Water control and gas control apparatus, column and method

By combining the swirling chamber and nozzle outlet of the water and gas control device, the flow rate can be adjusted according to the fluid type, solving the problem of uneven fluid supply in horizontal well sections during deepwater oil and gas development, and achieving better flow control and oil production results.

WO2026086512A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-04-30PETROCHINA CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
PETROCHINA CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-09-18
Publication Date
2026-04-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In deepwater oil and gas development, uneven fluid supply profiles in horizontal well sections can lead to some horizontal sections contributing the majority of the fluid volume to the entire well, affecting well life and economic benefits. This is especially true in the presence of water bodies or gas caps, where the impact is even more severe. Furthermore, well repair and adjustment measures in offshore oilfields are difficult and costly.

Method used

The device employs a water and gas control system. By combining a swirling chamber and a nozzle outlet, it utilizes changes in fluid type and composition to generate different pressures on the annular pressure-sensitive cover and the central pressure-sensitive cover, thereby opening or closing the device, regulating the flow rate, and preventing bottom water or gas from overflowing.

Benefits of technology

It effectively regulates the flow rate at each oil production location, prevents bottom water or gas breakthrough, improves the control precision of the oil production process, reduces water flooding and gas channeling, and increases the scope of water and gas injection and development effect.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A water control and gas control apparatus, column and method. The water control and gas control apparatus comprises an outer cylinder, wherein a swirl cavity is formed within the outer cylinder, a plurality of inlet flow channels are arranged on an outer side wall of a first end of the outer cylinder, a nozzle outlet is arranged at the center of an end surface of a second end of the outer cylinder, an annular pressure-sensitive cover plate and a central pressure-sensitive cover plate are arranged within a conical cylinder, and a sealing cover cap is arranged outside the nozzle outlet. The central pressure-sensitive cover plate directly faces the nozzle outlet and is fixedly connected to the sealing cover cap by means of a connecting rod, and the annular pressure-sensitive cover plate surrounds the periphery of the central pressure-sensitive cover plate. The water control and gas control apparatus can cause a fluid to swirl within the swirl cavity according to the type of the fluid and composition changes, so as to generate different pressures on the annular pressure-sensitive cover plate and the central pressure-sensitive cover plate, such that the annular pressure-sensitive cover plate and the central pressure-sensitive cover plate move in the axial direction accordingly, in order to cause the water control and gas control apparatus to be in an open state or a closed state. The flow rate at a corresponding oil recovery position can be adjusted, effectively preventing bottom water or gas from breaking through.
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Description

Water and gas control devices, tubing and methods

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202411471631.1, filed on October 21, 2024, and incorporates the entire contents of the aforementioned patent application as part of this application. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to the field of oil and gas development technology, and in particular to a water and gas control device, tubing string and method. Background Technology

[0004] Deepwater oil and gas development is of great significance to the future development of oil and gas, and is the main arena for future oil and gas development. Due to the many advantages that vertical wells cannot match, horizontal wells are currently the primary means of developing thin-layer reservoirs, bottom-water reservoirs, fractured reservoirs, heavy oil reservoirs, and shallow and deep-water offshore reservoirs. However, due to the heterogeneity of reservoirs and the heel-toe effect of horizontal wells, the fluid supply profile in horizontal well sections is usually uneven, with a small portion of the horizontal section contributing the majority of the well's fluid volume. If water bodies or gas caps exist in the reservoir, this uneven fluid supply will severely affect the well's lifespan and economic efficiency. In offshore oilfields, well workover and adjustment measures are difficult and costly, making this impact even more severe. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a water and gas control device, tubing string and method that can regulate the flow rate at the corresponding oil production location and effectively prevent bottom water or gas breakthrough.

[0006] The objective of this disclosure can be achieved using the following technical solutions:

