Systems and methods for downhole solid scale inhibitors

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for delivering a solid scale inhibitor to produced fluids within a wellbore. The system may include a container containing a solid scale inhib

Description

SYSTEMSAND METHODS FOR DOWNHOLE SOLID SCALE INHIBITORSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 582532, filed September 14, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to solid scale inhibitors for downhole oil and gas production equipment, and more particularly to systems and methods for efficient use of the solid scale inhibitors.BACKGROUND

[0003] One of the constant and major concerns for oil and gas operations is the formation of mineral scale, which can cause loss of production and ultimately damage to assets. Scale is a hard crystalline deposit, resulting from the precipitation of mineral compounds present in water. Oilfield scales typically consist of one or more types of inorganic deposit, along with other debris (organic precipitates, sand, corrosion products, etc ). The majority of scale types are carbonate and sulphate scales of calcium, barium, or strontium. It is essential to inhibit the formation and deposition of these scales as they can potentially deposit on downhole equipment and block pipelines if not treated. Scale can also damage the producing formation and therefore reduce productivity, exacerbate emulsion issues, etc. Scale issues can be handled by both chemical and mechanical means. However, the use of chemicals to proactively prevent the formation and deposition of scale is an important and preferred treatment option.SUMMARY

[0004] In one independent aspect, a method of delivering a chemical into a wellbore includes placing the chemical, in a solid slow-release form, in a container through which produced fluids can flow such that the produced fluids come into contact with the chemical; placing the container with the chemical in the wellbore such that the container is in the path of the produced fluids; directing a first portion of the produced fluids through the container and a second portion of theproduced fluids through a bypass such that the second portion of the produced fluids does not pass through the container; and autonomously adjusting the relative proportion of the first portion of the produced fluids and the second portion of the produced fluids.

[0005] In some aspects, autonomously adjusting the relative proportion of the first portion of the produced fluids and the second portion of the produced fluids includes determining operating conditions using one or more sensors and adjusting the proportion of the produced fluids in the first and second portions based on the operating conditions.

[0006] In some aspects, autonomously adjusting the relative proportion of the first portion of the produced fluids and the second portion of the produced fluids is based on the operating conditions and a model of solid scale inhibitor dissolution in various temperature and flow conditions, the model being based on lab results.

[0007] In some aspects, the operating conditions includes at least one of environmental conditions, scaling potential, and currently dissolved scale inhibitor.

[0008] In some aspects, autonomously adjusting the relative proportion of the first portion of the produced fluids and the second portion of the produced fluids includes adjusting an aperture of a flow diverter.

[0009] In another independent aspect, a system for delivering a solid scale inhibitor to produced fluids in a wellbore includes a container configured to contain the solid scale inhibitor and positioned in the wellbore in a main path of produced fluids; a bypass, wherein produced fluids flowing through the bypass do not pass through the container; and a flow diverter having an aperture. Adjusting the aperture adjusts a proportion of the produced fluids flowing through the container relative to a proportion of the produced fluids flowing through the bypass.

[0010] In some aspects, the system also includes at least one sensor. An output of the at least one sensor is indicative of one or more operating conditions.

[0011] In some aspects, the operating conditions include at least one of environmental conditions, scaling potential, and currently dissolved scale inhibitor.

[0012] In some aspects, the system is configured to autonomously adjust the aperture of the flow diverter based on the operating conditions.

[0013] In some aspects, the system is configured to autonomously adjust the aperture of the flow diverter based on the operating conditions and a model of solid scale inhibitor dissolution in various temperature and flow conditions, the model being based on lab results.

[0014] In another independent aspect, a system for delivering a solid scale inhibitor to produced fluids in a wellbore includes a scale inhibiting system positioned within the wellbore and a control system configured to perform autonomous adjustment of the flow diverter. The scale inhibiting system includes a container configured to contain the solid scale inhibitor and a flow diverter coupled to the container and configured to control a flow of the produced fluids through the container.

[0015] In some aspects, the flow diverter includes an aperture positioned uphole with respect to the container and configured to allow the produced fluids to enter the container by passing through the aperture.

[0016] In some aspects, enlarging the aperture increases a flow of the produced fluids into the container, thereby increasing an amount of the solid scale inhibitor delivered into the produced fluids.

[0017] In some aspects, the flow diverter includes an adjustable iris diaphragm.

