Concentric Tubing Crossover for Fluid Routing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Concentric tubing strings in wellbores lack the ability to switch fluids between annular flow channels, which is impractical for managing fluid flows in high-pressure or deep wells, especially when subsurface devices like turbine-driven pumps require fluid routing around intervening devices.
Innovation Solution
A concentric tubing well completion system with subsurface annular flow crossovers that allow fluid redirection between annular flow channels while maintaining pressure and chemical integrity, using threaded joints with sliding seals for easy installation and extraction, and allowing assembly into sections for flexible flow path management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If concentric tubing strings are used to create multiple annular flow channels, then fluid flow capacity and pressure isolation are improved, but the ability to switch fluids between channels is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The tubing string is divided into multiple discrete annular flow channels separated by tubing walls, with each channel capable of independent fluid routing through crossover devices. This segmentation allows fluids to be directed to specific channels as needed while maintaining overall system capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Fixed fluid assignments in each annular channel are replaced with dynamic routing capabilities using flow crossovers that can redirect fluids between channels. This enables the system to adapt fluid paths in real-time based on operational requirements, such as routing fluid to turbine-driven pumps or other subsurface devices.
2Ease of manufacture
If narrow tubing strings are used in shallow wells with low flow rates, then ease of installation is improved, but pressure drops become unacceptable in deep wells
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple tubing strings are nested concentrically within a single wellbore, creating multiple annular flow channels. This nesting approach allows each channel to maintain adequate flow capacity without requiring excessively large individual tubing diameters, thereby reducing pressure drops while still being installable in deep wells.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-dimensional flow path to a multi-dimensional concentric arrangement, utilizing radial space within the wellbore. This creates multiple parallel flow channels that collectively handle high flow rates with reduced pressure losses, while the overall structure remains compact enough for deep well installation.
3Device complexity
If fixed fluid assignments in annular channels are maintained, then system simplicity is improved, but flexibility for subsurface devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Flow crossover devices serve as intermediaries between annular flow channels, enabling fluid redirection without complicating the basic concentric tubing structure. These crossovers provide the necessary flexibility for routing fluids to subsurface devices like turbine-driven pumps while maintaining relative system simplicity through standardized connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The annular flow channels and crossover devices are designed with universal connectivity, allowing any fluid to be routed to any channel or subsurface device as needed. This multi-functionality enables the same basic structure to serve multiple operational scenarios without requiring complex specialized configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for creating multiple and isolated well flow paths operating at different pressures in the wellbore is described. These multiple flow paths establish a full circulation loop with the surface and a remaining isolated flow channel produces reservoir fluids to the surface. Heat is transferred from the produced reservoir fluid into the circulated loop via a unique down-hole heat exchanger. The flow of reservoir fluid through the isolated annular well channel allows for more efficient and extensive extraction of heat from the reservoir fluid compared with merely heating the circulating loop via the well bore exterior surface.