[0007] This disclosure provides a water and gas control device, including an outer cylinder with a swirling cavity formed inside. Multiple inlet channels for fluid inflow are circumferentially spaced along the outer wall of the first end of the outer cylinder, and these inlet channels communicate with the swirling cavity tangentially. A nozzle outlet is located at the center of the second end face of the outer cylinder. A portion of the outer cylinder near its second end is a tapered cylinder with a diameter gradually decreasing towards the nozzle outlet. An annular pressure-sensing cover plate and a central pressure-sensing cover plate, capable of axial elastic movement, are located within the tapered cylinder. A sealing cap is located outside the nozzle outlet. The central pressure-sensing cover plate is positioned opposite the nozzle outlet and fixed to the sealing cap via a connecting rod. The annular pressure-sensing cover plate surrounds the outer circumference of the central pressure-sensing cover plate. The water and gas control device can create a swirling flow within the swirling chamber based on the type and composition of the fluid, generating different pressures on the annular pressure-sensing cover plate and the central pressure-sensing cover plate. This causes the annular and central pressure-sensing cover plates to move axially accordingly, thus putting the water and gas control device into an open or closed state. When the water and gas control device is in the open state, there is an axial gap between the annular and central pressure-sensing cover plates on the outer cylinder, and a gap between the sealing cap and the nozzle outlet. When the water and gas control device is in the closed state, the annular pressure-sensing cover plate can be spliced ​​with the central pressure-sensing cover plate to form a sealing plate that fits against the inner wall of the conical cylinder, or the sealing cap can block the nozzle outlet.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, the central pressure-sensitive cover plate is connected to the inner wall of the conical cylinder via a plurality of first springs, and the annular pressure-sensitive cover plate is connected to the inner wall of the conical cylinder via a plurality of second springs, wherein the axes of the first springs and the second springs are parallel to the axis of the outer cylinder.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, the outer wall of the central pressure-sensing cover plate is a first outer conical surface whose diameter gradually expands towards the second end of the outer cylinder, the inner wall of the annular pressure-sensing cover plate is a first inner conical surface whose diameter gradually expands towards the second end of the outer cylinder, and the outer wall of the annular pressure-sensing cover plate is a second outer conical surface whose diameter gradually contracts towards the second end of the outer cylinder. The first outer conical surface can fit with the first inner conical surface, and the second outer conical surface can fit with the inner wall of the conical cylinder.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, a groove is formed on the side of the cap facing the nozzle outlet, and the groove wall is a second inner conical surface whose diameter gradually expands towards the second end of the outer cylinder, and the second inner conical surface can fit against the outer wall of the conical cylinder.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, a stop bar is further provided on the inner wall of the conical cylinder, the axis of the stop bar being parallel to the axis of the outer cylinder, and the central pressure-sensing cover plate being able to move toward the nozzle outlet and abut against the end of the stop bar.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, the outlet end of the inlet channel is a tapered opening with a diameter that gradually decreases towards the end.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, there are two inlet channels arranged in a centrally symmetrical manner with respect to the center of the outer cylinder.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, a central guide tube is further provided inside the swirling cavity, one end of which is fixedly connected to the first end face of the outer cylinder, and a guide plate is provided on the cylinder wall of the outer cylinder and located inside the swirling cavity.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment of this disclosure, the deflector is spiral-shaped, or the deflector comprises a plurality of arc-shaped plates arranged in a spiral shape.

[0016] This disclosure also provides a water and gas control tube string, including an oil pipe, a sand screen pipe sleeved outside the oil pipe, and a plurality of the above-mentioned water and gas control devices; the water and gas control devices are disposed in the annular space between the oil pipe and the sand screen pipe, and the axis of the outer cylinder is arranged radially along the oil pipe; a radial opening is provided on the oil pipe corresponding to the position of each water and gas control device, and the radial opening can communicate with the nozzle outlet of the corresponding water and gas control device.

[0017] This disclosure also provides a method for controlling water and gas, implemented using the aforementioned water and gas control tubing. The method includes:

[0018] Multiple water and gas control devices are installed in the annular space between the oil pipe and the sand screen pipe;

[0019] Lower the water and gas control string into the horizontal wellbore;

[0020] The fluid at each location in the formation passes through the sand control screen and the annular space in sequence, and then enters the vortex chamber through the inlet channel of the corresponding water and gas control device to form a vortex. Each water and gas control device can be in an open or closed state according to the type and composition of the fluid, so as to adjust the production flow rate at the location of the water and gas control device.

[0021] As described above, this disclosure enables the incoming fluid to form a swirling flow through the swirling chamber, and the combined effect of the nozzle outlet generates pressure loss, thereby reducing the production flow rate at the location of the water and gas control device. Simultaneously, depending on the type of fluid, the annular pressure-sensing cover and the central pressure-sensing cover can be subjected to different pressures and adaptively move axially. This ensures that the water and gas control device is closed when the fluid contains a high amount of water or gas, and open only when the water or gas content is low. This better mitigates the entry of water or gas into the tubing, allowing for better control of the oil production process. Applying multiple of these water and gas control devices to the oil production tubing string allows for better regulation of the flow rate at each production location, achieving uniform oil production, effectively preventing bottom water or gas breakthrough, and preventing premature water flooding and gas channeling in the oil well. This also increases the coverage area and development effect of water and gas injection. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The following figures are intended only to illustrate and explain this disclosure and do not limit the scope of this disclosure. Wherein:

[0023] Figure 1: A schematic diagram of the water and gas control device provided in this disclosure in the open state.

[0024] Figure 2: A schematic diagram of the water and gas control device provided in this disclosure in the closed state.

[0025] Figure 3: Another structural schematic diagram of the water and gas control device provided in this disclosure in the closed state.

[0026] Figure 4: A top view of the inlet flow channel arrangement in the water and gas control device provided in this disclosure.

[0027] Figure 5: A partial structural schematic diagram of the water and gas control tubing provided in this disclosure.

