AICD Gas Separation for ESP Pumping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid flow control devices in wellbore systems face challenges in selectively producing oil while minimizing gas and water production, as the ratio of fluid components changes over time, leading to inefficiencies in fluid control.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates an autonomous inflow control device (AICD) in fluid communication with an electric submersible pump (ESP), which uses float members and centrifugal forces to differentiate between liquid and gas, venting gas through a bypass stream and preventing gas locking, while allowing liquids to flow through, thus optimizing fluid separation and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fluid flow control devices are used in wellbore systems, then fluid production can be maintained, but the ability to selectively produce oil while minimizing gas and water production deteriorates as fluid component ratios change over time
Solution Approach 1:
The AICD device utilizes changes in fluid density (a physical parameter) to automatically differentiate between gas and liquid phases. As the fluid component ratio changes in the wellbore, the density-based separation mechanism adapts to maintain selective production, allowing the system to respond dynamically without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous inflow control device performs self-regulation by automatically separating gas and liquid based on density differences. The system serves itself by using the inherent physical properties of the fluids to control flow distribution, eliminating the need for external control systems or manual adjustment as fluid compositions change.
2Productivity
If gas is allowed to flow through the ESP, then continuous fluid production can be maintained, but gas locking occurs which deteriorates pump performance
Solution Approach 1:
The AICD device segments the fluid flow into separate gas and liquid pathways. By dividing the single flow stream into distinct phases, the device allows continuous overall production while preventing gas from entering the ESP, thereby maintaining pump reliability and avoiding gas locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The AICD acts as an intermediary device positioned between the wellbore and the ESP. It mediates the fluid flow by separating gas and liquid phases before the fluid reaches the pump, allowing continuous production while protecting the ESP from gas interference.
3Measurement precision
If float members are used to separate gas and liquid, then gas and liquid separation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device replaces complex electronic or mechanical sensing systems with a simple density-based float mechanism. The float members naturally respond to density differences between gas and liquid phases, providing accurate differentiation without requiring sophisticated control systems, electronics, or complex mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The float members exploit changes in fluid density as the key parameter for separation. By using density as the distinguishing parameter between gas and liquid phases, the system achieves precise differentiation through a simple mechanical response rather than complex measurement systems.
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 solution effectively enhances the separation of gas and liquid in wellbore systems, preventing gas locking and improving the efficiency of fluid production by ensuring that mostly oil is produced while reducing gas and water output.
Implementation Method 1
The AICD can include at least one float member and a valve opening, wherein the float member is configured to rotate about a rotation axis of the AICD which is aligned parallel to the wellbore
Implementation Method 2
The AICD can be rotated to generate centrifugal forces for discriminating between liquid and gas
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes an electric submersible pump (ESP) configured for pumping fluid through a flow path. An autonomous inflow control device (AICD) is included in fluid communication with the flow path to separate one of gas or liquid out of the flow path. A method includes producing liquid from a wellbore using an electric submersible pump (ESP) in the wellbore. The method includes bypassing gas from a headspace the wellbore using an autonomous inflow control device (AICD) to prevent gas locking the ESP.