Adjustable inflow control device
The adjustable inflow control device with a rotatable coupling and gear mechanism addresses the limitations of ICDs and ICVs by enabling precise flow control with reduced wear and malfunction, facilitating efficient oil extraction.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- US · United States
- Patent Type
- Applications(United States)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- ADNOC
- Filing Date
- 2023-02-01
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-23
AI Technical Summary
Existing inflow control devices (ICDs) and inflow control valves (ICVs) for oil extraction face challenges such as lack of active control, complexity, high cost, and susceptibility to wear and malfunction due to exposure to fluid flow and high force transmission.
An adjustable inflow control device with a rotatable coupling means and gear mechanism, including a worm drive, allows for precise flow control with reduced force requirement and protection from fluid exposure, using a compact actuator design with support arms for stability and a movable cover for protection.
The solution provides stable and precise flow control with reduced susceptibility to wear and malfunction, enabling efficient oil extraction by minimizing exposure to fluid flow and maintaining actuator stability in curved wellbores.
Smart Images
Figure US20260210206A1-D00000_ABST
Abstract
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an adjustable inflow control device, an adjustment actuator for an adjustable inflow control device, an inflow control system, and a method for adjusting an adjustable inflow control device.PRIOR ART
[0002] It is known that underground tubes are used for oil production. In detail, at least one tube is guided through a reservoir / underground oil field. The at least one tube has lateral openings so that oil of the reservoir can flow into the tube / wellbore and be conveyed to the earth's surface. However, it is also known that various other substances can be present in underground oil fields in addition to oil, such as gas and / or water. These other substances are usually distributed inhomogeneously in underground oil fields. Moreover, the local concentration of these substances regularly changes over time. In general, the aim is to extract as much oil as possible and as little other substances as possible.
[0003] Accordingly, devices are developed and used to set the flow rate through the lateral openings of the at least one tube. Examples of such devices include so called inflow control devices (ICDs) and inflow control valves (ICVs). These devices each have specific advantages but also disadvantages, as set out in the following.
[0004] An ICD is a passive component installed as part of a well completion to optimize production by balancing reservoir inflow along the length of the wellbore. Multiple inflow control devices can be installed along the reservoir section of the completion, with each device using a specific setting to partially throttle flow. The resulting arrangement can be used to delay the breakthrough of water and / or gas. However, ICDs have the disadvantage that they do not allow active control. Accordingly, ICDs do not allow to react specifically to changing water / gas proportions, for example to throttle an ICD with increased water inflow. This specific problem is addressed by ICVs, as outlined below.
[0005] An ICV is an active component installed as part of a well completion to partially or completely restrict flow into a wellbore. ICVs also can be installed along the reservoir section of the completion. Each valve can be controlled from the surface to maintain flow compliance and prevent unwanted fluids from entering the wellbore while the reservoir is depleted. A permanent downhole cable provides electrical and / or hydraulic lines to relay commands from the surface to each valve. Hence, contrary to ICDs, ICVs allow to react specifically to changing water / gas proportions, for example to throttle an ICV with increased water inflow. However, ICVs have the disadvantage that they are complex compared to ICDs and therefore far more expensive. Moreover, as mentioned, they require a downhole cable.
[0006] There are already approaches to combine the advantages of ICDs and ICVs and minimize their disadvantages. An example of this is described in US 2021 / 156227 A1 (US'227). US'227 suggests an ICD that is adjustable in response to an external force selectively applied by an actuator inserted into the wellbore. Particularly, US'227 proposes a latching arm integrated with the actuator. The latching arm can be extended from the actuator in a direction in which the actuator is inserted into a wellbore. Further, the latching arm is provided with a coupling profile corresponding to a profile on a sleeve disposed within the ICD. An axial displacement of the sleeve by the latching arm coupled therewith allows for inflow control. However, the configuration of US'227 has some drawbacks, which are outlined below.
[0007] First, due to the described extension of the latching arm, a certain length of the actuator is necessary, which can, for example, make it difficult to move the actuator through curves of the wellbore. Second, in addition, the sleeve with the profile on it is exposed to the fluid flow inside the ICD, which can lead to wear and / or malfunction. Third, it has been shown that the axial displacement of the sleeve, which is performed directly by the actuator, requires a high force transmission from the actuator to the sleeve. This can lead to increased susceptibility to faults.