[0028] Reference numerals: 100, Water and gas control device; 1, Outer cylinder; 11, Swirl chamber; 12, Inlet flow channel; 121, Conical opening; 13, Nozzle outlet; 14, Conical cylinder; 15, Central guide cylinder; 16, Guide plate; 2, Annular pressure-sensing cover plate; 21, Second spring; 3, Central pressure-sensing cover plate; 31, First spring; 4, Sealing cap; 41, Groove; 5, Connecting rod; 6, Stop bar; 200, Oil pipe; 201, Radial opening; 300, Sand screen pipe; 400, Annular space. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To provide a clearer understanding of the technical features, objectives, and effects of this disclosure, specific embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, this application provides a water and gas control device 100, including an outer cylinder 1, a swirling cavity 11 formed inside the outer cylinder 1, and a plurality of inlet channels 12 for fluid inflow spaced circumferentially on the outer side wall of the first end of the outer cylinder 1, the inlet channels 12 being connected to the swirling cavity 11 along the tangential direction of the swirling cavity 11; a nozzle outlet 13 is provided at the center of the end face of the second end of the outer cylinder 1, and the part of the outer cylinder 1 near its second end is a conical cylinder 14 with a diameter gradually decreasing towards the nozzle outlet 13, an annular pressure-sensitive cover plate 2 and a central pressure-sensitive cover plate 3 that can move axially elastically are provided inside the conical cylinder 14, and a sealing cap 4 is provided outside the nozzle outlet 13; the central pressure-sensitive cover plate 3 is arranged opposite to the nozzle outlet 13 and is fixedly connected to the sealing cap 4 by a connecting rod 5, and the annular pressure-sensitive cover plate 2 surrounds the outer periphery of the central pressure-sensitive cover plate 3.

[0031] The water and gas control device 100 can generate different pressures on the annular pressure-sensing cover plate 2 and the central pressure-sensing cover plate 3 after the fluid forms a swirling flow in the swirling chamber 11 according to the type and composition of the fluid. This causes the annular pressure-sensing cover plate 2 and the central pressure-sensing cover plate 3 to move axially accordingly, thereby putting the water and gas control device 100 into an open or closed state. When the water and gas control device 100 is in the open state, there is a gap between the annular pressure-sensing cover plate 2 and the central pressure-sensing cover plate 3 in the axial direction of the outer cylinder 1, and there is a gap between the sealing cap 4 and the nozzle outlet 13. When the water and gas control device 100 is in the closed state, the annular pressure-sensing cover plate 2 can be spliced ​​with the central pressure-sensing cover plate 3 to form a sealing plate and fit against the inner wall of the conical cylinder 14, or the sealing cap 4 can block the nozzle outlet 13.

[0032] The fluid types mentioned above include single-phase oil flow, two-phase oil-water flow, single-phase water flow, two-phase oil-gas flow, and single-phase gas flow. The outer cylinder 1 is cylindrical, and the part near the second end is a conical cylinder 14. The small end of the conical cylinder 14 is also the nozzle outlet 13. After the fluid enters the swirling chamber 11 through the inlet flow channel 12, it can form a swirling flow in the swirling chamber 11. Due to the different densities of oil, water, and gas, the pressure generated on the pressure-sensing cover plate after the swirling flow is formed is water phase > oil phase > gas phase. This allows the annular pressure-sensing cover plate 2 and the central pressure-sensing cover plate 3 to move axially to different degrees. In the design (specifically by designing the gravity, length, and elasticity of each component, etc. of the springs described below), it should be ensured that the water and gas control device 100 is in the closed state when the water or gas content in the fluid exceeds the preset ratio, and in the open state when the water or gas content is low.

[0033] During oil production, fluid flow within the wellbore generates a pressure drop. The pressure difference between the wellbore and the external reservoir varies at different locations. Simultaneously, the reservoir itself is heterogeneous, leading to varying production flow rates at different locations. Locations with high production flow rates are prone to bottom water (or gas) breakthrough. The water and gas control device 100 in this embodiment addresses this problem. By recognizing and predicting the fluid types at various reservoir locations, multiple water and gas control devices 100 are strategically arranged on the tubing 200. The water and gas control device 100 utilizes the coordination of the swirling chamber 11 and the nozzle outlet 13 to create a certain pressure loss, thereby regulating the flow rate at each oil production location, achieving uniform oil production, and preventing bottom water (or gas) breakthrough. Simultaneously, the swirling flow within the swirling chamber 11 generates different pressures on each pressure-sensing cover plate, causing the cover plates to adaptively move axially. When there is a high concentration of water or gas in the fluid, the water and gas control device 100 can be closed, reducing the entry of water / gas into the tubing 200.

