Density Constant Flow Device Using Changing Overlap Distance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrocarbon production well systems face challenges in regulating the flow of formation fluids, particularly in preventing water and gas coning, minimizing unwanted fluid production, and maximizing oil production, as existing devices often lack discrimination between different types of fluids and are not independent of fluid density.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of autonomous fluid flow control systems that utilize a fluid flow device with a flexible tube or movable sleeve to maintain a constant fluid flow, independent of fluid density, by adjusting diameters or flow paths in response to pressure changes, and an inflow control device that opens or closes based on pressure differentials, ensuring optimal fluid regulation within a wellbore.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous flow control devices are designed to provide greater resistance to undesired fluids (gas and water), then fluid discrimination capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a tortuous flow path with specific geometric characteristics (radius of curvature, path length, orientation) that create locally differentiated flow conditions. Different fluid types experience different resistance forces at different locations within the same device, enabling discrimination without complex mechanical components or multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The tortuous flow path utilizes curved geometry with specific radius of curvature to exploit centrifugal forces and secondary flows. The curved path causes denser fluids to follow different trajectories compared to lighter fluids, enabling passive separation and discrimination based on fluid density differences without moving parts.
2Device complexity
If non-discriminating gatekeeper devices are used to regulate fluid flow, then device complexity is reduced, but fluid discrimination capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs hydraulic principles by utilizing the natural density differences and flow characteristics of different fluids under pressure. The tortuous path geometry creates hydraulic resistance that varies with fluid density, enabling automatic discrimination through pressure-driven flow patterns without external control systems or complex mechanisms.
3Device complexity
If simple on/off valves or metered valves are used, then device complexity is minimized, but ability to provide continuous discrimination and regulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs continuous automatic discrimination and flow regulation without external control or intervention. The tortuous flow path geometry and fluid density differences create self-regulating flow patterns that automatically adjust to varying fluid compositions and pressures, providing continuous productive operation without requiring operators or complex control systems.
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 system effectively regulates fluid flow, maintaining a constant output regardless of fluid density and pressure variations, preventing water coning and maximizing desired fluid production within a specified pressure range, thereby optimizing hydrocarbon extraction.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible tube positioned within the housing, the flexible tube defining a fluid flow path, the flexible tube operable to have a first diameter (d1) when the flexible tube encounters a first pressure from fluid within the housing and a second different diameter (d2) when the flexible tube encounters a second greater pressure within the housing
Implementation Method 2
the sleeve and fluid flow member are movable with respect to one another to define a first overlap distance (D1) of the non-linear fluid flow path and a first fluid flow path length when the housing encounters a first fluid flow pressure (P1), and a second greater overlap distance (D2) of the non-linear fluid flow path and a second greater fluid flow path length when the housing encounters a second greater fluid flow pressure (P2)
Data Source
AI summary
Provided, in one aspect, is a fluid flow device. The fluid flow device, in one aspect, includes a housing having at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, and a sleeve positioned within the housing. The fluid flow device according to this aspect additionally include a fluid flow member positioned within the sleeve, wherein the sleeve and fluid flow member are movable with respect to one another to define a first overlap distance and a first fluid flow path length when the housing encounters a first fluid flow pressure, and a second greater overlap distance and a second greater fluid flow path length when the housing encounters a second greater fluid flow pressure, the first fluid flow path length and the second greater fluid flow path length configured to provide a constant flow of the fluid out of the at least one fluid outlet.