Adaptive Fluid Switch Viscosity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous inflow control devices in hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean wells face limitations such as fatigue failure, intricate component failures, and lack of sensitivity to minor fluid property changes, making it difficult to control fluid flow rates as fluid compositions change over time without requiring well intervention.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive fluid switch with a self-impinging valve element that interprets fluid viscosity to select between low and high resistance flow paths, using a dissolvable plug to allow fluid flow and adjust resistance based on predetermined viscosity levels, enabling autonomous control of fluid production rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous inflow control devices with valve elements are used to control fluid flow rates, then the ability to respond to changing fluid properties is improved, but the risk of fatigue failure and component failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes biasing devices and complex valve mechanisms from the inflow control system. Instead of using mechanical components that can fatigue or fail, the invention extracts the essential function of flow control and achieves it through a simpler dissolvable plug mechanism that eliminates the problematic moving parts and biasing elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs a dissolvable plug as a temporary, disposable component that performs its flow control function and then dissolves away. This short-living object approach replaces durable but complex mechanical valve elements with a simple plug that is discarded (dissolved) after use, eliminating fatigue failure risks associated with reusable mechanical components.
2Measurement precision
If complex valve structures are used to achieve autonomous flow control, then the sensitivity to fluid property changes is improved, but the device complexity and risk of component failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential flow control function from complex valve structures and intricate components. By removing these complicated elements, the invention achieves autonomous flow control through a much simpler system that uses a dissolvable plug and basic flow path geometry, reducing device complexity while maintaining sensitivity to fluid properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention controls fluid flow by changing the physical-chemical parameters of the plug material (its solubility characteristics) rather than relying on complex mechanical adjustments. The plug's dissolution rate and properties are tuned to respond to specific fluid property changes, achieving measurement precision through material parameter selection rather than mechanical complexity.
3Productivity
If fixed flow control devices are installed in production tubing, then the initial flow rate control is achieved, but the ability to adapt to changing fluid compositions over time is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed flow control device into a dynamic system. The dissolvable plug provides initial flow control like a fixed device, but as it dissolves over time in response to changing fluid compositions, the flow characteristics dynamically change. This dynamic behavior enables adaptation to evolving reservoir conditions without requiring mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The dissolvable plug performs preliminary flow control action during the early production phase. As the well produces and fluid compositions change over time, the plug progressively dissolves, automatically adjusting the flow control. This preliminary action approach allows the system to handle changing conditions sequentially without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The adaptive fluid switch effectively regulates production rates by maximizing the flow of desired fluids and minimizing undesired fluids, even with minor changes in fluid properties, without the need for biasing devices or complex structures, ensuring efficient and continuous production.
Implementation Method 1
The dissolvable plug is operable to be dissolved by a dissolution solvent downhole to allow fluid flow through the self-impinging valve element
Implementation Method 2
a fluid control valve configured to interpret the viscosity of the fluid and determine whether the fluid is a selected fluid, such as oil, or a non-selected fluid, such as natural gas or water
Implementation Method 3
The valve element has a viscosity dominated flow path configured to provide a first flow resistance and an inertia dominated flow path configured to provide a second flow resistance
Implementation Method 4
The valve element has a viscosity dominated flow path configured to provide a first flow resistance and an inertia dominated flow path configured to provide a second flow resistance that is greater than the first flow resistance
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptive fluid switch for regulating the production rate of a fluid. The adaptive fluid switch includes a fluid control valve having a self-impinging valve element with at least one dissolvable plug configured to initially block fluid flow therethrough. After dissolution of the dissolvable plug and when the fluid produced through the adaptive fluid switch has a viscosity greater than a first predetermined level, the fluid follows a low resistance flow path in the self-impinging valve element but when the fluid has a viscosity less than a second predetermined level, the fluid follows a high resistance flow path in the self-impinging valve element, thereby regulating the production rate of the fluid responsive to changes in the viscosity of the fluid.