[0034] Therefore, the water and gas control device 100, through the swirling chamber 11, can cause the incoming fluid to form a swirling flow, and through the cooperation of the nozzle outlet 13, it can jointly generate pressure loss, thereby reducing the production flow rate at the location of the water and gas control device 100. Simultaneously, depending on the type of fluid, the annular pressure-sensing cover plate 2 and the central pressure-sensing cover plate 3 can be subjected to different pressures and adaptively move axially. This ensures that the water and gas control device 100 is in a closed state when the fluid contains a high amount of water or gas, and only in an open state when the water or gas content is low. This better slows down the entry of water or gas into the tubing 200, allowing for better control of the oil production process. When multiple water and gas control devices 100 are applied to the oil production tubing string, the flow rate at each oil production location can be better adjusted to achieve uniform oil production, effectively preventing bottom water or gas breakthrough, effectively preventing premature water flooding and gas channeling in the oil well, and increasing the coverage and development effect of water and gas injection.

[0035] In a specific implementation, in order for the central pressure-sensing cover plate 3 and the annular pressure-sensing cover plate 2 to move elastically according to the different fluid pressures, referring to Figure 1, the central pressure-sensing cover plate 3 is connected to the inner wall of the conical cylinder 14 through multiple first springs 31, and the annular pressure-sensing cover plate 2 is connected to the inner wall of the conical cylinder 14 through multiple second springs 21. The axes of the first springs 31 and the second springs 21 are both parallel to the axis of the outer cylinder 1.

[0036] Generally, multiple first springs 31 are arranged at uniform intervals around the circumference, and multiple second springs 21 are arranged at uniform intervals around the circumference.

[0037] In order to better seal the nozzle outlet 13, the outer wall of the central pressure-sensing cover plate 3 is a first outer conical surface with a diameter that gradually expands towards the second end of the outer cylinder 1, the inner wall of the annular pressure-sensing cover plate 2 is a first inner conical surface with a diameter that gradually expands towards the second end of the outer cylinder 1, and the outer wall of the annular pressure-sensing cover plate 2 is a second outer conical surface with a diameter that gradually contracts towards the second end of the outer cylinder 1. The first outer conical surface can fit with the first inner conical surface, and the second outer conical surface can fit with the inner wall of the conical cylinder 14.

[0038] In order to better seal the nozzle outlet 13, the sealing cap 4 has a groove 41 on the side facing the nozzle outlet 13. The groove wall of the groove 41 is a second inner conical surface with a diameter that gradually expands towards the second end of the outer cylinder 1. The second inner conical surface can fit against the outer wall of the conical cylinder 14.

[0039] In practical applications, a stop bar 6 is also provided on the inner wall of the conical cylinder 14. The axis of the stop bar 6 is parallel to the axis of the outer cylinder 1. The central pressure-sensing cover plate 3 can move toward the nozzle outlet 13 and abut against the end of the stop bar 6 to limit the movement position of the central pressure-sensing cover plate 3.

[0040] Furthermore, referring to Figure 4, the outlet end of the inlet channel 12 is a tapered opening 121 with a diameter that gradually narrows towards the end. Using a tapered inlet jet can enhance the swirling intensity.

[0041] The inlet channel 12 is configured with a tapered nozzle. Fluid enters the swirling chamber 11 tangentially through the tapered nozzle. The tapered nozzle causes the fluid to be ejected outward, forming a jet, which increases the outward ejection speed and strengthens the swirling intensity. Increased swirling intensity enhances the centrifugal force of oil-water and oil-gas mixtures. Fluids with higher density tend to flow more readily to the surrounding areas, while fluids with lower density tend to concentrate towards the center. This improves the separation efficiency of oil-water and oil-gas mixtures, ensuring effective separation between different fluids. Consequently, different forces are applied to the central pressure-sensing cover 3 and the annular pressure-sensing cover 2, improving the control accuracy of the water and gas control device 100. The tapered inlet jet enhances the swirling intensity.

[0042] The number of inlet channels 12 is determined as needed. In this embodiment, it is preferred that there are two inlet channels 12, which are arranged in a centrally symmetrical manner with respect to the center of the outer cylinder 1.

[0043] To further enhance the swirling intensity of the fluid, referring to Figure 1, a central guide tube 15 is also provided inside the swirling cavity 11. One end of the central guide tube 15 is fixedly connected to the first end face of the outer cylinder 1. A guide plate 16 is provided on the cylinder wall of the outer cylinder 1, located inside the swirling cavity 11. The guide plate 16 is spiral-shaped, or the guide plate 16 includes multiple arc-shaped plates arranged in a spiral shape. By setting the central guide tube 15 and the guide plate 16, the fluid can be directed away from the central region when it initially enters the swirling cavity 11, while the guide plate 16 enhances the tangential velocity. The combination of these two features strengthens the swirling intensity of the fluid and prevents the fluid from flowing directly to the outlet. Furthermore, the stronger swirling can bring greater centrifugal force, promoting the separation of oil and water, and oil and gas.