[0018] In some aspects, at least a portion of the produced fluids travels past the container via a bypass positioned between the container and a production string.

[0019] In some aspects, the control system calculates a first portion of the produced fluids to be directed through an aperture and into the container and a second portion of the produced fluids to be directed through the bypass.

[0020] In some aspects, the control system is in communication with one or more downhole sensors, and the control system is configured to perform real-time adjustments to the calculated first portion and second portion based on information received from the one or more downhole sensors.

[0021] In some aspects, the one or more downhole sensors provide the control system with realtime information regarding at least one of the following metrics: a downhole pressure at one or more locations, a downhole temperature at one or more locations, a scaling potential in the produced fluids, an amount of dissolved solid scale inhibitor, and / or an amount of undissolved solid scale inhibitor remaining in the container.

[0022] In some aspects, the container includes a mesh screen cage.

[0023] In some aspects, the scale inhibiting system is located proximate a local temperature maximum within the wellbore.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Certain embodiments, features, aspects, and advantages of the disclosure will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements. It should be understood that the accompanying figures illustrate the various implementations described herein and are not meant to limit the scope of various technologies described herein.

[0025] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates dissolution patterns for solid scale inhibitors at various temperatures and flow rates.

[0026] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an example scale inhibiting system according to the principles of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 3A schematically illustrates the scale inhibiting system of FIG. 3 with a flow diverter in a first, substantially closed configuration.

[0028] FIG. 3B schematically illustrates the scale inhibiting system of FIG. 3 with a flow diverter in a second, substantially open configuration.

[0029] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary workflow performed by a control system of the scale inhibiting system of FIG. 3.

[0030] FIG. 5 A is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the control system of FIG. 5.

[0031] FIG. 5B is a block diagram of another exemplary embodiment of the control system of FIG. 5.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that the following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of various embodiments. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the system and / or methodology may be practiced without these details and that numerous variations or modifications from the described embodiments are possible. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but rather mademerely for the purpose of describing general principles of the implementations. The scope of the described implementations should be ascertained with reference to the issued claims.

[0033] As used herein, the terms “connect”, “connection”, “connected”, “in connection with”, and “connecting” are used to mean “in direct connection with” or “in connection with via one or more elements”; and the term “set” is used to mean “one element” or “more than one element.” Further, the terms “couple”, “coupling”, “coupled”, “coupled together”, and “coupled with” are used to mean “directly coupled together” or “coupled together via one or more elements.” As used herein, the terms “up” and “down”; “upper” and “lower”; “top” and “bottom”; and other like terms indicating relative positions to a given point or element are utilized only to more clearly describe some elements. Commonly, these terms relate to a reference point at the surface from which drilling operations are initiated as being the top point and the total depth being the lowest point, wherein the well (e g., wellbore, borehole) is vertical, horizontal or slanted relative to the surface.

[0034] The present disclosure provides systems and methods for autonomously adjusting production fluid flow distribution through solid scale inhibitors, and therefore the solid scale inhibitor dissolution profile, to adapt the scale inhibitor concentration to the operating conditions. The deposition of scale, such as calcium carbonate or barium sulfate, from dissolved salts in production fluids, such as crude oils and brines, in downhole equipment can have a detrimental impact on operations in oil and gas production. The most common method to prevent scale formation is injection of liquid scale inhibitor using capillary injection lines, either continuously or at certain time intervals. Details regarding real-time scale precipitation prediction and control systems, and adjustment of liquid inhibitor injection, can be found in PCT Patent Pub. Nos. WO2022 / 081533 and WO2021 / 194962, the entirety of each of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. This method is, however, prone to the risk of capillary line blockage due to possible issues with either liquid scale inhibitor or line pinching due to field operation conditions. Further, the need for continuous liquid injection requires manpower for oversight and planning of this operation as well as electricity to operate the injection pumps, which also need to be maintained on a regular basis. Injection of liquid scale inhibitors also has limitations in terms of operating conditions such as temperature ranges.

