Autonomous Pressure Sensitive Valve for Downhole Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole fluid flow control systems in subterranean wells face challenges in adjusting flow control characteristics in response to changes in formation pressure and fluid composition over the life of the well, requiring well intervention to optimize production.
Innovation Solution
A downhole fluid flow control system featuring a pressure-sensitive autonomous valve with a sliding sleeve and bypass ports, which shifts positions in response to pressure signals to adjust flow control characteristics without the need for well intervention, allowing for enhanced production by reducing pressure drop as formation pressure declines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed flow control components are used in sand control screen assemblies, then the initial flow control characteristics are established, but the system cannot adapt to changes in formation pressure and fluid composition over the well life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic flow control system where a sliding sleeve can move between a first position (blocking bypass ports) and a second position (opening bypass ports) in response to pressure differential changes. This dynamic mechanism allows the screen to adapt its flow control characteristics as formation pressure declines over the well life, transitioning from high restriction to lower restriction automatically without requiring well intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow control parameter (flow resistance) automatically in response to pressure differential changes between the formation and the screen. When the pressure differential exceeds a threshold, the sliding sleeve shifts position, changing the effective flow path area and thus the flow control characteristics, enabling adaptation to evolving formation conditions.
2Ease of operation
If traditional flow control screens with fixed characteristics are installed, then initial production control is achieved, but well intervention is required to adjust flow control as production profile changes
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control screen performs self-adjustment based on the pressure differential across the screen. The sliding sleeve automatically moves in response to pressure changes, opening or closing bypass ports to maintain optimal flow control characteristics without requiring external intervention. This self-service mechanism ensures continuous adaptation to production profile changes while eliminating the need for well intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the pressure differential across the screen (caused by formation pressure decline and fluid production) directly controls the position of the sliding sleeve. This feedback loop ensures the flow control characteristics automatically respond to and compensate for changes in the production profile, maintaining reliable production over time.
3Productivity
If the flow control screen maintains fixed flow resistance, then initial production rates are controlled, but pressure drop increases as formation pressure declines
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static flow resistance design to a dynamic one where the sliding sleeve adjusts the effective flow area based on pressure differential. As formation pressure declines and pressure drop across the screen increases, the sliding sleeve automatically shifts to open bypass ports, reducing flow resistance and maintaining productivity by lowering the pressure drop requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system anticipates the problem of increasing pressure drop by pre-configuring the sliding sleeve mechanism to automatically counteract pressure differential increases. When pressure drop reaches a critical threshold, the mechanism activates to reduce flow resistance, thereby preemptively preventing excessive pressure drop and maintaining production efficiency throughout the well life.
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 autonomously adjusts flow control characteristics to enhance production by reducing resistance and pressure drop, enabling efficient fluid flow without requiring well intervention, thus optimizing production over the life of the well.
Implementation Method 1
The valve comprises a sliding sleeve with one or more bypass ports extending radially through the sliding sleeve. The valve autonomously shifts from a first position to a second position responsive to a change in a pressure signal received by the valve, thereby enabling fluid flow therethrough.
Data Source
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AI summary
A downhole fluid flow control system is operable to be positioned in a wellbore in a fluid flow path between a formation and an internal passageway of a tubular. The system includes a flow control component positioned in the fluid flow path that is operable to control fluid flow therethrough. The system also includes a pressure sensitive valve positioned in the fluid flow path in parallel with the flow control component. The valve autonomously shifts from a first position to a second position responsive to a change in a pressure signal received by the valve, thereby enabling fluid flow therethrough.