Autonomous Inflow Valve Using Bernoulli Control to Reduce Coning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oil and gas production systems face challenges in highly permeable geological formations, where pressure increases exponentially due to flow friction, leading to reduced oil and gas flow, and coning issues, as they fail to distinguish and control the inflow of oil, gas, and water based on their relative composition and quality.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjustable flow control device with a movable disc that exploits the Bernoulli effect to autonomously adjust fluid flow based on fluid composition and properties, using a disc-shaped housing and holder bodies to form a flow path that reduces or increases the flow area, preventing differential pressure issues and allowing for selective control of oil, gas, or water inflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a perforated drainage pipe is used in highly permeable geological formations, then oil and gas production is enabled, but pressure increases exponentially due to flow friction, reducing the quantity of oil and gas flowing from the reservoir
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage pipe is divided into multiple sections along its length, with each section equipped with independent inflow restriction devices. This segmentation allows different flow rates to be controlled at different locations, preventing excessive pressure buildup in upstream sections while maintaining production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Sliding sleeves or throttling devices are introduced that can be adjusted to change the flow characteristics dynamically. These devices allow the system to adapt flow restriction levels based on pressure conditions, enabling optimal balance between production and pressure control.
2Productivity
If the velocity of oil flow from the reservoir to the pipe is increased to enhance production, then more oil and gas can be produced, but the risk of coning (flow of unwanted water or gas into the drainage pipe) increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different inflow restriction characteristics are applied at different locations along the drainage pipe based on local conditions. Sections prone to coning receive greater flow restriction, while other sections maintain higher flow rates, creating locally optimized flow control that prevents coning without sacrificing overall production.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If inflow restriction devices are added to control flow and prevent coning, then coning is reduced, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inflow restriction devices are integrated into the drainage pipe structure itself, combining the functions of flow control and structural support in a single unified system. This merging approach prevents coning while avoiding the complexity of separate, additional control mechanisms.
4Productivity
If sections of different diameter are used to control flow, then flow control is achieved, but flow turbulence is created and work-over tools cannot be run
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing the physical diameter of pipe sections, sliding sleeves or throttling devices are used to dynamically adjust flow area. This maintains a uniform pipe diameter throughout, eliminating turbulence caused by diameter changes while still achieving effective flow control, and preserves the ability to run work-over tools.
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 device ensures consistent fluid flow across sections of a horizontal well, reduces coning, and effectively manages fluid mixtures by adapting to different viscosities and pressures, maintaining reliable and efficient oil and gas production without energy supply or tool interference.
Implementation Method 1
A self-adjustable flow control device with a movable disc that exploits the Bernoulli effect to autonomously adjust fluid flow based on fluid composition and properties
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A method for flow control and a self-adjusting valve or flow control device, in particular useful in a production pipe for producing oil and/or gas from a well in an oil and/or gas reservoir, which production pipe includes a lower drainage pipe preferably being divided into at least two sections each including one or more inflow control devices which communicates the geological production formation with the flow space of the drainage pipe. The fluid flows through an inlet (10) and further through a flow path of the control device (2) passing by a movable disc (9) or movable device which is designed to move relative to the opening of the inlet and thereby reduce or increase the flow-through area (A2) by exploiting the Bernoulli effect and stagnation pressure created over the disc (9), whereby the control device, depending on the composition of the fluid and its properties, automatically adjusts the flow of the fluid based on a pre-estimated flow design.