[0008] Thus, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide an adjustable inflow control device, an adjustment actuator for an adjustable inflow control device, an inflow control system, and a method for adjusting an adjustable inflow control device that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks at least partially.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] This object is achieved, at least partly, by an adjustable inflow control device, an adjustment actuator for an adjustable inflow control device, an inflow control system, and a method for adjusting an adjustable inflow control device, as defined in the independent claims. Further aspects of the present disclosure are defined in the dependent claims.
[0010] Introductory it is to be noted that the adjustable inflow control device, the adjustment actuator, and the inflow control system as described throughout the present disclosure are interlinked with each other. Hence, technical features and / or advantages described with regards to one of them may apply for the other two.
[0011] In particular, the object is achieved by an adjustable inflow control device (ICD) for being arranged in a wellbore. It is understood that the adjustable inflow control device may form part of a wellbore when being arranged therein.
[0012] The adjustable inflow control device comprises a hollow cylindrical base body, wherein at least one through hole is formed into the shell of the hollow cylindrical base body. Said hollow cylindrical base body may comprise a tube, a pipe, and / or the like. Further, a plurality of through holes may be formed into the shell of the hollow cylindrical base body, e.g., in dependence of the intended flow rate.
[0013] Further, the adjustable inflow control device comprises an adjustable throttle mechanism adapted to control a flow through the at least one through hole. The throttle mechanism may be referred to as a mechanism by which fluid flow is managed by constriction and / or obstruction.
[0014] Moreover, the adjustable inflow control device comprises a coupling means being accessible from the inside of the hollow cylindrical base body and being rotatable. For example, the coupling means may comprise a shaft end, the shaft end having a coupling profile. Exemplarily, the shaft end may have a square or hexagonal profile.
[0015] Furthermore, the adjustable inflow control device comprises a gear mechanism adapted to transfer a rotation of the coupling means into an adjustment of the adjustable throttle mechanism. The adjustment of the adjustable throttle mechanism may serve to increase or decrease the flow rate through the at least one through hole.
[0016] The adjustable inflow control device according to the present disclosure has a variety of advantages over the prior art, wherein four of them are set out below. Thereby the person skilled in the art will understand from the present disclosure that a variety of other advantages may also be present.
[0017] First, by means of the gear mechanism, it can be achieved that only a small force must be applied to the coupling means to achieve an adjustment of the adjustable throttle mechanism. Exemplarily with a corresponding reduction gear. Hence, a high force / moment transmission from a corresponding adjustment actuator to the coupling means can be avoided. This can lead to reduced susceptibility to faults, e.g., by avoiding a damaging of the coupling means. In addition, a less strong support of the actuator within the adjustable inflow control device may be necessary.
[0018] Second, as the coupling means is rotatable it can be avoided that an axial movement of an adjustment actuator inside the hollow cylindrical base body is necessary to adjust the adjustable throttle mechanism. Hence, compact adjustment actuators may be used. Thus, particularly when compared to US'227, the accessibility of the adjustable inflow control device according to the present disclosure can be improved.
[0019] Third, by means of the gear mechanism the parts of the adjustable inflow control device can be arranged such that they are less exposed to the fluid flow inside the adjustable inflow control device. This can reduce wear and / or malfunction. Specific examples hereof are described through the present disclosure.
[0020] Fourth, in general, the adjustable inflow control device according to the present invention serves to overcome the drawbacks of ICDs and ICVs as described in the prior art section above.
[0021] It is understood that these advantages may also apply for the specific embodiments described throughout the disclosure in different emphasis.
[0022] The adjustable throttle mechanism may be arranged outside the hollow cylindrical base body. This allows to avoid the adjustable throttle mechanism being exposed to the fluid flow inside the adjustable inflow control device. Hence, wear and / or malfunction may be avoided or at least reduced.
