Density-Driven Diverter for Autonomous Subterranean Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow control systems in subterranean wells lack reliability in varying fluid conditions and require surface operator signals, and often incorporate moving mechanical parts prone to breakdown from erosive or clogging effects, such as sand, which complicates autonomous fluid management.
Innovation Solution
A density-driven diverter system that moves in response to fluid density changes, restricting or allowing flow through a fluid control passageway, utilizing a vortex assembly with movable diverter elements to autonomously control fluid flow without surface intervention and minimize mechanical failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional mechanical flow control devices are used, then flow control functionality is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to moving parts being subject to breakdown from erosive or clogging effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical flow control devices with moving parts with a mechanical tiltmeter device that uses a floating element and gear mechanism to convert fluid density changes into tilt angle changes, which then activate a magnetic field-based flow control valve without direct mechanical contact between the sensing and control components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the tiltmeter mechanism and the flow control valve, allowing the floating element to control valve operation through magnetic coupling rather than direct mechanical connection, thereby eliminating wear and breakdown from erosive effects
2Extent of automation
If autonomous flow control is implemented, then surface operator intervention is eliminated, but system complexity increases requiring density-responsive mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes changes in fluid density as the key parameter to trigger autonomous flow control decisions, with the floating element responding to density variations to tilt the magnetic field orientation and thereby automatically adjust valve position based on real-time fluid composition changes
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by using the fluid's own density characteristics to control the flow regulation process, eliminating the need for external control signals or complex electronic sensors while achieving autonomous adaptation to changing production conditions
3Productivity
If flow control is based on fluid density changes, then selective fluid component control is achieved, but measurement and detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a floating element with carefully selected density that acts as a counterweight system, where the element's buoyancy changes in response to fluid density variations create a tilting moment that is mechanically amplified by the gear mechanism to produce sufficient magnetic field orientation change for reliable valve actuation
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 selects desired fluid components, like oil, for free flow while restricting undesired components, like water, based on density changes, enhancing production efficiency and reliability by eliminating the need for surface control and reducing mechanical failures.
Implementation Method 1
A movable fluid diverter is positioned in the control passageway and moves in response to change in fluid density
Implementation Method 2
a vortex assembly having a vortex chamber, a vortex outlet, and a first and second flow inlet into the vortex chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus is presented for autonomously controlling fluid flow in a subterranean well, the fluid having a density which changes over time. An embodiment of the apparatus has a vortex chamber, a vortex outlet, and first and second inlets into the vortex chamber. Flow into the inlets is directed by a fluid control system which has a control passageway for directing fluid flow as it exits a primary passageway. A movable fluid diverter positioned in the control passageway moves in response to change in fluid density to restrict fluid flow through the control passageway. When fluid flow through the control passageway is unrestricted, fluid from the control passageway directs fluid exiting the primary passageway toward a selected vortex inlet. When flow through the control passageway is unrestricted, flow from the primary passageway is directed into the other vortex inlet.