Adjustable Wellbore Flow Control with Movable Cover and Bung
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore flow control assemblies with a fixed number of autonomous inflow control devices (AICDs) are often insufficient or unsuitable for specific subterranean operations, requiring costly custom manufacturing for optimal flow regulation, and delays in shipping can lead to significant time and expense issues.
Innovation Solution
The system allows for the on-site insertion and removal of AICDs or blank devices into a wellbore pipe, enabling customizable flow regulation by using bungs with O-ring seals and movable covers to access and configure flow chambers, allowing for various AICD configurations to be used as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed number of AICDs are housed in a flow control assembly during manufacturing, then the assembly is ready for deployment, but it cannot be customized for specific operational needs without costly custom manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control assembly is segmented into modular components: a flow control body with multiple flow channels, individual AICD devices, and interchangeable end caps. This segmentation allows operators to configure the desired number of AICDs by assembling appropriate combinations of these modular components, eliminating the need for custom manufacturing of entire assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static, pre-configured flow control assembly to a dynamic, post-manufacturing configurable system. The interchangeable end caps and modular AICD arrangement enable the assembly to be adapted to different operational requirements after manufacturing, providing flexibility without custom production.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom flow control assemblies are manufactured to meet specific operational requirements, then optimal flow regulation is achieved, but significant time and expense are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control body is pre-manufactured with multiple flow channels and mounting positions for AICDs, along with interchangeable end caps. This preliminary preparation of modular components allows rapid post-manufacturing configuration to achieve optimal flow regulation without requiring time-consuming custom manufacturing of the entire assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized flow control body design with multiple flow channels and interchangeable end caps serves multiple functions and can be configured for different operational requirements. This universal design allows a single manufactured component to adapt to various flow regulation needs, eliminating the need for separate custom manufacturing for each application.
3Ease of manufacture
If the flow control assembly uses a standardized design with interchangeable components, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but ensuring equivalent pressure ratings may require robust construction
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-containing function is segmented and localized to specific components (flow control body and end caps) rather than requiring the entire assembly to be robust. This allows standardized manufacturing of components with appropriate pressure ratings while using simpler, less robust materials for non-pressure-critical portions of the assembly.
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
This approach enables flexible and efficient fluid flow management, reducing the need for custom manufacturing and minimizing delays, while maintaining equivalent injection pressure ratings with less robust construction, allowing operators to respond to changing conditions during subterranean operations.
Implementation Method 1
a bung arranged within at least one of the one or more orifices, the bung being configured to accept an insert therein
Data Source
AI summary
It is sometimes desirable to regulate fluid flow using autonomous inflow control devices (AICDs), but they are not readily configurable in the field. Wellbore systems providing adjustable flow control may comprise: a wellbore pipe having an interior space, an outer surface, and one or more orifices defined in the wellbore pipe and extending between the interior space and the outer surface; a flow control assembly fixedly coupled to the wellbore pipe and comprising one or more flow chambers defined on the outer surface of the wellbore pipe that are in fluid communication with the one or more orifices; a movable cover configured to provide access to the one or more flow chambers; and a bung arranged within at least one of the one or more orifices, the bung being configured to accept an insert therein, the insert being at least one of an AICD, a blank, or any combination thereof.