0030] In one embodiment, the flow liner 306, as described with respect to [Fig. 4] illustrating a progressive isometric sectional side view thereof, may define and otherwise provide a first set of one or more flow ports 406 and 412 that extend through the annular wall of the flow liner 306 and thereby facilitate fluid communication radially through the flow liner 306 when exposed in alignment with openings 301 defined on an exterior in the body 302. Further, the flow liner 306 also provides a second set of one or more flow ports 414, wherein each of the flow ports 414 is located between a respective portion of the flow ports 406 and 412 around the circumference of the body 302 at an angular offset.

[0031] In one embodiment, each flow port 406, 412, and 414 may include a slot that is defined along a radial portion of a longitudinal cross-section of the flow liner 306 (e.g., around the circumference of the body 302). Although [Fig. 4] depicts the placement of each respective flow port 406 and 412 along the radial portion at a substantially 90-degree angle offset therebetween and the placement of the flow ports 414, other angle offsets may be substantially 45 degrees between the ports respective flow ports 406 and 412, different placement configurations of the flow ports 406, 412, and 414 may be considered depending on needs, such as downhole conditions and operational requirements. For example, the flow ports 414 may be placed at a different angle offset relative to the flow ports 406 and 412. As another example, multiple flow ports 414 may be placed between a respective pair of flow ports 406 and 412 around the circumference of the body 302.

[0032] When the flow packer 306 is installed in the ICV 226, at least a portion of the flow ports 406, 412, and / or 414 may generally coincide and otherwise align with the openings 301 and thereby permit fluid flow through the ICV either into or out of the downhole control system 100, while other flow ports remain obstructed and block flow through that port. In one embodiment, the flow packer 306 may rotate along its axis to align the first set of flow ports 406 and 412 or the second set of flow ports 414 with the openings 301.For example, prior to deployment of the flow control system 100, an operator may evaluate the formation from the surface to identify an optimal flow orifice alignment configuration in the flow packer 306 and then rotate the flow packer 306 to that alignment configuration. As another example, following deployment of the flow control system 100, the operator may also rotate the flow packer 306 (e.g., via the controller 150) to achieve a more appropriate alignment with the apertures 301 after observing real-time conditions. To accomplish this, the flow packer 306 may be coupled to one or more control lines from the surface.The valve control system 224 may receive and process control signals from the controller 150 via the control lines and cause the flow packer 306 to rotate to the specified configuration. For example, the signals may cause the flow packer 306's locking pins to be released, the flow packer 306 to rotate to the specified configuration, and the flow packer 306 to be reengaged with the body 302 using the locking pins. In other embodiments, the flow packer 306 may be rotated by other tools, such as a mechanical push rod or an electrical signal sent to an electromechanical adjustment mechanism.

[0033] Advantageously, the rotation scheme for a flow trim having alternative orifice configurations at different angle increments allows greater flexibility for an operator in terms of advanced planning for the well completion given the time traditionally required to custom design a flow packer in light of observed wellbore conditions and operational requirements. Embodiments of the present disclosure allow an operator to selectively alternate between different flow port configurations (and thus flow packer configurations) in a significantly reduced time before and after deployment. In addition, the operator may select other configurations during well completion, for example, by selecting a flow port configuration in which flow ports 406 and 412 are exposed (and flow ports 414 plugged) during an early life phase and then selecting a configuration in which flow ports 414 are exposed (and flow ports 412 plugged) during a late life phase.

[0034] Referring now to [Fig. 5], the controller 150, in operation, may perform a method 500 for aligning flow ports 406, 412, and / or 414 of the flow packer 306 with flow openings 301 of the ICV 226, according to one embodiment. As shown, in some embodiments, the method 500 may be performed after the ICV 226 has been deployed into the downhole environment. As illustrated, the method begins at block 502, in which the controller 150 identifies initial downhole conditions and formation attributes. For example, the controller 150 may receive input (e.g., from an on-site operator) indicating parameters associated with the initial downhole conditions and formation attributes.As another example, the controller 150 may receive signals indicative of measurements from a variety of sensors deployed downhole to obtain such initial downhole conditions and formation attributes.

