Adjustable Flow Control Devices for Wellbore Inflow Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Differences in permeability of formation zones surrounding a wellbore and changes over time reduce the efficiency of hydrocarbon production and fluid recovery, leading to uneven inflow distribution and reduced well performance.
Innovation Solution
A system and methodology that utilize a tubing string with adjustable flow control devices, where an injection fluid is pumped to adjust the flow areas of these devices based on permeability characteristics, optimizing the distribution of production fluids by setting flow restrictions dynamically in response to injection flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed flow control devices are used in the tubing string, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to formation permeability changes and inflow distribution efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable flow control devices that can dynamically modify their flow areas in response to formation conditions. The devices transition from fixed to adjustable configurations, allowing real-time adaptation to permeability changes and inflow distribution requirements, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control devices utilize adjustable parameters (flow areas) that can be modified based on formation permeability characteristics. By changing the flow area parameter in response to measured injection flows and formation conditions, the system achieves adaptability without requiring complete system redesign, thus managing device complexity while improving versatility
2Productivity
If injection fluid is pumped to adjust flow areas of flow control devices, then the inflow distribution efficiency is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary injection of fluid to measure formation permeability characteristics before adjusting the flow control devices. This preliminary action allows the devices to be pre-configured optimally before production, improving inflow distribution efficiency while minimizing ongoing energy requirements for adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control devices are designed to automatically adjust their flow areas based on measured injection flows and formation conditions, reducing the need for continuous external energy input. The system uses the formation's own characteristics to drive the adjustment process, thereby improving productivity while limiting additional energy consumption
3Measurement precision
If flow control devices are adjusted based on injection flow, then the measurement precision of formation permeability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where injection flow measurements are used to inform adjustments of the flow control devices. By measuring injection flows and using this information to adjust device settings, the system achieves precise measurement of formation permeability characteristics while managing complexity through targeted, measurement-driven adjustments rather than continuous complex control
Data Source
AI summary
A technique facilitates a more desirable inflow distribution of fluid along a tubing string deployed in a wellbore. The technique comprises providing a tubing string with a plurality of flow control devices and conveying the tubing string downhole into the wellbore. An injection fluid is pumped down along an interior of the tubing string and out through the plurality of flow control devices for entry into the surrounding formation. Based on a function of this injection flow, the flow areas of the flow control devices are adjusted to improve the subsequent distribution of inflowing fluids. The injection and the subsequent adjustment of flow areas as a function of the injection flow through each flow control device may be repeated for continued improvement, e.g. continued optimization, of the inflow distribution.