[0023] Further, the coupling means and / or the gear mechanism may at least partially extend through the shell of the hollow cylindrical base body, preferably from the inside to the outside of the hollow cylindrical base body. Thus, sensitive parts of the adjustable inflow control device can be arranged such that they are less exposed to the fluid flow inside the adjustable inflow control device. Moreover, the coupling means and / or the gear mechanism may be protected and / or supported by the shell of the hollow cylindrical base body.
[0024] The gear mechanism may comprise a worm drive. A worm drive may be referred to as a gear arrangement in which a worm being a gear in the form of a screw meshes with a worm wheel. By means of the worm drive, it can be achieved that only a small force / moment must be applied to the coupling means to achieve an adjustment of the adjustable throttle mechanism, e.g., with a corresponding reduction. Hence, as above-mentioned, a high force / moment transmission from a corresponding adjustment actuator to the coupling means can be avoided. Furthermore, by said worm drive it can also be achieved that the selected setting of the adjustable throttle mechanism is kept stable.
[0025] Said worm of the worm drive may be connected torsion-proof with the coupling means, wherein preferably the worm and the coupling means are integrally formed. Hereby the number of parts required for the adjustable inflow control device may be maintained low. This can reduce the susceptibility to errors.
[0026] Further, said worm of the worm drive may at least partially extend through the shell of the hollow cylindrical base body, preferably from the inside to the outside of the hollow cylindrical base body. Thus, sensitive parts of the adjustable inflow control device, such as the worm wheel, can be arranged such that they are less exposed to the fluid flow inside the adjustable inflow control device. Moreover, the worm of the worm drive may be protected and / or supported by the shell of the hollow cylindrical base body.
[0027] On the inside of the hollow cylindrical base body at least two support recesses adapted to engage with respective support arms may be provided, wherein preferably the at least two support recesses lie in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the hollow cylindrical base body. Hence, support for an adjustment actuator with respective support arms may be provided.
[0028] The adjustable inflow control device may further comprise a movable cover adapted for covering and / or uncovering the coupling means. Thus, a protection of the coupling means may be provided against a flow inside the adjustable inflow control device.
[0029] The movable cover may be a hollow cylindrical sleeve which preferably is arranged inside the hollow cylindrical base body. By the movable cover being a hollow cylindrical sleeve a guiding of the movable cover inside the hollow cylindrical base body can be facilitated. Particularly, as the movable cover may be supported by the inside of the hollow cylindrical base body.
[0030] Preferably at least one of the support recesses comprises a contact detection means adapted for moving the movable cover when detecting contact. Exemplarily, the contact detection means may transmit an electrical signal to an electric motor which moves the movable cover. Alternatively, the contact detection means may directly forward the mechanical input to move the sleeve. For example, with the aid of an appropriate gear design. This configuration not only provides a support for an adjustment actuator, but also ensures that when the adjustment actuator is in position, the movable cover is removed.
[0031] The adjustable throttle mechanism may comprise a flow channel, wherein preferably a cross section of the flow channel taken parallel to the flow direction comprises the cross section of a venturi tube. Said cross section allows a permanent pressure loss to be avoided and at the same time a high throttling accuracy.
[0032] The adjustable throttle mechanism may further comprise a throttle element for restricting a flow through the flow channel. Exemplarily, the throttle element may restrict the flow through the flow channel by being tilted and / or being laterally displaced relative to the flow channel.
[0033] The flow channel and / or the throttle element may surround the hollow cylindrical base body. Hence, the flow channel and / or the throttle element may exemplarily have a hollow cylindrical shape. In this way, a continuous inflow from the outside into the adjustable inflow control device can be achieved.
[0034] The adjustable inflow control device may further comprise an RFID tag, wherein preferably the RFID tag is detectable from the inside of the hollow cylindrical base body. Accordingly, for devices that have an RFID reader, it can be determined when they reach the adjustable inflow control device.
[0035] Moreover, the above object is achieved by an adjustment actuator for an adjustable inflow control device, particularly as described above. The adjustment actuator comprises a housing and an extendable actuation arm with a rotary drivable coupling element at the end of the actuation arm. By the rotary drivable coupling element, the length of the housing in the direction along which the adjustment actuator is inserted into a wellbore may be maintained low. Particularly when compared to an embodiment where the actuation arm is extended for actuation in the direction along which the adjustment actuator is inserted into a wellbore.