[0044] Furthermore, referring to FIG5, this application also provides a water and gas control tubing, including an oil pipe 200, a sand screen pipe 300 sleeved outside the oil pipe 200, and a plurality of the aforementioned water and gas control devices 100; the water and gas control devices 100 are disposed in the annular space 400 between the oil pipe 200 and the sand screen pipe 300, and the axis of the outer cylinder 1 is arranged radially along the oil pipe 200; a radial opening 201 is provided on the oil pipe 200 corresponding to the position of each water and gas control device 100, and the radial opening 201 can communicate with the nozzle outlet 13 of the corresponding water and gas control device 100.

[0045] Furthermore, this application also provides a water and gas control method, implemented using the aforementioned water and gas control tubing, the water and gas control method comprising:

[0046] Multiple water and gas control devices 100 are installed in the annular space 400 between the oil pipe 200 and the sand screen pipe 300;

[0047] Lower the water and gas control string into the horizontal wellbore;

[0048] Fluids at various locations in the formation pass sequentially through the sand control screen 300 and the annular space 400, and then enter the vortex chamber 11 through the inlet channel 12 of the corresponding water and gas control device 100 to form a vortex. Each water and gas control device 100 can be in an open or closed state according to the type and composition of the fluid, so as to adjust the production flow rate at the location of the water and gas control device 100.

[0049] The tubing and method employ the aforementioned water and gas control device 100, and have the same advantages.

[0050] To better understand the working principle and effect of the aforementioned water and gas control device 100, the working principle and effect are described in detail below:

[0051] The entire device and tubing control oil production mainly in two ways: First, the swirling chamber 11 of the water and gas control device 100 forms a swirling flow, which, together with the nozzle outlet 13, generates pressure loss. The number of water and gas control devices 100 at different locations is arranged in combination with reservoir information to achieve uniform oil production. Second, the pressure sensing plates in the water and gas control device 100 are used to adaptively move the pressure sensor, and automatic shut-off can be achieved for fluids with high water and gas content.

[0052] Regarding the second aspect mentioned above, the water and gas control device 100 uses a swirling flow method to separate the oil-water and oil-gas two-phase flows. It uses a central pressure-sensing cover plate 3, an annular pressure-sensing cover plate 2, and a sealing cap 4 to sense fluid pressure and determine the fluid type. When a large amount of water and gas is present, it automatically closes. The working process is as follows: fluid enters the swirling chamber 11 through each inlet channel 12, generating swirling flow. The central guide tube 15 and guide plate 16 guide the fluid to further enhance the swirling intensity. The swirling fluid moves downwards, generating impact and pressure on the central pressure-sensing cover plate 3 and the annular pressure-sensing cover plate 2, causing the water and gas control device 100 to be in an open or closed state. When in the open state, the fluid is finally ejected outwards through the nozzle outlet 13 at the bottom of the swirling chamber 11.

[0053] The working principle is as follows for different types of fluids:

[0054] For the working condition where the fluid corresponding to the location of the water and gas control device 100 is a single-phase oil flow: the single-phase oil flow enters through each inlet channel 12 and swirls under the action of the central guide cylinder 15 and the guide plate 16. During the swirling motion, the pressure of the outer fluid is slightly greater than that of the inner fluid (this pressure can be simulated based on the flow rate and the properties of crude oil). Based on the pressure of the two and the weight of the components, the elastic force of the first spring 31 and the second spring 21 is set so that the central pressure-sensing cover plate 3 and the annular pressure-sensing cover plate 2 can be in the position shown in Figure 1, that is, the water and gas control device 100 is in the open state. At this time, there is a gap between the annular pressure-sensing cover plate 2 and the central pressure-sensing cover plate 3 in the axial direction of the outer cylinder 1, and the annular pressure-sensing cover plate 2 does not contact the inner wall of the conical cylinder 14.

[0055] When the fluid at the location of the water and gas control device 100 is an oil-water two-phase flow with a high water content: each inlet channel 12 causes the fluid to swirl along the inner wall of the swirling cavity 11. The central guide cylinder 15 and the guide plate 16 enhance the swirling intensity. Under the action of centrifugal force, the water phase flows towards the wall, and the oil phase flows towards the center of the swirling cavity 11. The pressure and impact force of the water phase on the annular pressure-sensing cover plate 2 increase. The annular pressure-sensing cover plate 2 moves downward (i.e., moves towards the nozzle outlet 13, i.e., moves towards the second end of the outer cylinder 1), causing the water and gas control device 100 to close, as shown in Figure 2.

[0056] For the working condition where the fluid corresponding to the location of the water and gas control device 100 is an oil-gas two-phase flow with a high gas content: each inlet channel 12 causes the fluid to swirl along the inner wall of the swirling cavity 11. The central guide cylinder 15 and the guide plate 16 enhance the swirling intensity. Under the action of centrifugal force, the oil phase flows towards the wall, and the gas phase flows towards the center of the swirling cavity 11. The pressure and impact force of the gas phase on the central pressure-sensing cover plate 3 decreases. The central pressure-sensing cover plate 3 drives the connecting rod 5 and the sealing cap 4 to move upward (i.e., move towards the first end of the outer cylinder 1). The sealing cap 4 seals the bottom outlet of the swirling cavity 11 (i.e., the nozzle outlet 13), causing the water and gas control device 100 to close, as shown in Figure 3.