[0035] These challenges of liquid scale inhibitors can be eliminated or mitigated with the use of an encapsulated solid scale inhibitor placed downhole in a cage-like structure or container in the production line, according to the present disclosure. The main requirements for such anencapsulated solid scale inhibitor are (1) high-temperature stability and performance, and (2) a slow-release profile under the respective operating conditions. Additional details regarding a cagelike structure or container for solid scale inhibitors can be found in U.S. Patent No. 7,419,937, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

[0036] The present disclosure also provides systems and methods to manage production fluid flow distribution through a bypass, not contacting the solid scale inhibitor directly. Downhole sensor technology is used to measure the concentration of active dissolved scale inhibitor and / or scaling potential in the production stream. The sensor technology and / or measurements provide autonomous feedback to the system and / or method for adjustment of the flow distribution through the solid scale inhibitor versus the bypass, thereby allowing dynamic change of the solid scale inhibitor dissolution profile, which is based on a continuous range from diffusion (slow dissolution) to turbulent flow (fast dissolution). Such systems and methods adapt the flow distribution and / or solid scale inhibitor dissolution profile to the scale inhibitor concentration needed for the respective operating conditions, which can change over time.

[0037] An increase in temperature can facilitate the build-up of undesired carbonate scales. Therefore, scaling issues are often experienced at downhole locations where local temperature maxima are present, such as close to electric submersible pumps (ESPs). In such hot spots for scale formation, the placement of a self-regulating scale inhibitor solution, such as described in the present disclosure, would be the most beneficial — especially as a replacement for liquid scale inhibitors, which have shown poor performance in high-temperature settings. Scaling potential also increases with increasing water cut, as more salt-forming ions are present in the production fluid.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the solid scale inhibitor of the present disclosure may be configured to dissolve at an increased rate in response to higher temperatures or levels of fluid flow (e.g., increased water cut). For example, a first curve C l may correspond to the solid scale inhibitor dissolution at a first temperature (e.g., a high temperature) or a first level of fluid flow (e.g., a high flow), a second curve C2 may correspond to the solid scale inhibitor dissolution at a second temperature (e.g., a medium temperature) or a second level of fluid flow (e.g., a medium flow), and a third curve C3 may correspond to the solid scale inhibitor dissolution at a third temperature (e.g., a low temperature) or a third level of fluid flow (e.g., a low flow). The proportion of the solid scale inhibitor that has dissolved at a given point in time along the x-axis may be greatest accordingto the first curve Cl and may be lowest according to the third curve C3. The data depicted in the graph of FIG. 1 may be obtained by testing in a laboratory setting. Since the rate of dissolution of the present solid scale inhibitor, like the scaling potential, increases with increasing water cut and increasing temperature, as shown in FIG. 1, more scale inhibitor may automatically be released as required by the operating conditions.

[0039] Turning to FIG. 2, an exemplary scale inhibiting system 100 is depicted positioned within a production string 101 of, for example, a subsurface production operation. In some embodiments, the scale inhibiting system 100 may be positioned proximate to a pump 102 (e.g., an electrically submersible pump) or another component that tends to generate heat within or proximate to the production string 101. In other embodiments, the scale inhibiting system 100 may be positioned in any other location within the production string 101 where a local temperature maximum is present. The scale inhibiting system 100 may be positioned in a flow path (e.g., a main flow path) of fluids such as production fluids, as indicated by the arrows A of FIG. 2. For example, the production string 101 may be positioned within a wellbore of a production operation or other subsurface operation.

[0040] The scale inhibiting system 100 may include a container 104 retaining a supply of a scale inhibitor (e.g., a solid scale inhibitor) connected at one end with a flow diverter 106. Production fluids may engage the scale inhibiting system 100 as the production fluids flow from an uphole end 108 to a downhole end 110 of the production string 101. The container 104 may be provided in the form of a substantially cylindrical body (e.g., arranged substantially coaxially with respect to the production string 101), and the flow diverter 106 may be coupled to the container 104 (e.g., at an uphole end thereof) such that the flow diverter 106 forms an entry point of the container 104 and is configured to allow a variable flow of production fluids to flow through the container 104.

