Adjustable Inflow Control Device with Movable Regulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inflow control devices (ICDs) for wellbores lack the ability to autonomously adjust flow rates and phase distribution, leading to issues like coning, excessive water or gas flow, and suboptimal hydrocarbon production due to fixed flow paths and insensitivity to fluid viscosity and density changes.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable inflow control device with a movable regulator that alters the flow path in response to downhole conditions, utilizing a Tesla profile and hydrodynamic forces to change the cross-sectional area and pressure drop, allowing for multiple flow control configurations and autonomous adjustment based on fluid properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional choke-type ICDs with fixed flow paths are used, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot autonomously adjust to changes in fluid viscosity and density, leading to suboptimal flow control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing a movable regulator that can change position in response to fluid flow conditions. The regulator transitions between different positions (e.g., retracted and extended) to dynamically adjust the flow path configuration, allowing the device to adapt to varying fluid properties without requiring complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through autonomous regulation mechanisms that respond automatically to fluid property changes. The regulator uses inherent fluid dynamic forces (such as pressure differential or flow-induced forces) to self-adjust its position, eliminating the need for external actuators or complex control systems while maintaining adaptability to changing conditions.
2Productivity
If fixed flow path ICDs are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but the device cannot provide multiple flow control configurations to optimize hydrocarbon production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the flow control function into distinct configurations. The regulator is segmented into positions that correspond to different flow control modes (e.g., tortuous flow, choke flow, fluidics flow), allowing each configuration to be optimized for specific production conditions while maintaining a unified device structure that simplifies manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality through a single regulator component that can assume multiple positions to provide different flow control configurations. This universal design allows one device to perform multiple functions (optimizing for different fluid properties and production stages) without requiring separate devices for each configuration, thereby maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ICDs are used, then the device is easier to operate, but it cannot autonomously reduce water flow or adjust phase distribution in response to changing downhole conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback through autonomous regulation mechanisms that respond to fluid flow conditions. The regulator position is automatically adjusted based on feedback from fluid dynamic forces (such as pressure differential or flow rate changes), enabling the device to autonomously control phase distribution and reduce water flow without requiring manual intervention or complex operational procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by designing the regulator to automatically adjust its position in response to changing fluid properties. The device uses inherent fluid dynamic forces to self-regulate phase distribution and water flow, eliminating the need for external control systems or manual operation while maintaining ease of use through automatic adaptation.
4Stress or pressure
If tortuous or helical flow paths are used, then pressure drop is increased, but the device becomes sensitive to fluid viscosity changes, reducing flow control reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a movable regulator that can transition between different flow path configurations. The regulator adjusts the flow path geometry dynamically in response to fluid viscosity changes, maintaining consistent pressure drop characteristics across varying fluid conditions. This prevents the reliability issues associated with fixed tortuous or helical paths that are overly sensitive to viscosity variations.
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 solution effectively regulates flow rates and phase distribution, reducing coning and optimizing hydrocarbon production by autonomously adjusting to changes in fluid viscosity, density, and phase, thereby improving wellbore operations.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a Tesla profile and hydrodynamic forces to change the cross-sectional area and pressure drop
Implementation Method 2
The flow path may be adapted to control flow of fluid between the outlet and the inlet
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable and fixed inflow control device is provided. According to one embodiment, the adjustable inflow control device comprises a set of flow path walls defining a flow path that extends from an inlet to an outlet. The inlet may be open to the outer surface of a tubular and the outlet may be fluidly connected to an inner diameter of the tubular. The flow path may be adapted to control flow of fluid between the outlet and the inlet. The inflow control device further comprises a movable regulator that is movable to alter the flow path. The movable regulator may be movable between a number of positions. The inflow control device may be modular.