Autonomous Reciprocating Valve for Downhole Fluid Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow control systems for hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formations struggle to autonomously manage fluid flow based on changing fluid characteristics, such as viscosity, without surface operator intervention, leading to inefficiencies in oil and gas production.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous reciprocating member with a fluid flow passageway and multiple outlets, including a primary outlet with a flow restrictor and secondary outlets, moves in response to fluid viscosity changes, altering flow patterns within an adjacent vortex chamber to control fluid flow by shifting from tangential to radial flow, thereby adjusting pressure drops and flow velocities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flow control system is designed to autonomously respond to changing fluid characteristics, then adaptability and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve incorporates a reciprocating member that dynamically changes position based on fluid viscosity, transitioning between a first position for low viscosity fluids and a second position for high viscosity fluids. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to automatically respond to changing fluid characteristics without external control signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in fluid viscosity as the key parameter to trigger reciprocating member movement. The flow control device is designed to detect viscosity changes through flow characteristics and automatically adjust the reciprocating member position, thereby changing the flow path configuration to optimize production for different fluid types.
2Productivity
If surface operator intervention is eliminated for autonomous control, then operational efficiency is improved, but measurement and control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control system is designed to autonomously detect fluid viscosity changes and adjust flow paths without requiring surface operator intervention or external control signals. The reciprocating member automatically responds to fluid characteristics, enabling the system to self-regulate and optimize production based on real-time downhole conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates inherent feedback mechanisms where fluid flow characteristics directly influence reciprocating member position. The flow of fluid through the device provides continuous feedback about viscosity, which automatically triggers appropriate position changes in the reciprocating member, creating a closed-loop control system that operates independently at downhole 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 enables reliable, autonomous control of fluid flow, optimizing production by restricting undesired components like natural gas and maximizing oil production by adapting to changing fluid characteristics without surface signals, enhancing operational efficiency in subterranean wells.
Implementation Method 1
the reciprocating member moved to an open position by the force of a flowing fluid depending on a characteristic of the fluid, for example, by the force of a relatively higher viscosity fluid
Implementation Method 2
the fluid is directed tangentially into the vortex, causing spiraling flow, increased fluid velocity and a greater pressure drop across the vortex
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method autonomously controls fluid flow in a subterranean well, as the fluid changes in a characteristic, such as viscosity, over time. An autonomous reciprocating member has a fluid flow passageway there through and a primary outlet and at least one secondary outlet. A flow restrictor, such as a viscosity dependent choke or screen, is positioned to restrict fluid flow through the primary outlet. A vortex chamber is positioned adjacent the reciprocating member. The reciprocating member moves between a first position where fluid flow is directed primarily through the primary outlet of the reciprocating member and into the primary inlet of the vortex assembly, and a second position where fluid flow is directed primarily through the at least one secondary outlet of the reciprocating member and into the at least one secondary inlet of the vortex assembly. The movement of the reciprocating member alters the fluid flow pattern in the adjacent vortex chamber.