[0041] For example, in some embodiments, the flow diverter 106 may include a substantially conical or frustoconical body portion 112 coupled to or formed integrally with the container 104 and an adjustable aperture 114 positioned uphole with respect to the container 104 and / or the body portion 112. As production fluids flow downhole (e.g., from the uphole end 108 to the downhole end 110), the fluid may either travel through the container 104 (e.g., via the aperture 114) or around the container 104 via a bypass 116. In other words, a first portion of the production fluids flowing downhole may pass through the flow diverter 106 and into the container 104, and a second portion of the production fluids flowing downhole may pass through the bypass 116. Fluid that travelsthrough the flow diverter 106 may contact and cause dissolution of the solid scale inhibitor within the container 104, whereas fluid that travels through the bypass 116 may not contact the solid scale inhibitor.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the container 104 is provided in the form of a substantially cylindrical body that mirrors the structure of the production string 101, and the bypass 116 is provided in the form of an annular passage positioned between the container 104 and the production string 101. The container 104 may be formed from a mesh or other material (e.g., a material including a plurality of openings) having some level of permeability such that fluid may flow between an interior of the container 104 and the bypass 116. For example, the container 104 may be provided in the form of a mesh screen cage. In other embodiments, the container 104, flow diverter 106, and bypass 116 may be provided in another form.

[0043] Turning to FIGS. 3 A and 3B, the aperture 114 may be adjustable to control a level of flow that passes through the flow diverter 106 and into the container 104. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the aperture 114 may include an iris diaphragm with a plurality of overlapping blades 118 that can be adjusted enlarge or reduce the size of the opening of the aperture 114. The aperture 114 may be coupled to or in communication with a remotely controllable motor or motorized component designed to perform automated adjustments of the flow diverter 106 by enlarging or reducing the size of the opening of the aperture 114 (i.e., to allow more or less of the production fluid to pass therethrough). In other embodiments, the aperture 114 may include other adjustable closing mechanisms such as a ball valve, butterfly valve, gate valve, pinch valve, diaphragm valve, and / or any other mechanism designed to adjustably control the flow of fluid through the aperture 114.

[0044] The release of scale inhibitor can further be fine-tuned and automated by controlling the contact of the solid scale inhibitor with the production fluids. This can be achieved by adjusting the flow diverter 106. For example, the flow diverter 106 may be movable between at least a first configuration and a second configuration. In the first configuration, shown in FIG. 3 A, the aperture 114 may be substantially closed and the flow of production fluids through the flow diverter 106 and into the container 104 may be relatively low. In the second configuration, shown in FIG. 3B, the aperture 114 may be substantially open and the flow of production fluids through the flow diverter 106 and into the container 104 may be relatively high.

[0045] In some embodiments, the aperture 114 may be defined by a first diameter DI when the flow diverter 106 is in the first configuration and a second diameter D2 (i.e., greater than the first diameter DI) when the flow diverter 106 is in the second configuration. The flow diverter 106 may be configured to open and / or close gradually such that the flow diverter 106 may occupy one or more additional configurations not specifically depicted herein.

[0046] Fluid that flows into the container 104 via the flow diverter 106 may travel entirely through the container 104 and exit the container 104 at an end thereof opposing the flow diverter 106 (e.g., proximate to the downhole end 110 of the production string 101). Fluid that flows into the container 104 may also pass through the mesh or openings of the container 104 and continue to travel downhole via the bypass 116.

[0047] A larger flow through the scale inhibiting system 100 (e.g., through the container 104) may lead to more dissolution and thus an increased release of the scale inhibitor within the container 104, while decreased flow may lead to less dissolution and thus reduced release of the scale inhibitor. Combining this mechanical concept with sensors for the measurements of ionic content in the production fluid stream and / or the concentration of the released scale inhibitor allows for a workflow for the autonomous or semi -autonomous adjustment of the mechanical flow diverter solution, as schematically shown in FIG. 4. The needed computational models can be tailored from the results of laboratory data on the dissolution profile of the respective solid scale inhibitor chemistry under various flow conditions and temperatures.

[0048] Referring specifically to FIG. 4, the scale inhibiting system 100 may include a control system 120 (e.g., implemented by a processor, controller, or other component) operably connected to the flow diverter 106. In some embodiments, the control system 120 may be configured to receive and analyze information from one or more inputs and to perform automated or semiautomated adjustments of the flow diverter 106 based on the information received from the one or more inputs.

[0049] One of the inputs to the control system 120 may include a model 122 of a dissolution or performance pattern of a scale inhibitor based on tests or simulations performed in a laboratory setting. For example, the model 122 may reflect one or more behaviors (e.g., a dissolution rate) of the scale inhibitor under various temperatures, pressures, or other settings. The model 122 may provide a baseline against which the control system 120 compares real-time downhole information in order to make determinations regarding adjustments of the flow diverter 106.