[0035] At block 504, the controller 150 selects a flow port alignment configuration for the ICV 226 based on the identified initial downhole conditions, formation attributes, and operational specifications. For example, the controller 150 may receive, via a user interface, control commands from the user specifying the flow port alignment, e.g., by selecting one of a number of possible alignment configurations provided by the user interface. In one embodiment, the controller 150 may apply one or more predefined rules to select one of a number of possible alignment configurations based on the downhole conditions and formation attributes.The specifications on which the alignment configuration could be based include differential pressure parameters, flow rate, inlet or outlet settings, etc.

[0036] At block 506, the controller 150 rotates the flow packing 306 according to the selected flow port alignment configuration such that the flow ports associated with the configuration are in alignment with the side flow openings of the exterior of the valve. To accomplish this, the controller 150 may transmit a signal via a control line coupled to the ICV 226 to cause the flow packing to rotate according to the selected flow port configuration. In one embodiment, an operator may manually rotate the flow packing 306 via a function on the user interface. Flow sensors coupled to the ICV 226 may determine whether a certain set of flow ports is currently in alignment with the side flow openings of the exterior of the valve.

[0037] The embodiments disclosed above have been presented for purposes of illustration and to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, but the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the forms disclosed. Many non-substantial modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. For example, although the flowcharts describe a serial process, some of the processes / steps may be performed in parallel or out of sequence, or combined into a single step / process. The scope of the claims is intended to generally cover the disclosed embodiments and any such modifications. In addition, the following clauses represent additional embodiments of the disclosure and should be considered within the scope of the disclosure.

[0038] Clause 1 includes a flow control valve, comprising a body defining a central flow passage and one or more side flow openings for fluid communication between the central flow passage and an exterior of the body;and a flow liner positioned within the central flow passage and defining at least a first and a second plurality of flow ports, the first plurality of flow ports each being defined along a radial portion of a longitudinal cross-section of the flow liner, and the second plurality of flow ports each being defined along the radial portion and between a respective pair of the first plurality of flow ports, wherein the flow liner is rotatable to align one of the first plurality of flow ports or the second plurality of flow ports with the one or more lateral flow openings. ;

[0039] Clause 2 comprises the subject matter of clause 1, and wherein each of the first plurality of flow ports is defined at an angle offset therebetween.

[0040] Clause 3 comprises the subject matter according to any one of clauses 1 and 2, and wherein the angle offset defining the first plurality of flow ports is an offset of substantially 90 degrees.

[0041] Clause 4 comprises the subject matter according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, and wherein each of the second plurality of flow ports is defined at an angle offset therebetween.

[0042] Clause 5 comprises the subject matter according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, and wherein each of the second plurality of flow ports is defined at a 45 degree offset between the respective pair of the first plurality of flow ports.

[0043] Clause 6 comprises the subject matter according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, and further comprising a control line for receiving control signals to rotate the flow fitting to align one of the first plurality of flow ports or the second plurality of flow ports with the one or more side flow openings.

[0044] Clause 7 comprises the subject matter according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, and further comprising a flow closure member positioned within the central flow passage and movable between a closed position, in which the one or more side flow openings and the first and second plurality of flow ports are obstructed to prevent fluid flow through the one or more side flow openings, and an open position, in which the one or more side flow openings and the first or second plurality of flow ports are at least partially exposed to facilitate fluid flow through the one or more side flow openings.

[0045] Clause 8 comprises the subject matter according to any one of clauses 1 to 7, and wherein the flow closure member is one of a sliding sleeve or a rotating sleeve.

[0046] Clause 9 comprises the subject matter according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, and wherein the flow control lining comprises an annular wall.

