Adjustable Pressure Differential Device for High-Pressure Wellbore Backpressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the context of wellbore operations, maintaining consistent backpressure during chemical injection is challenging, especially at high wellbore pressures and varying environmental conditions, as existing technologies fail to provide efficient in situ adjustment and high-pressure operation.
Innovation Solution
A pressure differential device with a fluid restricting member, comprising first and second sets of springs and gears, allows for adjustable backpressure settings, enabling consistent backpressure maintenance through hydraulic control, even in high-pressure environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing backpressure adjustment technologies are used, then backpressure control is possible, but in situ adjustment capability and high-pressure operation performance are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic backpressure adjustment mechanism where the restrictor element can be moved between multiple discrete positions along the flow path. Each position corresponds to a different restriction level, allowing the device to adapt to changing operational requirements while maintaining reliable backpressure control. The mechanism transitions from static to dynamic adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the restrictor element's position along the flow path to achieve different backpressure settings. By varying the restriction parameter (position of the restrictor element), the device can provide multiple discrete backpressure levels, enabling both adaptability and reliability in different operational conditions.
2Stress or pressure
If high wellbore pressures are operated, then production capacity is improved, but maintaining consistent backpressure becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow path into multiple sections with different restriction characteristics by providing multiple discrete positions for the restrictor element. This segmentation allows the system to handle high wellbore pressures while maintaining consistent backpressure by selecting the appropriate segment (position) that provides the required restriction level for the current operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional backpressure control device that can operate reliably across a wide range of wellbore pressures. The single device provides multiple functions by offering several discrete backpressure settings, making it universally applicable to different high-pressure production scenarios without requiring multiple specialized devices.
3Productivity
If chemical injection is performed, then wellbore maintenance is improved, but backpressure variation affects injection consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the restrictor element's position is adjusted based on the required backpressure level for consistent chemical injection. The system monitors injection conditions and adjusts the restriction accordingly, providing feedback control that maintains backpressure stability and ensures consistent chemical injection performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple discrete restrictor positions that correspond to different backpressure requirements. This allows the system to be proactively adjusted to anticipated injection conditions, ensuring backpressure stability is maintained before variations occur during chemical injection operations.
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 device ensures consistent chemical injection by allowing remote adjustment of backpressure, providing greater mechanical advantage and compactness, enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency in high-pressure, high-depth wellbore environments.
Implementation Method 1
a spring positioned within the body and having one end coupled to the fluid restricting member and the other end coupled to the gear
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a pressure differential device including: an inlet; an outlet; and a fluid restricting member fluidly associated with the inlet and the outlet, wherein the fluid restricting member is configured to provide a first backpressure at a first setting and a second plurality of backpressures at a plurality of second settings. In another aspect, a method to control backpressure including: providing a fluid line with an inlet fluid flow; supplying the inlet fluid flow into a pressure differential device; expelling an outlet fluid flow out of the pressure differential device; pressurizing the inlet fluid flow to a first backpressure at a first setting of the pressure differential device; pressurizing the inlet fluid flow to a second plurality of backpressures at a plurality of second settings of the pressure differential device.