[0050] The scale inhibiting system 100 may include at least one downhole sensor 124, which may also act as an input to the control system 120. For example, one or more downhole sensors 124 may be in communication with the control system 120 and may provide a signal indicative of realtime information regarding downhole conditions. For example, the sensors 124 may monitor and provide real-time data regarding pressure at one or more downhole locations, temperature at one or more downhole locations, a dissolution rate of the scale inhibitor, an amount of dissolved scale inhibitor, scaling potential within the production stream, and / or one or more other downhole conditions. The information provided by the at least one sensor 124 may inform a determination by the control system 120 of whether an adjustment of the flow diverter 106 is needed. For example, if a sensor 124 detects an increased scaling potential in the production stream (e.g., due to an increased concentration of one or more compounds that contribute to scale formation), the control system 120 may enlarge the aperture 114 of the flow diverter 106 such that a flow rate through the container 104 increases and causes a greater amount of the scale inhibitor to dissolve into the production stream.

[0051] Thus, FIG. 4 depicts an automated or semi -automated workflow in which the control system 120 continuously monitors one or more downhole conditions via information received from the sensors 124, analyzes the information regarding the downhole conditions using the model 122 as a baseline or reference, and makes adjustments to the flow diverter 106 as needed (e.g., by opening or closing the aperture 114). For example, the control system 120 may be configured to select or calculate a first portion of the production fluids to be directed through the aperture 114 of the flow diverter 106 and a second portion of the production fluids to be directed through the bypass 116. The control system 120 may continuously adjust the relative proportion of the first portion of the production fluids and the second portion of the production fluids based on real-time information collected by the sensors 124, and perform adjustments of the flow diverter 106 to achieve a target level. In some embodiments, the scale inhibiting system 100 may be entirely automated and may be configured to function without intervention by an operator.

[0052] All involved data recording, processing, and storage can be facilitated in an automated or semi -automated fashion by the control system 120. For example, turning to FIG. 5A, the control system 120 may be provided in the form of a first exemplary device 2500A. The device 2500A may include a processor 2502A and a memory 2504A that can be configured to implement various embodiments of the equipment, methods, and workflows described herein. The memory 2504Acan also host one or more databases and can include one or more forms of volatile data storage media (e.g., random-access memory (RAM)) and / or one or more forms of nonvolatile storage media (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, and the like).

[0053] The device 2500A can also include a bus 2508A configured to allow various components and devices, such as processors 2502A, memory 2504A, local data storage 2510A, and / or one or more input / output (I / O) devices 2512A, among other components, to communicate with each other. The bus 2508A can include one or more of any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The bus 2508A can also include wired and / or wireless buses. Local data storage 2510 can include fixed media (e.g., RAM, ROM, a fixed hard drive, etc.) as well as removable media (e.g., a flash memory drive, a removable hard drive, optical disks, magnetic disks, and the like).

[0054] Referring to FIG. 5B, the control system 120 may be provided in the form of a second exemplary device 2500B. The device 2500B may include a processor 2502B and a memory 2504B that can be configured to implement various embodiments of the equipment, methods, and workflows described herein. The memory 2504B may be substantially similar to the memory 2500A. The device 2500B can also include a bus 2508B configured to allow various components and devices, such as processors 2502B, memory 2504B, and / or local data storage 2510B, among other components, to communicate with each other. The bus 2508B can include one or more of any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The bus 2508B can also include wired and / or wireless buses. Local data storage 2510B can include fixed media (e.g., RAM, ROM, a fixed hard drive, etc.) as well as removable media (e.g., a flash memory drive, a removable hard drive, optical disks, magnetic disks, and the like).

[0055] The device 2500B may include one or more I / O devices 2512B configured to communicate via a user interface (UI) controller 2514B, which may connect with the I / O devices 2512B either directly or through the bus 2508B. In one possible implementation, a network interface 2516B may communicate outside of the device 2500B (e.g., communication with external devices) via a connected network. A media drive / interface 2518B can accept removable tangible media 2520B, such as flash drives, optical disks, removable hard drives, software products, etc. In one possibleimplementation, logic, computing instructions, and / or software programs comprising elements of a module 2506B may reside on removable media 2520B and may be readable by the media drive / interface 2518B. In one possible embodiment, the I / O device(s) 2512B may allow a user (such as a human annotator) to enter commands and information to the device 2500B and may also allow information to be presented to the user and / or other components or devices. The I / O device(s) 2512B may include a variety of input devices (e.g., sensors, a keyboard, a cursor control device such as a mouse, a microphone, a scanner, and / or another input device known in the art). The I / O device(s) 2512B may include a variety of output devices (e.g., a display device such as a monitor or projector, speakers, a printer, a network card, and the like).