[0057] For the working condition where the fluid corresponding to the location of the water and gas control device 100 is a single-phase water flow: the pressure and impact force of the water relative to the central pressure-sensing cover plate 3 and the annular pressure-sensing cover plate 2 both increase, and the central pressure-sensing cover plate 3 and the annular pressure-sensing cover plate 2 both move downward. Under the interception of the stop bar 6, the central pressure-sensing cover plate 3 cannot move downward. The central pressure-sensing cover plate 3 and the annular pressure-sensing cover plate 2 will be spliced ​​together to form a sealing plate and close the nozzle outlet 13. The water and gas control device 100 is in the closed state, as shown in Figure 2.

[0058] For the working condition where the fluid corresponding to the location of the water and gas control device 100 is a single-phase gas flow: the pressure and impact force of the gas relative to the central pressure-sensing cover plate 3 and the annular pressure-sensing cover plate 2 are reduced, and the central pressure-sensing cover plate 3 and the annular pressure-sensing cover plate 2 move upward, closing the bottom outlet (i.e., nozzle outlet 13) of the swirling cavity 11 with the cap 4, causing the water and gas control device 100 to close, as shown in Figure 3.

[0059] It is understandable that the pressure loss generated by the water and gas control device 100 is related to the reservoir characteristics. The location of the water and gas control device 100 varies in different reservoirs. The specific location and number of devices should be determined according to the specific situation. For example, in areas with high flow rates, more water and gas control devices 100 are installed because they can cause pressure loss and reduce the flow rate. In areas with low flow rates, fewer water and gas control devices 100 are installed, and the flow rate changes are smaller. Thus, by coordinating the various water and gas control devices 100, the flow rate at each location can be adjusted to be uniform, thereby mitigating bottom water (or gas) breakthrough.

[0060] When the fluid corresponding to the water and gas control device 100 is oil-only, the device is in the open state. After the fluid forms a vortex in the vortex chamber 11, it can enter the tubing 200 through the nozzle outlet 13 and the corresponding radial port 201. When the fluid corresponding to the water and gas control device 100 is oil-water two-phase flow (water content exceeds a preset ratio) or water-only flow, the annular pressure-sensing cover 2 can move towards the nozzle outlet 13 and connect with the central pressure-sensing cover 3 to form a sealing plate, thereby closing the water and gas control device 100. When the fluid corresponding to the water and gas control device 100 is oil-gas two-phase flow (gas content exceeds a preset ratio) or gas-only flow, the central pressure-sensing cover 3 can drive the sealing cap 4 to move towards the nozzle outlet 13, thereby closing the water and gas control device 100. For oil-water two-phase flow or oil-gas two-phase flow, the specific water or gas content exceeding a preset ratio to open the device can be determined according to the oil well production cycle and actual conditions.

[0061] Furthermore, the water and gas control device 100 is not permanently closed when it is in the closed state. Because the fluid in the vortex chamber 11 stops flowing after closure, the device will reopen when the fluid stops flowing. Since the fluid in the reservoir is constantly flowing and adjusting, the ratio of water (gas) to oil is also constantly changing. Therefore, if the fluid at that location contains little water or gas, it will remain open, allowing a small amount of water / gas to enter the oil pipe 200. If the fluid at that location contains a lot of water or gas, it will close again. After closing, the flow rate decreases, the bottom water level drops, and the bottom water (gas) breakthrough phenomenon weakens. When the water level decreases, the water and gas control device 100 reopens. This is a continuous adjustment process. By continuously adjusting and opening and closing the water and gas control device 100, the entry of water or gas into the oil pipe 200 can be slowed down, and the amount of water or gas entering the oil pipe 200 can be reduced.

[0062] In summary, the water and gas control device 100 uses a swirling flow method to separate the oil-water and oil-gas two-phase flows. It utilizes the pressure drop of the swirling flow to regulate the flow rate. The device, with its swirling chamber 11 and nozzle outlet 13 configuration, induces a certain pressure loss within the device, reducing the production flow rate and minimizing the amount of water or gas entering the oil pipe 200. By adjusting the number of water and gas control devices 100 at different locations based on reservoir information, uniform oil production can be achieved. Simultaneously, movable components (i.e., an axially movable central pressure-sensing cover 3, annular pressure-sensing cover 2, and a sealing cap 4) allow the device to automatically close when the fluid at the location of the device contains high levels of water and gas, further reducing the amount of water or gas entering the oil pipe 200 and effectively controlling water and gas flow; it also effectively prevents bottom water (gas) breakthrough. Furthermore, after oil-gas and oil-water separation, the increased pressure difference between the center and the external fluid of the swirling chamber 11 makes it easier for the movable components to sense and identify the fluid type, improving the accuracy of water and gas control.

