Density-Responsive Inflow Control for Water Choking in Horizontal Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inflow control devices are inadequate in choking back unwanted fluids in horizontal wells, particularly when viscosity contrasts between wanted and unwanted fluids are minimal, leading to reduced oil recovery and potential well abandonment.
Innovation Solution
The use of autonomous inflow control devices with rotatable discs that shift based on fluid density, aligning openings for desired fluids and misaligning them for undesirable fluids, thereby controlling fluid inflow based on density differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional inflow control devices are used, then the device structure is simple, but the device is inadequate in choking back unwanted fluids when viscosity contrasts are minimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from viscosity-based to density-based discrimination. The autonomous inflow control device uses density differences between wanted and unwanted fluids to activate closure mechanisms, rather than relying on viscosity contrasts. This allows the device to effectively choke back unwanted fluids even when viscosity contrasts are minimal, directly resolving the technical contradiction.
2Extent of automation
If autonomous inflow control devices based on viscosity contrast are used, then the device can autonomously adjust, but the device provides poor performance in distinguishing fluids with comparable viscosities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from viscosity-based autonomous control to density-based autonomous control. The device autonomously discriminates fluids by detecting density differences through closure element activation, maintaining high automation while significantly improving reliability for fluids with comparable viscosities such as ultra-light oil and water.
3Reliability
If existing autonomous inflow control devices are used, then the device can choke back unwanted fluids, but the device is bulky with excessive moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary moving parts from existing autonomous inflow control devices. The design uses a streamlined closure mechanism with reduced moving components while maintaining effective unwanted fluid choking capability through density-based activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition or state change concepts in the closure mechanism activation. The closure elements respond to density differences by transitioning between open and closed states, achieving effective fluid control with minimal moving parts.
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
Effectively separates and restricts the inflow of unwanted fluids while allowing desired fluids to flow freely, enhancing oil recovery and preventing well abandonment.
Implementation Method 1
The autonomous inflow control device utilizes a plurality of rotatable discs which automatically shift in their relative positions based on the density of fluid in the autonomous inflow control device
Data Source
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AI summary
A technique facilitates the inflow of desired fluids into a downhole well completion while restricting the inflow of undesirable fluids. The technique utilizes at least one autonomous inflow control device which is placed along a well completion to control inflow of fluid from an exterior to an interior of the well completion. The autonomous inflow control device utilizes a plurality of shiftable elements which automatically shift in their relative positions based on the density of fluid in the autonomous inflow control device. This automatic shifting causes the alignment or misalignment of flow openings so as to allow free flow of a desired fluid through the autonomous inflow control device and into the interior of the completion while automatically restricting flow of an undesirable fluid.