[0056] The devices 2500A, 2500B are two nonlimiting examples of computing devices or programmable devices that can perform the function of the control system 120. The devices 2500A, 2500B are not intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of the control system 120 and / or its possible architectures. For example, the devices 2500A, 2500B can comprise one or more computing devices, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), etc. Further, the devices 2500A, 2500B should not be interpreted as having any dependency relating to one or a combination of components illustrated in the exemplary devices of FIGS. 5 A and 5B. For example, the devices 2500A, 2500B may each include one or more computers, such as a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a mainframe computer, etc., or any combination or accumulation thereof. In some embodiments, the control system 120 may be provided in another form not specifically described herein.

[0057] Various systems and processes of the present disclosure may be described herein in the general context of software or program modules, or the techniques and modules may be implemented in pure computing hardware. Software generally includes routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and so forth that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. An implementation of these modules and techniques may be stored on or transmitted across some form of tangible computer-readable media. Computer-readable media can be any available data storage medium or media that is tangible and can be accessed by a computing device. Computer-readable media may thus comprise computer storage media. “Computer storage media” designates tangible media and includes volatile, non-volatile, removable, and non-removable tangible media implemented for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Computer storagemedia may include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable readonly memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other tangible medium which can be used to store the desired information, and which can be accessed by a computer. Some methods and processes described above can be performed by a processor.

[0058] The term “processor” should not be construed to limit the embodiments disclosed herein to any particular device type or system. The processor may include a computer system. The computer system may also include a computer processor (e.g., a microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, general-purpose computer, special-purpose machine, virtual machine, software container, or appliance) for executing any of the methods and processes described above. The computer system may further include a memory such as a semiconductor memory device (e.g., a RAM, ROM, PROM, EEPROM, or Flash-Programmable RAM), a magnetic memory device (e.g., a diskette or fixed disk), an optical memory device (e.g., a CD-ROM), a PC card (e.g., a PCMCIA card), or other memory device.

[0059] Some of the methods and processes described above can be implemented as computer program logic for use with the computer processor. The computer program logic may be embodied in various forms, including a source code form or a computer executable form. Source code may include a series of computer program instructions in a variety of programming languages (e.g., an object code, assembly language, or a high-level language such as C, C++, or JAVA). Such computer instructions can be stored in a non-transitory computer readable medium (e.g., memory) and executed by the computer processor. The computer instructions may be distributed in any form as a removable storage medium with accompanying printed or electronic documentation (e.g., shrink wrapped software), preloaded with a computer system (e.g., on system ROM or fixed disk), or distributed from a server or electronic bulletin board over a communication system (e.g., the Internet or World Wide Web). Alternatively or additionally, the processor may include discrete electronic components coupled to a printed circuit board, integrated circuitry (e.g., an Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC)), and / or programmable logic devices (e.g., a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)). Any of the methods and processes described above can be implemented using such logic devices.

[0060] Although only a few example embodiments have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the example embodiments without materially departing from this invention. For example, the methods and processes of the present disclosure can also be performed on organic matter isolated from the bulk formation sample in order to determine properties of the organic matter. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures. Thus, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw may be equivalent structures. It is the express intention of the applicant not to invoke 35 U.S.C. § 112, paragraph 6 for any limitations of any of the claims herein, except for those in which the claim expressly uses the words “means for” together with an associated function.

[0061] Language of degree used herein, such as the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally”, and “substantially” as used herein represent a value, amount, or characteristic close to the stated value, amount, or characteristic that still performs a desired function or achieves a desired result. For example, the terms “approximately”, “about”, “generally”, and “substantially” may refer to an amount that is within less than 10% of, within less than 5% of, within less than 1% of, within less than 0.1% of, and / or within less than 0.01% of the stated amount. As another example, in certain embodiments, the terms “generally parallel” and “substantially parallel” or “generally perpendicular” and “substantially perpendicular” refer to a value, amount, or characteristic that departs from exactly parallel or perpendicular, respectively, by less than or equal to 15 degrees, 10 degrees, 5 degrees, 3 degrees, 1 degree, or 0.1 degree.