[0036] The actuation arm may be laterally extendable from the housing in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the direction along which the adjustment actuator is inserted into a wellbore. Thereby the length of the housing in the direction along which the adjustment actuator is inserted into a wellbore may be maintained low. Particularly when compared to an embodiment where the actuation arm is extended in the direction along which the adjustment actuator is inserted into a wellbore. Thus, the instant configuration makes it less difficult to move the adjustment actuator through curved sections of the wellbore.
[0037] The housing may comprise at least two laterally extendable support arms, wherein said support arms are preferably extendable in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the direction along which the adjustment actuator is inserted into a wellbore. The support arms can ensure a stable position of the adjustment actuator relative to the above-described adjustable inflow control device and / or a wellbore in general.
[0038] The adjustment actuator may further comprise an elongated support means adapted for lowering the adjustment actuator into a wellbore, wherein the elongated support means is attached to the housing. The elongated support means may comprise a power cable, a hydraulic line, a steel cable, a steel pipe, a data cable, a control line, and / or a fiber optic line.
[0039] The extendable actuation arm may be connected to the housing between the elongated support means and the at least two extendable support arms. This configuration allows for a precise positioning of the rotary drivable coupling element when the extendable actuation arm is extended. This is as the rotary drivable coupling element can be stabilized between the at least two extendable support arms and the elongated support means.
[0040] The adjustment actuator may comprise at least one detection means for detecting the position of the adjustment actuator relative to the adjustable inflow control device. Hence, the adjustment actuator may be precisely positioned.
[0041] The at least one detection means may comprise an RFID reader. Accordingly, for devices that have an RFID tag, it can be determined when the adjustment actuator reaches them.
[0042] Preferably the adjustment actuator does not comprise any part that is extendable from the housing such that it protrudes beyond the housing in the direction along which the adjustment actuator is inserted into a wellbore. Thereby the length of the housing in the direction along which the adjustment actuator is inserted into a wellbore may be maintained low. Particularly when compared to an embodiment where the actuation arm is extended in the direction along which the adjustment actuator is inserted into a wellbore. Thus, the instant configuration makes it less difficult to move the adjustment actuator through curved sections of the wellbore.
[0043] The adjustment actuator may comprise an electric drive for rotationally driving the coupling element. The electric drive may be driven by a rechargeable battery or a power cable.
[0044] Furthermore, the above object is achieved by an inflow control system comprising an adjustable inflow control device as described above and an adjustment actuator as described above. The coupling means and the rotary drivable coupling element are configured to couple with each other. It is understood that the features and / or advantages described above regarding the adjustable inflow control device and the adjustment actuator may also apply for the inflow control system and vice versa.
[0045] The at least two support recesses of the adjustable inflow control device and the at least two extendable support arms of the adjustment actuator may be configured to engage with each other respectively. Hence, the support arms can ensure a stable position of the adjustment actuator relative to the adjustable inflow control device.
[0046] Furthermore, the above object is achieved by an oilfield comprising at least one adjustable inflow control device as described above. Hence, the features and / or advantages described above may also apply for said oilfield.
[0047] Even further, the above object is achieved by a method for adjusting an adjustable inflow control device. The method comprises the following steps in the given order: (i) Providing an adjustable inflow control device as described above and an adjustment actuator as described above. (ii) Inserting the adjustment actuator into the hollow cylindrical base body of the adjustable inflow control device. (iii) Coupling the coupling means and the rotary drivable coupling element with each other. (iv) Driving the rotary drivable coupling element rotationally.
