Curved Flow Path Fluid Discharge Apparatus for Erosion Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Erosion of well structures due to abrasive fluid discharge in subterranean wells is a persistent issue, particularly during operations like gravel packing and fracturing, where abrasive particles increase wear on casing and other structures.

Innovation Solution

A fluid discharge apparatus with a curved flow path is used to direct fluids more parallel to the longitudinal axis, reducing impingement on external structures and mitigating erosion, by incorporating a tubular housing with inserts that alter the fluid flow direction to enhance longitudinal flow and utilize the Coanda effect for reduced erosion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If fluid is discharged directly from a tubular string, then fluid discharge efficiency is improved, but erosion of external structures increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid discharge efficiencyVSAvoiderosion of external structures

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by designing a curved flow path within the fluid discharge apparatus. The curved path redirects the fluid flow direction before it exits the tubular string, causing the fluid to flow more parallel to the longitudinal axis and less toward external structures, thereby reducing erosion while maintaining discharge efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the flow direction parameter by incorporating a curved flow path that alters the trajectory of the discharged fluid. This parameter change redirects the fluid from a direct outward path to a more longitudinal path, reducing the harmful impingement on external structures while preserving the fluid discharge function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If abrasive particles are added to fluid for gravel packing and fracturing operations, then operational effectiveness is improved, but erosion of well structures increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational effectivenessVSAvoidwear on casing and structures

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of abrasive particles by redirecting their flow path. The curved flow path causes abrasive-laden fluid to flow more longitudinally and less toward external structures, transforming the potentially harmful abrasive flow into a controlled trajectory that maintains operational effectiveness while reducing structural wear

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The curved flow path within the apparatus redirects the abrasive particle-laden fluid, causing it to follow a curved trajectory that is more parallel to the longitudinal axis. This curvature reduces the direct impingement of abrasive particles on external structures, thereby reducing wear while maintaining the operational benefits of using abrasives

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If fluid flow direction is redirected more longitudinally, then erosion of external structures is reduced, but fluid discharge pattern changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpingement on external structuresVSAvoidfluid discharge pattern

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent accepts and utilizes the change in fluid discharge pattern as a necessary parameter change to achieve the primary goal of reducing erosion. The curved flow path inherently changes the discharge pattern from a direct radial flow to a more longitudinal flow, and this parameter change is the mechanism by which erosion is reduced

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 reduces erosion of well structures by directing fluids to flow more longitudinally, minimizing impingement and damage, especially when abrasive particles are present, without the need for additional erosion-resistant shrouds, thus protecting casing and other well components.

Implementation Method 1

directs fluid to flow more parallel to the longitudinal axis from an interior of the housing to an exterior of the housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCoanda effect: Coanda Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9909396B2Erosion reduction in subterranean wells

Publication Date: 2018.03.06 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A system for use with a subterranean well can include a tubular string with a fluid discharge apparatus, the fluid discharge apparatus including a curved flow path which directs a fluid to flow less toward a structure external to the tubular string. A fluid discharge apparatus can include a generally tubular housing having a longitudinal axis, and at least one curved flow path which directs fluid to flow more parallel to the longitudinal axis from an interior of the housing to an exterior of the housing. A method of mitigating erosion of a structure external to a discharge port in a well can include directing a fluid to flow through a curved flow path, thereby reducing impingement of the fluid on the structure in the well.