Externally Adjustable Inflow Control Device Plugs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflow control devices for subterranean wells lack convenient and quick adjustability for fluid flow restriction, requiring disassembly for access to adjustment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A flow regulating system with externally accessible openings and plugs/closures that allow for variable fluid flow restriction without disassembling the housing, using tubular structures and plugs/closures aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal axis for easy installation and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the housing is designed with internal openings for plug installation, then flow restriction adjustability is achieved, but device complexity increases due to disassembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into multiple sections with openings formed through specific walls (first wall, second wall, third wall) rather than requiring complete disassembly. This allows selective access to different flow paths through the housing walls, simplifying the adjustment operation while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Openings are formed through the walls of the housing in directions perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, allowing access from the external environment directly to the interior openings. This dimensional change eliminates the need for disassembly while maintaining flow restriction control capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple openings are formed in the housing for flow control, then flow restriction capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple sections with openings formed through specific walls (first wall, second wall, third wall). Each opening can be independently formed and accessed, allowing modular manufacturing and assembly while maintaining flow control flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The openings are pre-formed through the housing walls during manufacturing, with alignment features (such as alignment holes and alignment pins) built into the housing structure. This preliminary preparation simplifies the final assembly process and ensures proper positioning of plugs without requiring complex post-manufacturing adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow regulating system can include multiple flow restrictors, at least one of which selectively restricts flow between an interior of a tubular string and an external annulus, a plug which prevents flow through a respective one of the flow restrictors, the plug being aligned substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the flow restrictor. A method of variably restricting fluid flow in a well can include installing one or more plugs in selected one(s) of multiple openings in a housing, each installed plug preventing fluid flow through a respective flow restrictor, and externally accessing the openings, without removing any cover. An externally adjustable inflow control device can include a housing having multiple openings, multiple flow restrictors, a plug in selected one(s) of the openings, each plug preventing fluid flow through a respective flow restrictor, and each plug being externally accessible, without removal of any cover.