[0062] Although a few embodiments of the disclosure have been described in detail above, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the teachings of this disclosure. Accordingly, such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined within the claims. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments described may be made and still fall within the scope of the disclosure. It should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can becombined with, or substituted for, one another in order to form varying modes of the embodiments of the disclosure. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the disclosure herein should not be limited by the particular embodiments described above.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method of delivering a chemical into a wellbore, the method comprising: placing the chemical, in a solid slow-release form, in a container through which produced fluids can flow such that the produced fluids come into contact with the chemical; placing the container with the chemical in the wellbore such that the container is in the path of the produced fluids; directing a first portion of the produced fluids through the container and a second portion of the produced fluids through a bypass such that the second portion of the produced fluids does not pass through the container; and autonomously adjusting the relative proportion of the first portion of the produced fluids and the second portion of the produced fluids.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein autonomously adjusting the relative proportion of the first portion of the produced fluids and the second portion of the produced fluids comprises: determining operating conditions using one or more sensors; and adjusting the proportion of the produced fluids in the first and second portions based on the operating conditions.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein autonomously adjusting the relative proportion of the first portion of the produced fluids and the second portion of the produced fluids is based on the operating conditions and a model of solid scale inhibitor dissolution in various temperature and flow conditions, the model being based on lab results.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein the operating conditions includes at least one of environmental conditions, scaling potential, and currently dissolved scale inhibitor.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein autonomously adjusting the relative proportion of the first portion of the produced fluids and the second portion of the produced fluids includes adjusting an aperture of a flow diverter.

6. A system for delivering a solid scale inhibitor to produced fluids in a wellbore, the system comprising: a container configured to contain the solid scale inhibitor, the container positioned in the wellbore in a main path of produced fluids; a bypass, wherein produced fluids flowing through the bypass do not pass through the container; and a flow diverter having an aperture, wherein adjusting the aperture adjusts a proportion of the produced fluids flowing through the container relative to a proportion of the produced fluids flowing through the bypass.

7. The system of claim 6, further comprising at least one sensor, an output of the sensor being indicative of one or more operating conditions.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the operating conditions includes at least one of environmental conditions, scaling potential, and currently dissolved scale inhibitor.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein the system is configured to autonomously adjust the aperture of the flow diverter based on the operating conditions.

10. The system of claim 7, wherein the system is configured to autonomously adjust the aperture of the flow diverter based on the operating conditions and a model of solid scale inhibitor dissolution in various temperature and flow conditions, the model being based on lab results.

11. A system for delivering a solid scale inhibitor to produced fluids in a wellbore, the system comprising: a scale inhibiting system positioned within the wellbore, the scale inhibiting system including: a container configured to contain the solid scale inhibitor; anda flow diverter coupled to the container and configured to control a flow of the produced fluids through the container; and a control system configured to perform autonomous adjustment of the flow diverter.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the flow diverter includes an aperture positioned uphole with respect to the container and configured to allow the produced fluids to enter the container by passing through the aperture.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein enlarging the aperture increases a flow of the produced fluids into the container, thereby increasing an amount of the solid scale inhibitor delivered into the produced fluids.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein the flow diverter includes an adjustable iris diaphragm.

15. The system of claim 11, wherein at least a portion of the produced fluids travels past the container via a bypass positioned between the container and a production string.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the control system calculates a first portion of the produced fluids to be directed through an aperture and into the container and a second portion of the produced fluids to be directed through the bypass.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the control system is in communication with one or more downhole sensors, and wherein the control system is configured to perform real-time adjustments to the calculated first portion and second portion based on information received from the one or more downhole sensors.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the one or more downhole sensors provide the control system with real-time information regarding at least one of the following metrics: a downhole pressure at one or more locations; a downhole temperature at one or more locations; ascaling potential in the produced fluids; an amount of dissolved solid scale inhibitor; and / or an amount of undissolved solid scale inhibitor remaining in the container.

19. The system of claim 11 wherein the container includes a mesh screen cage.

20. The system of claim 11, wherein the scale inhibiting system is located proximate a local temperature maximum within the wellbore.

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