Density-Based Flow Control Means for Autonomous Well Fluid Discrimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern long-reach horizontal production wells face challenges in discriminating between desired and undesired fluids, leading to the production of high rates of unwanted gas or water, which complicates the drainage process and requires an apparatus that can autonomously control fluid flow without external power or communication.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a housing with a flow control means having a density higher or lower than the fluid to be controlled, allowing it to position itself based on fluid density, and includes a leakage means for fluid displacement, enabling the re-opening or de-activation of the flow control mechanism, ensuring autonomous operation and effective fluid management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an apparatus is designed to autonomously control fluid flow without external power or communication, then the extent of automation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for self-contained control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control means utilizes the natural density difference between desired and undesired fluids to automatically position itself and control flow direction without external power or control systems. The apparatus serves itself by leveraging the physical properties of the fluids rather than requiring active control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic control systems with a simple mechanical buoyancy-based positioning system. The flow control means mechanically responds to fluid density variations, substituting sophisticated automation with elegant mechanical physics
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the flow control means is positioned to block the outlet, then the restriction of undesired fluids is improved, but the fluid flow through the apparatus decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control means selectively blocks flow paths based on local fluid density conditions. When undesired fluids are detected (through density differences), the control means locally blocks their path while allowing desired fluids to pass through alternative paths or at different rates
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus changes the flow parameters (flow rate, flow direction) dynamically based on the density parameter of the incoming fluid. The flow control means adjusts its position to modify flow characteristics, restricting undesired fluids while maintaining productivity for desired fluids
3Stability of the object's composition
If the flow control means has a density significantly different from the fluid to ensure reliable positioning, then the stability of positioning is improved, but the adaptability to different fluid densities decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control means is constructed from composite materials or has a composite structure with adjustable effective density. This allows the control means to maintain stable positioning in one fluid density range while being capable of adapting to different fluid densities through density adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control means incorporates dynamic density adjustment capabilities, allowing it to change its effective density based on the fluid it encounters. This dynamic adaptation enables the same device to maintain stable positioning across varying fluid density conditions
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 allows for reliable discrimination and control of fluid flow, enabling improved well cleanup and production by restricting undesired fluids while allowing desired fluids to pass through, thus enhancing the efficiency and autonomy of fluid management in petroleum production wells.
Implementation Method 1
a flow control means disposed movably within the housing between said top portion and bottom portion, the flow control means having a density being higher or lower than a density of a fluid to be controlled so that a position of the flow control means within the housing depends on the density of the flow control means relative to the density of the fluid only
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an apparatus and a method for controlling fluid flow in or into a well. The apparatus includes at least one housing (3m, 3g, 3w) having an inlet (5) and at least one outlet (7, 7′), one of which is arranged in a top portion or a bottom portion of the housing (3m, 3g, 3w) when in a position of use, and a flow control means (9m, 9g, 9w) disposed within the housing (3m, 3g, 3w). The flow control means (9m, 9g, 9w) has a density that is higher or lower than a density of a fluid to be controlled and a form adapted to substantially block the outlet (7, 7′) of the housing when the flow control means (9m, 9g, 9w) is in a position abutting the outlet (7, 7′).