Downhole Casing Annular Flow Path Inflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing downhole casing systems require numerous inflow control means and sliding sleeves, which increase construction and operational costs and reduce flow efficiency due to restricted flow paths, especially when dealing with varying production zones in oil wells.
Innovation Solution
A downhole casing system featuring an annular flow path extending continuously around the circumference of the base pipe, with optional filtering and perforated elements, and inflow control modules with connecting passages and sliding sleeves to optimize fluid distribution and reduce the need for multiple inflow control sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple screen modules with individual inflow control means are used to cover the length of a producing zone, then inflow control capability is improved, but the number of sliding sleeves and inflow control means increases, rendering construction, maintaining and operation more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual inflow control means into a single centralized inflow control system. Instead of having separate valves and sliding sleeves at each screen module, the invention integrates them into one unified system that controls inflow across the entire producing zone, thereby reducing the total number of components while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized inflow control system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can control inflow across different producing zones, adjust flow distribution along the wellbore, and provide unified monitoring and operation. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple specialized components, reducing system complexity while preserving versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If inflow control means are arranged in the base pipe of a screen module, then inflow control is achieved, but the flow area or drift diameter of the screen module is reduced, reducing flow capacity and tool size
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the inflow control means from the base pipe and relocates them to the annular space between the base pipe and the filtering element. This extraction removes the obstruction from the base pipe interior, preserving the full flow area and drift diameter, while the inflow control function is maintained in the newly positioned location.
3Productivity
If multiple separated narrow flow paths are provided along a screen module, then flow distribution is attempted, but some flow paths become overloaded while others have excess capacity, reducing overall efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple separated narrow flow paths into a single continuous annular flow path that extends along the entire length of the screen module. This unified flow path allows fluid to distribute evenly across all producing zones without the constraints of separated channels, eliminating overload and excess capacity issues while reducing structural complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
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Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a downhole casing system for performing operations in a wellbore containing well fluid. The downhole casing system comprising at least one casing module comprising a base pipe extending in a longitudinal direction and having a circumference, and a functional assembly mounted over the base pipe to define a casing module flow path between the functional assembly and the base pipe. Further, a main flow path is arranged substantially in a centre of the base pipe and extending in a longitudinal direction of the casing system and at least a part of the casing module flow path is an annular flow path extending both in the longitudinal direction of the base pipe and continuous around the entire circumference of the base pipe.