[0048] It is understood that the method may further comprise the step of engaging the at least two support recesses of the adjustable inflow control device and the at least two extendable support arms of the adjustment actuator with each other respectively. This step may be conducted prior to coupling the coupling means and the rotary drivable coupling element with each other.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING FIGURES
[0049] In the following, the accompanying figures are briefly described:
[0050] FIG. 1 shows a schematic cross-section of an adjustable inflow control device according to the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 2 shows a schematic cross-section of an inflow control system according to the present invention, wherein the adjustable inflow control device and the adjustment actuator are not coupled;
[0052] FIG. 3 shows the schematic inflow control system, wherein the adjustable inflow control device and the adjustment actuator are partially coupled;
[0053] FIG. 4 shows the schematic inflow control system, wherein the adjustable inflow control device and the adjustment actuator are fully coupled;
[0054] FIG. 5 shows the schematic inflow control system after the adjustable inflow control device has been adjusted by the adjustment actuator, and
[0055] FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram of a method according to the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0056] FIGS. 1 to 5 each show the adjustable inflow control device 10 according to the present invention. The adjustable inflow control device 10 comprises a hollow cylindrical base body 11, wherein at least one through hole 13 is formed into the shell 12 of the hollow cylindrical base body 11.
[0057] Further, the adjustable inflow control device 10 comprises an adjustable throttle mechanism 14 adapted to control a flow 5 through the at least one through hole 13. The adjustable throttle mechanism 14 is arranged outside the hollow cylindrical base body 11. The adjustable throttle mechanism 14 comprises a flow channel 22, wherein a cross section of the flow channel 22 taken parallel to the flow direction comprises the cross section of a venturi tube. Further, the adjustable throttle mechanism 14 comprises a throttle element 23 for restricting a flow 5 through the flow channel 22.
[0058] Moreover, as depicted in FIG. 3, the adjustable inflow control device 10 comprises a coupling means 15 being accessible from the inside of the hollow cylindrical base body 11 and being rotatable.
[0059] Furthermore, the adjustable inflow control device 10 comprises a gear mechanism 16 adapted to transfer a rotation of the coupling means 15 into an adjustment of the adjustable throttle mechanism 14. It is understood that the gear mechanism 16 is simplified for the sake of simplicity. The gear mechanism 16 comprises a worm drive 17, wherein the worm 18 of the worm drive 17 is connected torsion-proof with the coupling means 15. Particularly, as depicted in FIG. 3, the worm 18 and the coupling means 15 are integrally formed. Moreover, the worm 18 of the worm drive 17 extends through the shell 12 of the hollow cylindrical base body 11 from the inside to the outside of the hollow cylindrical base body 11.
[0060] On the inside of the hollow cylindrical base body 11 at least two support recesses 19a, 19b adapted to engage with respective support arms 54a, 54b are provided. Said support recesses 19a, 19b lie in a plane which is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the hollow cylindrical base body 11.
[0061] Moreover, the adjustable inflow control device 10 further comprises a movable cover 20 adapted for covering and / or uncovering the coupling means 15. The movable cover 20 is a hollow cylindrical sleeve which is arranged inside the hollow cylindrical base body 11. One of the support recesses 19a, 19b comprises a contact detection means 21 adapted for moving the movable cover 20 when detecting contact. This functionality is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.
[0062] The adjustable inflow control device 10 further comprises an RFID tag 24, wherein the RFID tag 24 is detectable from the inside of the hollow cylindrical base body 11. Particularly, the RFID tag 24 is arranged on the inside of the hollow cylindrical base body 11.
[0063] FIGS. 2 to 5 each show the adjustment actuator 50 according to the present invention. The adjustment actuator 50 comprises a housing 51 and an extendable actuation arm 52 with a rotary drivable coupling element 53 (not explicitly depicted) at the end of the actuation arm 52. The actuation arm 52 is laterally extendable from the housing 51 in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the direction along which the adjustment actuator 50 is inserted into a wellbore.
[0064] Further, the housing 51 comprises at least two laterally extendable support arms 54a, 54b, wherein said support arms 54a, 54b are extendable in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the direction along which the adjustment actuator 50 is inserted into a wellbore.
[0065] The adjustment actuator 50 further comprises an elongated support means 56 adapted for lowering the adjustment actuator 50 into a wellbore, wherein the elongated support means 56 is attached to the housing 51. Particularly, the extendable actuation arm 52 is connected to the housing 51 between the elongated support means 56 and the at least two extendable support arms 54a, 54b.
[0066] Furthermore, the adjustment actuator 50 comprises at least one detection means 55 for detecting the position of the adjustment actuator 50 relative to the adjustable inflow control device 10. The at least one detection means 55 comprises an RFID reader to detect the RFID tag 24.
