Adjustable Inflow Control Device for Uniform Well Fluid Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inflow control devices in well fluid production systems face challenges in achieving uniform flow distribution due to non-uniform pressure drop across sandscreen assemblies, leading to production problems.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable inflow control device with multiple states, including a gravel pack state, choked state, and closed state, which can be adjusted using a shifting tool to regulate flow resistance and momentum changes, ensuring a more uniform flow distribution by employing a tubular housing with a coil spring or spinner flow discs to manage fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If conventional flow control devices (chokes) are disposed along the sandscreen assembly to counteract non-uniform pressure distribution, then flow distribution uniformity is improved, but device complexity and operational inflexibility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inflow control device incorporates adjustable flow resistance elements that can be modified downhole without retrieving the entire assembly. The device transitions from a static choke to a dynamic system where flow resistance can be changed in response to varying production conditions, maintaining flow distribution uniformity while adapting to changing reservoir characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables changing of flow resistance parameters downhole through mechanical adjustment mechanisms. By allowing parameter changes after installation, the system can respond to non-uniform pressure distribution issues and production problems without requiring complete assembly retrieval and replacement
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple flow control devices with different flow resistances are disposed along the sandscreen assembly, then flow distribution uniformity is improved, but device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inflow control device is divided into multiple independently adjustable flow resistance elements disposed at different locations along the sandscreen assembly. Each segment can be adjusted individually to address local flow distribution issues, allowing precise control without requiring a complex array of fixed chokes
Solution Approach 2:
The device integrates multiple flow control functions into a single adjustable assembly. Rather than requiring separate fixed chokes at each location, one multi-functional device with multiple adjustable elements can perform flow regulation throughout the entire sandscreen assembly, reducing overall system complexity
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed flow resistance devices are used to counteract non-uniform pressure drop, then initial flow distribution is improved, but ability to respond to changing production conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inflow control device incorporates adjustable flow resistance elements that can be modified downhole without retrieving the entire assembly. The device transitions from a static choke to a dynamic system where flow resistance can be changed in response to varying production conditions, maintaining flow distribution uniformity while adapting to changing reservoir characteristics
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 adjustable inflow control device effectively addresses non-uniform flow distribution issues by allowing for real-time adjustments of flow resistance and momentum changes, enhancing the uniformity of well fluid flow and improving production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an adjustable inflow control device with multiple states, including a gravel pack state, choked state, and closed state, which can be adjusted using a shifting tool to regulate flow resistance and momentum changes
Data Source
AI summary
A system that is usable with a well includes a tubular member and an inflow control device. The screen receives a well fluid flow, and the tubular member has a well fluid communication passageway. The inflow control device changes a momentum of the well fluid flow and/or introduces a flow resistance to regulate a pressure of the well fluid. The number of momentum changes and/or the flow resistance may be changed while the inflow control device is deployed downhole in the well.