[0063] Furthermore, when the aforementioned water and gas control device 100 is applied to water and gas control in deepwater oilfield wells, due to the existence of reservoir heterogeneity and the pressure drop caused by multiphase flow in the horizontal wellbore, the water / gas breakthrough situation varies at different locations within the horizontal wellbore. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the number and location of the water and gas control devices 100 to achieve the optimal development effect. In one embodiment, a surrogate optimization method is used to optimize the deployment parameters of the water and gas control devices 100. The following are the specific steps used to implement the surrogate optimization algorithm of training while sampling:

[0064] S1. Determine the parameters to be optimized.

[0065] The parameters to be optimized are the number of water and gas control devices 100 (n), the distance of the first water and gas control device from the horizontal wellhead, the distance between the second water and gas control device and the first water and gas control device, the distance between the nth water and gas control device and the (n-1)th water and gas control device, and a total of n optimization parameters.

[0066] S2. Establish a surrogate model based on numerical simulation.

[0067] Based on the geological characteristics, reservoir features, and wellbore structure parameters of the target reservoir, a corresponding numerical simulation model of the reservoir is constructed as a proxy model for predicting the production effect of deepwater oilfield wells.

[0068] Specifically, an existing reservoir numerical simulator is used, and these parameters are set in the reservoir numerical simulator to generate a reservoir numerical simulation model.

[0069] S3. Initialization and Sampling Phase

[0070] By randomly sampling the number and distance of water and gas control devices 100, a dataset is generated for preliminary training and evaluation. Based on the sampling results, the water and gas control devices 100 are set in the aforementioned reservoir numerical simulation model, and the reservoir numerical simulation model calculation process is run (i.e., calculation is performed using a reservoir numerical simulator, with mass conservation equations, motion equations, boundary conditions, horizontal wellbore flow equations, and functional equations of the water and gas control devices coupled in the simulator kernel algorithm), generating development results.

[0071] Specifically, a dataset containing a random number and spacing of initial water and gas control devices 100 is generated. For example, this could include 10 devices 100 spaced 100m apart, 5 devices 100 spaced 200m apart, or combinations with non-equidistant spacing. The corresponding number and spacing of these devices are then deployed on horizontal wells in a reservoir numerical simulation model. The reservoir numerical simulation model is then used to calculate each combination, with the corresponding formulas nested within the model's kernel algorithm to obtain the cumulative oil production under each scenario. The deployment parameters of the water and gas control devices 100 serve as input parameters in the initial training set, while the cumulative oil production serves as the output parameter.

[0072] S4. Establishing Agent Optimization Methods

[0073] By associating the particle swarm optimization algorithm with the reservoir numerical simulation model, the surrogate optimization algorithm can call the results of the reservoir numerical simulation model and use the particle swarm optimization algorithm to find the current optimal combination of parameters to be optimized.

[0074] Specifically, the PYTHON language can be used to call the reservoir numerical simulator and statistically analyze the calculation results. The reservoir numerical simulator generates calculation result files, and the calculation results of multiple schemes are statistically analyzed into EXCEL using the PYTHON language. A proxy optimization model, such as a multivariate nonlinear regression model, is established, and then the particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to find the ICD deployment parameter combination that results in a larger cumulative oil production.

[0075] The basic process of the particle swarm optimization algorithm includes:

[0076] Step 1: Initialize a group of random particles, including their positions and velocities;

[0077] Step 2: Evaluate the fitness of each particle;

[0078] Step 3: Update the individual extreme value pBest for each particle;

[0079] Step 4: Update the global extreme value gBest;

[0080] Step 5: Adjust the speed and position of the particles according to the preset formula.

[0081] Step 6: Repeat steps 2-5 until the termination condition is met, such as the maximum number of iterations or the fitness threshold.

[0082] S5. Implementation of Training-while-Sampling

[0083] In the next iteration, based on the above optimization results, the parameter combinations to be optimized are sampled again, and the reservoir numerical simulation model is called again to generate a new round of development results. This process is repeated until the recovery rate objective function no longer increases or reaches a preset limit value, at which point the process stops. This determines the number and deployment location of the water and gas control devices 100.

[0084] The method described above is used to determine the number and location of 100 water and gas control devices. Compared with existing methods that usually rely on experience or exhaustive numerical simulation calculations, which are time-consuming, laborious, inaccurate, and inefficient, this embodiment uses a proxy optimization algorithm to achieve intelligent, automatic, and rapid optimization of the deployment parameters of the 100 water and gas control devices, greatly improving work efficiency and optimization accuracy.

