Autonomous Inflow Control Device With Super Hydrophobic Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wellbore operations, achieving balanced production of desired fluids while minimizing the production of undesired fluids, such as water and gas, is challenging due to varying fluid flow rates across different zones, leading to reduced oil production and conformance issues.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous inflow control device with a flow ratio control system and a pathway-dependent resistance system, featuring a vortex chamber with a super hydrophobic surface coating, which directs fluids through different pathways based on their properties, providing variable resistance to flow and enhancing separation between desired and undesired fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional completion assemblies are used to balance fluid production, then production balancing can be achieved, but device complexity increases and requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The surface coating autonomously responds to fluid flow conditions without requiring external control systems or additional components. The coating's contact angle dynamically adjusts based on fluid velocity, automatically providing flow resistance modulation and production balancing while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The surface coating changes its physical parameter (contact angle) in response to fluid flow conditions. At low flow rates, the coating maintains a high contact angle to provide high resistance, while at high flow rates, the contact angle decreases to reduce resistance, enabling automatic flow balancing without complex mechanisms
2Productivity
If surface coating is applied to modify fluid flow, then flow resistance can be controlled, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coating's functional parameter (contact angle) changes dynamically in response to fluid flow velocity rather than requiring precise control of the coating's physical thickness or composition. This allows flow resistance control through fluid-dynamic feedback rather than manufacturing precision
Solution Approach 2:
The coating system self-regulates its flow resistance properties based on the fluid's velocity and pressure conditions, eliminating the need for precise manufacturing specifications. The coating automatically adjusts its effective resistance based on real-time flow conditions
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 allows for increased production of desired fluids by reducing the flow rate of undesired fluids, thereby improving the proportion and quantity of oil produced, while maintaining the angular momentum of fluids to enhance separation and resistance characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
the vortex chamber comprises a super hydrophobic surface disposed over at least a portion of the vortex chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An autonomous inflow control system for use downhole comprises a flow ratio control system comprising one or more fluid inlets, and a pathway dependent resistance system comprising a vortex chamber. The one or more fluid inlets provide fluid communication between the flow ratio control system and the pathway dependent resistance system, and at least one of the one or more fluid inlets comprises a super hydrophobic surface.