Anisotropic Density Member for Wellbore Watercut Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional systems for managing watercut in well production struggle to effectively limit production from zones with high water content, leading to inefficiencies in resource recovery.

Innovation Solution

A wellbore system with an inflow control device and a member having anisotropic density, allowing for dynamic control of fluid flow based on fluid density, enabling full, partial, or complete blocking of flow through additive manufacturing techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If conventional systems are used to limit production from high watercut zones, then water production can be reduced, but production efficiency and resource recovery effectiveness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater productionVSAvoidproduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The member incorporates a density gradient along its length, creating local quality variations where different sections have different densities. This allows the member to selectively respond to fluids of different densities at different locations, enabling precise control over which zones contribute to production while maintaining overall system efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the density parameter of the member along its length to create anisotropic density distribution. This parameter variation enables the member to differentiate between target production fluids and unwanted water based on their density characteristics, allowing effective watercut management without sacrificing productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If conventional inflow control devices are used, then flow control is achieved, but the ability to dynamically adjust based on fluid density is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow control capabilityVSAvoiddensity-based adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The member is designed to dynamically adjust its position and orientation in response to varying fluid densities. The density gradient within the member causes it to automatically reposition itself based on the density of the flowing fluid, providing real-time adaptive flow control without external intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The member autonomously responds to fluid density changes through its anisotropic density structure, eliminating the need for external control systems. The member self-adjusts its configuration based on the density of the produced fluid, providing intelligent flow control that adapts to changing well conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If a single-density member is used in the inflow control device, then manufacturing is simpler, but the ability to selectively block or allow flow based on fluid density is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemember manufacturing simplicityVSAvoiddensity-based flow control reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The member incorporates a density gradient along its length, creating local quality variations where different sections have different densities. This allows the member to selectively respond to fluids of different densities at different locations, enabling precise control over which zones contribute to production while maintaining overall system efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the density parameter of the member along its length to create anisotropic density distribution. This parameter variation enables the member to differentiate between target production fluids and unwanted water based on their density characteristics, allowing effective watercut management without sacrificing productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 system effectively manages watercut by allowing full flow of target fluids while blocking or partially blocking unwanted fluids, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of resource recovery.

Implementation Method 1

The member has anisotropic density and is configured to move relative to the inflow control device to cause the inflow control device to allow, fully block or partially block flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnisotropic density:

Implementation Method 2

a first end density of a first end of the member is greater than a second end density of a second end of the member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentUS11598177B2Wellbore system, a member and method of making same

Publication Date: 2023.03.07 BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A member that is a single element for controlling flow through an inflow control device, has anisotropic density configured to move the member relative to the inflow control device such that the inflow control device allows, fully blocks, or partially blocks flow from a zone to a production string based on a density of a fluid flowing into the inflow control device from the zone.