[0067] The adjustment actuator 50 does not comprise any part that is extendable from the housing 51 such that it protrudes beyond the housing 51 in the direction along which the adjustment actuator 50 is inserted into a wellbore.
[0068] FIGS. 2 to 5 depict the inflow control system 100 according to the present invention. The inflow control system 100 comprises the adjustable inflow control device 10 as described above. Further, the inflow control system 100 comprises the adjustment actuator 50 as described above. The coupling means 15 of the adjustable inflow control device 10 and the rotary drivable coupling element 53 of the adjustment actuator 50 are configured to couple with each other. Moreover, the at least two support recesses 19a, 19b and the at least two extendable support arms 54a, 54b are configured to engage with each other respectively.
[0069] FIG. 6 shows a flow diagram of a method 1000 for adjusting an adjustable inflow control device 10. The method 1000 comprising the following steps in the given order: (i) providing 1100 an adjustable inflow control device 10 as described above and an adjustment actuator 50 as described above; (ii) inserting 1200 the adjustment actuator 50 into the hollow cylindrical base body 11 of the adjustable inflow control device 10 (cf. FIG. 2); coupling 1300 the coupling means 15 and the rotary drivable coupling element 53 with each other (cf. FIGS. 3 and 4), and driving 1400 the rotary drivable coupling element 53 rotationally (cf. FIGS. 4 and 5).
[0070] The method 1000 may further comprise the step of engaging 1250 the at least two support recesses 19a, 19b of the adjustable inflow control device 10 and the at least two extendable support arms 54a, 54b of the adjustment actuator 50 with each other respectively. This step 1250 may be conducted prior to coupling 1300 the coupling means 15 and the rotary drivable coupling element 53 with each other.LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS5 flow
[0072] 10 adjustable inflow control device
[0073] 11 hollow cylindrical base body
[0074] 12 shell
[0075] 13 through hole
[0076] 14 adjustable throttle mechanism
[0077] 15 coupling means
[0078] 16 gear mechanism
[0079] 17 worm drive
[0080] 18 worm of the worm drive
[0081] 19a, 19b support recesses
[0082] 20 movable cover
[0083] 21 contact detection means
[0084] 22 flow channel
[0085] 23 throttle element
[0086] 24 RFID tag
[0087] 50 adjustment actuator
[0088] 51 housing
[0089] 52 extendable actuation arm
[0090] 53 rotary drivable coupling element
[0091] 54a, 54b laterally extendable support arms
[0092] 55 detection means
[0093] 56 elongated support means
[0094] 100 inflow control system
[0095] 1000 method for adjusting an adjustable inflow control device
[0096] 1100 providing an adjustable inflow control device and an adjustment actuator
[0097] 1200 inserting the adjustment actuator
[0098] 1300 coupling the coupling means
[0099] 1400 driving the rotary drivable coupling element
Claims
1. An adjustable inflow control device for being arranged in a wellbore, the adjustable inflow control device comprisinga hollow cylindrical base body, wherein at least one through hole formed into the shell of the hollow cylindrical base body;an adjustable throttle mechanism adapted to control a flow through the at least one through hole;a coupling means being accessible from the inside of the hollow cylindrical base body and being rotatable, anda gear mechanism adapted to transfer a rotation of the coupling means into an adjustment of the adjustable throttle mechanism.
2. The adjustable inflow control device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable throttle mechanism is arranged outside the hollow cylindrical base body.
3. The adjustable inflow control device according to claim 1, wherein the coupling means and / or the gear mechanism at least partially extend through the shell of the hollow cylindrical base body, preferably from the inside to the outside of the hollow cylindrical base body.
4. The adjustable inflow control device according to claim 1, wherein the gear mechanism comprises a worm drive.
5. The adjustable inflow control device according to claim 4, wherein the worm of the worm drive is connected torsion-proof with the coupling means, wherein preferably the worm and the coupling means are integrally formed.
6. The adjustable inflow control device according claim 4, wherein the worm of the worm drive at least partially extends through the shell of the hollow cylindrical base body, preferably from the inside to the outside of the hollow cylindrical base body.