[0047] Clause 10 comprises the subject matter according to any one of clauses 1 to 9, and wherein the flow control valve comprises an interval control valve (ICV).

[0048] Clause 11 comprises the subject matter according to any one of clauses 1 to 10, and wherein the second plurality of flow ports is obstructed when the first plurality of flow ports is aligned with the one or more side flow openings, and wherein the first plurality of flow ports is obstructed when the second plurality of flow ports are aligned with the one or more side flow openings.

[0049] Clause 12 includes a flow control system comprising a flow control valve comprising a body defining a central flow passage and one or more side flow openings for fluid communication between the central flow passage and an exterior of the body;and a flow liner positioned within the central flow passage and defining at least a first and a second plurality of flow ports, the first plurality of flow ports each being defined along a radial portion of a longitudinal cross-section of the flow liner, and the second plurality of flow ports each being defined along the radial portion and between a respective pair of the first plurality of flow ports, wherein the flow liner is rotatably movable to align one of the first plurality of flow ports or the second plurality of flow ports with the one or more side flow openings;and a controller configured to transmit control signals to the flow control valve to rotate the flow trim to align one of the first plurality of flow ports or the second plurality of flow ports with the one or more side flow openings.;

[0050] Clause 13 comprises the subject matter of clause 12, and wherein each of the first plurality of flow ports is defined at an angle offset therebetween.

[0051] Clause 14 comprises the subject matter of any one of clauses 12 and 13, and wherein the angle offset defining the first plurality of flow ports is an offset of substantially 90 degrees.

[0052] Clause 15 comprises the subject matter according to any one of clauses 12 to 14, and wherein each of the second plurality of flow ports is defined at an angle offset therebetween.

[0053] Clause 16 comprises the subject matter according to any one of clauses 12 to 15, and wherein each of the second plurality of flow ports is defined at a 45 degree offset between the respective pair of the first plurality of flow ports.

[0054] Clause 17 comprises the subject matter according to any one of clauses 12 to 16, and further comprising a control line coupled to the flow control valve for receiving, from the controller, control signals to rotate the flow trim to align one of the first plurality of flow ports or the second plurality of flow ports with the one or more side flow openings.

[0055] Clause 18 comprises the subject matter according to any one of clauses 12 to 17, and further comprising a flow closure member positioned within the central flow passage and movable between a closed position, in which the one or more side flow openings and the first and second plurality of flow ports are obstructed to prevent fluid flow through the one or more side flow openings, and an open position, in which the one or more side flow openings and the first or second plurality of flow ports are at least partially exposed to facilitate fluid flow through the one or more side flow openings, and wherein the flow closure member is one of a sliding sleeve or a rotating sleeve.

[0056] Clause 19 comprises the subject matter according to any one of clauses 12 to 18, and wherein the flow control valve comprises an interval control valve (ICV).

[0057] Clause 20 comprises the subject matter according to any one of clauses 12 to 19, and wherein the second plurality of flow ports are obstructed when the first plurality of flow ports are aligned with the one or more side flow openings, and wherein the first plurality of flow ports are obstructed when the second plurality of flow ports are aligned with the one or more side flow openings.

[0058] It will further be understood that the terms "include" and / or "comprising", when used in this specification and / or the claims, specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements and / or components shown, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof. Furthermore, the steps and components described in the embodiments and figures above are merely illustrative and do not imply that any particular step or component is a requirement of a claimed embodiment.

Claims

Claims

1. A flow control valve (126, 132), comprising: a body (302) defining a central flow passage (300) and one or more side flow openings (301) for fluid communication between the central flow passage and an exterior of the body;and a flow liner (306) positioned within the central flow passage and defining at least a first (406, 412) and a second (414) plurality of flow ports, the first plurality of flow ports each being defined along a radial portion of a longitudinal cross-section of the flow liner, and the second plurality of flow ports each being defined along the radial portion and between a respective pair of the first plurality of flow ports, wherein the flow liner is rotatable to align one of the first plurality of flow ports or the second plurality of flow ports with the one or more lateral flow openings.;

2. The flow control valve of claim 1, wherein each of the first plurality of flow ports is defined at an angle offset therebetween.

