Conical Flow Adapter for Lock Stability in High-Flow Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
High fluid flow rates in production wells cause friction and pressure forces that can unset locks and dislodge flowmeters and instrumentation from the production string, leading to instability and potential loss of measurement equipment.
Innovation Solution
A releasable wireline-run lock with a conically tapered flow adapter that creates a pressure drop and reduces friction forces by providing a secure retaining arrangement within the production tubing, using a flow adapter with a central axial flow bore and lateral openings to manage fluid flow and pressure differentials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high fluid flow rates are maintained for productivity, then production efficiency is improved, but friction and pressure forces increase causing locks to unset and instrumentation to dislodge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the high fluid flow rates that cause harmful forces and converts them into a beneficial effect by designing a flow adapter that creates a pressure drop. The pressure differential generated by the conically tapered flowbore and lateral openings redirects fluid flow to create a net force that pushes the lock assembly against the tubing wall, transforming the destabilizing high flow condition into a stabilizing mechanism that secures the instrumentation during high-productivity operation
2Ease of operation
If lock structure is simplified for ease of operation, then installation is improved, but resistance to friction and pressure forces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flow adapter serves as an intermediary component between the lock assembly and the high flow environment. It introduces a controlled pressure drop mechanism that mediates the interaction between fluid flow and the lock, generating stabilizing forces without requiring complex structural modifications to the lock itself. This allows the lock to remain relatively simple while gaining enhanced retention capability through the adaptive pressure forces created by the flow adapter
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 solution effectively secures flowmeters and sensors within the production string even at high flow rates, preventing unintended unlocking and ensuring reliable operation and data collection in hydrocarbon production environments.
Implementation Method 1
The central axial flow bore of the flow adapter provides a flow restriction which creates a pressure drop across the flow adapter
Implementation Method 2
Friction forces are created by the viscous effect exerted by the flow along exposed surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A flow adapter includes an adapter body which defines a central axial flow bore and one or more lateral flow openings for fluid communication between the central flow bore and a production tubing flowbore surrounding the adapter. The central axial flow bore of the flow adapter provides a flow restriction which creates a pressure drop across the flow adapter. The flow restriction may be in the form of a conically tapered flowbore wherein the downstream end of the flowbore has a diameter that is less than the diameter of the upstream end of the flowbore.