7. The adjustable inflow control device according to claim 1, wherein on the inside of the hollow cylindrical base body at least two support recesses adapted to engage with respective support arms are provided, wherein preferably the at least two support recesses lie in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the hollow cylindrical base body.
8. The adjustable inflow control device according to claim 1, any wherein the adjustable inflow control device further comprises a movable cover adapted for covering and / or uncovering the coupling means.
9. The adjustable inflow control device according to claim 8, wherein the movable cover is a hollow cylindrical sleeve which preferably is arranged inside the hollow cylindrical base body.
10. The adjustable inflow control device according to claim 7 wherein the adjustable inflow control device further comprises a movable cover adapted for covering and / or uncovering the coupling means, and at least one of the support recesses comprises a contact detection means adapted for moving the movable cover when detecting contact.
11. The adjustable inflow control device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable throttle mechanism comprises a flow channel, wherein preferably a cross section of the flow channel taken parallel to the flow direction comprises the cross section of a venturi tube.
12. The adjustable inflow control device according to claim 11, wherein the adjustable throttle mechanism further comprises a throttle element for restricting a flow through the flow channel.
13. The adjustable inflow control device according to claim 11, wherein the flow channel and / or the throttle element surround the hollow cylindrical base body.
14. The adjustable inflow control device according to claim 1, wherein the adjustable inflow control device further comprises an RFID tag, wherein preferably the RFID tag is detectable from the inside of the hollow cylindrical base body.
15. An adjustment actuator for an adjustable inflow control device particularly according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment actuator comprises:a housing; andan extendable actuation arm with a rotary drivable coupling element (53) at the end of the actuation arm.
16. The adjustment actuator according to claim 15, wherein the actuation arm is laterally extendable from the housing in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the direction along which the adjustment actuator is inserted into a wellbore.
17. The adjustment actuator according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises at least two laterally extendable support arms, wherein said support arms are extendable in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the direction along which the adjustment actuator is inserted into a wellbore.
18. The adjustment actuator according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment actuator further comprises an elongated support means adapted for lowering the adjustment actuator into a wellbore, wherein the elongated support means is attached to the housing.
19. The adjustment actuator according to claim 17, wherein the extendable actuation arm is connected to the housing (51) between the elongated support means and the at least two extendable support arms (54a, 54b).
20. The adjustment actuator according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment actuator comprises at least one detection means for detecting the position of the adjustment actuator relative to the adjustable inflow control device.
21. The adjustment actuator according to claim 20, wherein the at least one detection means comprises an RFID reader.
22. The adjustment actuator according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment actuator does not comprise any part that is extendable from the housing such that it protrudes beyond the housing in the direction along which the adjustment actuator is inserted into a wellbore.
23. The adjustment actuator according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment actuator comprises an electric drive for rotationally driving the coupling element.
24. An inflow control system comprisingan adjustable inflow control device according to claim 1, andan adjustment actuatorwherein the adjustment actuator includes:a housing; andan extendable actuation arm with a rotary drivable coupling element (53) at the end of the actuation arm, andwherein the coupling means and the rotary drivable coupling element are configured to couple with each other.
25. The inflow control system according to claim 24, wherein in the adjustable inflow control device, on the inside of the hollow cylindrical base body at least two support recesses adapted to engage with respective support arms are provided, wherein the at least two support recesses lie in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the hollow cylindrical base body, wherein in the adjustment actuator, the housing includes at least two laterally extendable support arms, and said support arms are extendable in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to the direction along which the adjustment actuator is inserted into a wellbore, wherein the at least two support recesses and the at least two extendable support arms are configured to engage with each other respectively.
26. An oilfield comprising at least one adjustable inflow control device according to claim 1.
27. A method for adjusting an adjustable inflow control device, the method comprising the following steps in the given order:providing an adjustable inflow control device according to claim 1 and an adjustment actuator that includes a housing and an extendable actuation arm with a rotary drivable coupling element at the end of the actuation arm;inserting the adjustment actuator into the hollow cylindrical base body of the adjustable inflow control device;coupling the coupling means and the rotary drivable coupling element with each other, anddriving the rotary drivable coupling element rotationally.