Density AICD Valve for Autonomous Water and Gas Restriction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hydrocarbon production wells, existing technologies face challenges in effectively regulating the flow of formation fluids, particularly in preventing the influx of unwanted fluids like water and gas, which can lead to suboptimal oil production and pressure imbalances across subterranean zones.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an autonomous flow control device with a centrifugal fluid selector and a regulatory valve system, utilizing floats and fluid restrictors to selectively restrict the flow of unwanted fluids into the production tubing, based on fluid dynamics and density differences, allowing desired fluids like oil to pass through.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If autonomous flow control devices are used to regulate fluid flow, then fluid flow regulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous flow control device automatically regulates fluid flow based on fluid density without requiring external control systems. The device uses its own internal mechanism (floats that respond to density changes) to control the valve, making the system self-regulating and eliminating the need for complex external control apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic or mechanical control systems with a simple buoyancy-based mechanical system. Floats respond to fluid density changes and directly actuate the valve through mechanical means, substituting complex control logic with a passive physical response mechanism.
2Device complexity
If non-discriminating gatekeeper devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but fluid flow discrimination capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The device discriminates between different fluid types by detecting changes in fluid density. The float mechanism responds to density variations, automatically adjusting the valve position to allow desired fluids to pass while restricting unwanted fluids based on their density characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The device automatically discriminates between fluid types using its own internal float mechanism that responds to density changes, without requiring external sensing or control systems. The system self-regulates based on the physical properties of the flowing fluid.
3Ease of operation
If autonomous flow control devices operate passively, then ease of operation is improved, but flow restriction capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The valve mechanism dynamically adjusts its opening based on fluid density conditions. The float rises or falls with density changes, automatically modulating the valve position to provide appropriate flow restriction or allowance, transforming a static passive device into a dynamically responsive system.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its flow control parameter (valve opening degree) in response to fluid density parameter changes. As fluid density varies, the float position changes, which directly alters the valve opening to maintain optimal flow control for the current fluid composition.
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
This solution enables efficient regulation of fluid flow, minimizing the entry of water and gas into the production tubing, thereby optimizing oil production and maintaining pressure balance across subterranean zones without requiring operator intervention.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing floats and fluid restrictors to selectively restrict the flow of unwanted fluids into the production tubing, based on fluid dynamics and density differences
Implementation Method 2
utilizing floats and fluid restrictors to selectively restrict the flow of unwanted fluids
Data Source
AI summary
A flow system, comprising: a flow control device, wherein a portion of the flow control device is disposed within a fluid pathway, wherein the flow control device is configured to rotate, wherein the flow control device comprises floats, wherein the floats block a potential flow path for fluids to travel through an outlet of the flow control device; a regulatory valve, wherein the regulatory valve is configured to receive a remaining portion of fluids from the fluid pathway; a control line, wherein the control line couples the outlet of the flow control device to the regulatory valve; an offset line, wherein the offset line provides fluid communication between fluids that travel past the flow control device and the regulatory valve; and a fluid restrictor, wherein the fluid restrictor is disposed within the fluid pathway upstream from the flow control device, wherein the fluid restrictor is configured to reduce fluid pressure.