Adjustable Flow Control Wellbore System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore systems with autonomous inflow control devices (AICDs) lack the ability to be modified in the field to adapt to changing conditions, requiring costly custom manufacturing or stockpiled assemblies that may not suit actual well conditions, leading to inefficiencies and delays.
Innovation Solution
The system allows for on-site modification of existing flow control assemblies by accessing and occluding flow pathways to AICDs, using plugs to adjust fluid flow, enabling customization without significant design changes, allowing for tailored flow regulation based on downhole conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a set number of AICDs are housed in a flow control assembly, then flow regulation is achieved, but the system cannot be modified in the field to adapt to changing conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control assembly is segmented into modular components, with individual AICDs that can be independently accessed and modified. Each AICD can be selectively occluded or adjusted without affecting the entire assembly, enabling field modifications while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable configuration. Movable components such as plugs or occlusion devices allow the flow control characteristics to be changed in the field, providing adaptability to changing well conditions without requiring complete replacement of the assembly.
2Reliability
If custom flow control assemblies are manufactured to meet specific well conditions, then optimal flow regulation is achieved, but manufacturing costs and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control assembly is manufactured with pre-installed AICDs and modular components that can be selectively activated or occluded in the field. This preliminary configuration allows the assembly to be deployed quickly without custom manufacturing, while still enabling optimization later through simple field modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for changing operational parameters (such as flow resistance characteristics) by deploying different configurations of existing AICDs or by inserting occlusion devices, rather than manufacturing custom assemblies with different parameters. This enables adaptation to changing conditions through parameter adjustment rather than physical replacement.
3Reliability
If the number of AICDs is increased to provide better flow control, then flow regulation capability improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each AICD in the assembly is designed to perform multiple functions or to be used in different configurations. The same basic AICD component can serve different flow control purposes depending on its position and configuration, reducing the need for numerous specialized components while maintaining comprehensive flow regulation capability.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective adaptation of flow control assemblies to meet specific well conditions, reducing production costs and enabling proactive responses to changing conditions without the need for custom manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
the inlet (66) configured to accept a plug (70, 80, 124) to occlude fluid flow into the flow chamber (58)
Data Source
AI summary
It is sometimes desirable to differentially regulate fluid flow in a subterranean formation using autonomous inflow control devices (AICDs), but they are not readily configurable in the field at present. Wellbore systems providing adjustable flow control may comprise: a wellbore pipe having a flow control assembly fixedly coupled thereto, the wellbore pipe having an interior space, an outer surface, and one or more AICDs establishing a fluid connection between the interior space and the outer surface of the wellbore pipe, and the flow control assembly comprising one or more flow chambers defined on the outer surface about the one or more AICDs, one or more inlets being fluidly connected to the one or more flow chambers; wherein the one or more inlets are configured to accept a plug for occluding fluid flow therethrough, so as to limit access of a fluid to an entry location of the AICDs.