Convex Choke Member Autonomous Flow Regulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In industries managing flowing fluids, particularly in downhole hydrocarbon production, existing flow control devices lack effective mechanisms to automatically regulate flow rates and prevent rapid influxes of water or gas, which can lead to issues like fingering or coning, due to their inability to autonomously respond to increased fluid velocities.
Innovation Solution
A flow control device featuring a movable choke member with a convex surface that automatically reduces the flow area in response to fluid velocities exceeding a threshold, utilizing principles such as Bernoulli's principle to adjust the flow area without the need for intervention, and can be constructed from various materials like polymeric, metallic, or ceramic, with optional resilient members to enhance responsiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If existing flow control devices are used, then flow rates can be controlled, but they cannot automatically respond to increased fluid velocities causing water or gas influx
Solution Approach 1:
The choke member is designed to automatically respond to fluid flow conditions without external control. When fluid velocity increases, the pressure differential across the convex surface of the choke member causes it to move and reduce the flow area, thereby self-regulating the flow rate and preventing water or gas influx.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates a feedback mechanism where the fluid flow velocity directly influences the position of the choke member. The convex surface of the choke member experiences pressure changes based on flow velocity, which automatically adjusts the flow area to maintain stable flow conditions and prevent harmful influxes.
2Extent of automation
If a movable choke member with convex surface is used, then automatic response to velocity changes is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential control function from complex external control systems and embeds it directly into the choke member itself. The convex surface geometry of the choke member inherently provides the automatic response mechanism, eliminating the need for additional sensors, actuators, or control electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses changes in fluid flow parameters (velocity and pressure) to directly control the position of the choke member. The convex surface is designed to convert pressure differential caused by velocity changes into mechanical movement, automatically adjusting the flow area in response to flow conditions.
3Reliability
If the choke member reduces flow area automatically, then increased velocities are choked off, but pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The choke member is designed to dynamically adjust the flow area based on real-time flow conditions. Rather than maintaining a fixed restriction, the device optimizes the flow area automatically, reducing pressure loss when flow velocities are normal while still providing restriction when velocities exceed safe thresholds.
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 device effectively regulates flow rates by automatically choking off increased velocities, preventing unwanted influxes of water or gas, reducing pressure and maintaining low erosion resistance, and allowing for adjustable resistance and response times based on design parameters.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing principles such as Bernoulli's principle to adjust the flow area
Data Source
AI summary
A flow control device includes a housing; a choke member movably operably positioned at the housing. The member presenting a convex surface positioned to be exposed to a fluid flowing through the flow control device during use. A method for controlling flow through a flow control device.