[0085] The above are merely illustrative embodiments of this disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Any equivalent changes and modifications made by those skilled in the art without departing from the concept and principles of this disclosure shall fall within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A water and gas control device, characterized in that, Includes an outer cylinder, inside which a swirling cavity is formed. The outer wall of the first end of the outer cylinder is provided with a plurality of inlet channels spaced apart circumferentially for fluid to flow in. The inlet channels are connected to the swirling cavity along the tangential direction of the swirling cavity. The outer cylinder has a nozzle outlet at the center of its second end face. The portion of the outer cylinder near its second end is a tapered cylinder with a diameter that gradually decreases towards the nozzle outlet. Inside the tapered cylinder are an annular pressure-sensitive cover plate and a central pressure-sensitive cover plate that can move elastically in the axial direction. A sealing cap is provided outside the nozzle outlet. The central pressure-sensitive cover plate is arranged opposite to the nozzle outlet and is fixedly connected to the sealing cap by a connecting rod. The annular pressure-sensitive cover plate surrounds the outer periphery of the central pressure-sensitive cover plate. The water and gas control device can cause the fluid to swirl within the swirling chamber according to changes in the type and composition of the fluid, generating different pressures on the annular pressure-sensing cover and the central pressure-sensing cover. This causes the annular pressure-sensing cover and the central pressure-sensing cover to move axially accordingly, thereby putting the water and gas control device in an open or closed state. When the water and gas control device is in the open state, the annular pressure-sensing cover and the central pressure-sensing cover are spaced apart axially in the outer cylinder, and there is a gap between the sealing cap and the nozzle outlet. When the water and gas control device is in the closed state, the annular pressure-sensing cover can be spliced ​​with the central pressure-sensing cover to form a sealing plate and fit against the inner wall of the conical cylinder, or the sealing cap can block the nozzle outlet.

2. The water and gas control device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The central pressure-sensitive cover plate is connected to the inner wall of the conical cylinder via multiple first springs, and the annular pressure-sensitive cover plate is connected to the inner wall of the conical cylinder via multiple second springs. The axes of the first springs and the second springs are both parallel to the axis of the outer cylinder.

3. The water and gas control device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outer wall of the central pressure-sensing cover plate is a first outer conical surface whose diameter gradually expands towards the second end of the outer cylinder. The inner wall of the annular pressure-sensing cover plate is a first inner conical surface whose diameter gradually expands towards the second end of the outer cylinder. The outer wall of the annular pressure-sensing cover plate is a second outer conical surface whose diameter gradually contracts towards the second end of the outer cylinder. The first outer conical surface can fit into the first inner conical surface, and the second outer conical surface can fit into the inner wall of the conical cylinder.

4. The water and gas control device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sealed cap has a groove on the side facing the nozzle outlet. The groove wall is a second inner conical surface with a diameter that gradually expands towards the second end of the outer cylinder. The second inner conical surface can fit against the outer wall of the conical cylinder.

5. The water and gas control device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A stop bar is also provided on the inner wall of the conical cylinder. The axis of the stop bar is parallel to the axis of the outer cylinder. The central pressure-sensing cover plate can move toward the nozzle outlet and abut against the end of the stop bar.

6. The water and gas control device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The outlet end of the inlet channel is a tapered opening with a diameter that gradually narrows towards the end.

7. The water-controlled gas device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The number of inlet channels is two, and they are arranged in a centrally symmetrical manner with respect to the center of the outer cylinder.

8. The water and gas control device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A central guide tube is also provided inside the swirling cavity. One end of the central guide tube is fixedly connected to the first end face of the outer cylinder. A guide plate is provided on the cylinder wall of the outer cylinder and located inside the swirling cavity.

9. The water and gas control device as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The guide plate is spiral-shaped, or the guide plate comprises multiple arc-shaped plates arranged in a spiral shape.

10. A water and gas control tubing column, characterized in that, It includes an oil pipe, a sand screen pipe sleeved outside the oil pipe, and a plurality of water and gas control devices as described in any one of claims 1-9; The water and gas control device is located in the annular space between the oil pipe and the sand screen pipe, and the axis of the outer cylinder is arranged radially along the oil pipe; a radial opening is provided on the oil pipe corresponding to the position of each water and gas control device, and the radial opening can communicate with the nozzle outlet of the corresponding water and gas control device.

11. A method for controlling water and gas, characterized in that, The method is implemented using the water and gas control tubing as described in claim 10, wherein the water and gas control method includes: Multiple water and gas control devices are installed in the annular space between the oil pipe and the sand screen pipe; The water and gas control string is lowered into the horizontal wellbore. Fluids at various locations in the formation pass sequentially through the sand control screen and the annular space, and then enter the vortex chamber through the inlet channel of the corresponding water and gas control device to form a vortex. Each water and gas control device can be in an open or closed state according to the type and composition of the fluid, so as to adjust the production flow rate at the location of the water and gas control device.

Citation Information

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