3. The flow control valve of claim 1, wherein the angle offset defining the first plurality of flow ports is a substantially 90 degree offset, wherein each of the second plurality of flow ports is defined at an angle offset therebetween, and wherein each of the second plurality of flow ports is defined at a 45 degree offset between the respective pair of the first plurality of flow ports.

4. The flow control valve of claim 1, further comprising a control line for receiving control signals to rotate the flow trim to align one of the first plurality of flow ports or the second plurality of flow ports with the one or more side flow openings.

5. The flow control valve of claim 1, further comprising a flow closure member. positioned within the central flow passage and movable between a closed position, in which the one or more side flow openings and the first and second plurality of flow ports are obstructed to prevent fluid flow through the one or more side flow openings, and an open position, in which the one or more side flow openings and the first or second plurality of flow ports are at least partially exposed to facilitate fluid flow through the one or more side flow openings.

6. A flow control valve according to claim 5, wherein the flow closing member is one of a sliding sleeve or a rotating sleeve.

7. The flow control valve of claim 1, wherein the flow control packing comprises an annular wall.

8. The flow control valve of claim 1, wherein the flow control valve comprises an interval control valve (ICV).

9. The flow control valve of claim 1, wherein the second plurality of flow ports is obstructed when the first plurality of flow ports is aligned with the one or more side flow openings, and wherein the first plurality of flow ports is obstructed when the second plurality of flow ports is aligned with the one or more side flow openings.

10. A flow control system (100), comprising: a flow control valve (126, 132) comprising: a body (302) defining a central flow passage (300) and one or more lateral flow openings (301) for fluid communication between the central flow passage and an exterior of the body; and a flow liner (306) positioned within the central flow passage and defining at least a first (406, 412) and a second (414) plurality of flow ports, the first plurality of flow ports each being defined along a radial portion of a longitudinal cross-section of the flow liner, and the second plurality of flow ports each being defined along the radial portion and between a respective pair of the first plurality of flow ports, wherein the flow packing is rotatable to align one of the first plurality of flow ports or the second plurality of flow ports with the one or more side flow openings; and a controller (150) configured to transmit control signals to the flow control valve to rotate the flow packing to align one of the first plurality of flow ports or the second plurality of flow ports with the one or more side flow openings.

11. The flow control system of claim 10, wherein each of the first plurality of flow ports is defined at an angle offset therebetween.

12. The flow control system of claim 10, wherein the angle offset defining the first plurality of flow ports is a substantially 90 degree offset, wherein each of the second plurality of flow ports is defined at an angle offset therebetween, and wherein each of the second plurality of flow ports is defined at a 45 degree offset between the respective pair of the first plurality of flow ports.

13. The flow control system of claim 10, further comprising a control line coupled to the flow control valve for receiving, from the controller, control signals to rotate the flow trim to align one of the first plurality of flow ports or the second plurality of flow ports with the one or more side flow openings.

14. The flow control system of claim 10, further comprising a flow closure member positioned within the central flow passage and movable between a closed position, in which the one or more side flow openings and the first and second plurality of flow ports are obstructed to prevent fluid flow through the one or more openings. side flow openings, and an open position, wherein the one or more side flow openings and the first or second plurality of flow ports are at least partially exposed to facilitate fluid flow through the one or more side flow openings, and wherein the flow closure member is one of a sliding sleeve or a rotating sleeve.

15. The flow control system of claim 10, wherein the second plurality of flow ports are obstructed when the first plurality of flow ports are aligned with the one or more side flow openings, and wherein the first plurality of flow ports are obstructed when the second plurality of flow ports are aligned with the one or more side flow openings.

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