Asymmetric Flow Device for Directional Pressure Drop Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow control devices in tubular systems create undesirable restrictions to flow in the opposite direction of produced fluids, slowing down flow rates and hindering formation treatment in hydrocarbon recovery processes.
Innovation Solution
A flow device with a flow-through region configured to create different pressure drops based on flow direction without moving parts, utilizing tapered openings and optional baffles or pads to accelerate and decelerate fluid flow, resulting in a first pressure drop less than a second pressure drop when fluid flows through the device in opposite directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional flow control devices are used to equalize production flow across the wellbore, then production flow restriction in the opposite direction is increased, but flow rates of treating fluids are slowed down and formation treatment is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The flow device employs asymmetric geometry with a first opening having a first cross-sectional area and a second opening having a second cross-sectional area that is less than the first cross-sectional area. This asymmetric configuration creates different pressure drops for flow in opposite directions, allowing treating fluids to flow freely in one direction while restricting production flow in the opposite direction, thereby resolving the contradiction between flow equalization and treating fluid productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The device applies different flow resistance characteristics to different locations within the flow path. The first opening provides a larger cross-sectional area for treating fluid injection, while the second opening provides a smaller cross-sectional area for production flow restriction. This local differentiation of flow properties enables the device to simultaneously achieve low restriction for treating fluids and high restriction for production flow equalization
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 solution allows for efficient and unobstructed injection of fluids into the formation with minimal restriction in one direction while providing sufficient restriction in the opposite direction to equalize production flow, reducing the need for costly water separation operations by maintaining a pressure drop difference of 40-60% between flow directions.
Implementation Method 1
accelerating fluid as it flows through at least one of the first opening and the second opening with a decrease in a cross sectional flow area of the at least one first opening and second opening and creating a first pressure drop in the process; flowing fluid at the set flow rate through the flow-through region of the flow device in a second direction through the second opening into the pocket and out through the first opening; and decelerating fluid as it flows through at least one of the second opening and the first opening with an increase in a cross sectional flow area of the at least one second opening and first opening and creating a second pressure drop in the process
Data Source
AI summary
A flow device, includes a flow-through region comprising at least one stage and configured to create a first pressure drop across the flow-through region in response to flow through the flow-through region in a first direction and a second pressure drop in response to flow through the flow-through region in a second direction. The first pressure drop being less than the second pressure drop under the same flow rates. The flow device having no moving parts to create the difference in pressure drop between the first direction and the second direction. A method of creating different pressure drops based on a direction of flow.