Density-Based Valve for Autonomous Inflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous inflow control devices (AICDs) in wells struggle to reliably block or restrict unwanted fluids, such as water and gas, independent of fluid viscosity, local velocity, and Reynolds number, especially when the volume fraction of unwanted fluids exceeds a predetermined level, as they are often based on viscosity differences which become insensitive at high volume fractions.
Innovation Solution
A valve system with a primary and secondary flow channel, an inflow control element, and a pressure-controlled piston that operates based on fluid density, allowing the valve to close when the undesired fluid fraction exceeds a predetermined level, independent of viscosity and velocity, by utilizing a flow barrier with a secondary inlet larger than the secondary outlet, and a chamber with a movable inflow control element that blocks the secondary inlet when the undesired fluid content exceeds the set level.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If AICDs are based on viscosity differences to distinguish between desired and unwanted fluids, then the device can differentiate fluid types, but the effective viscosity becomes insensitive to volume fraction changes at high unwanted fluid concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical parameter basis from viscosity to density. The float element's density is selected to be between the density of the desired fluid (oil) and unwanted fluid (water), enabling reliable discrimination and blocking based on density differences that remain sensitive even at high volume fractions of unwanted fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the viscosity-based mechanical flow control system with a density-based float control system. The float element responds to density changes by moving to block or open the flow path, providing more reliable control at high unwanted fluid concentrations where viscosity differences become insignificant.
2Productivity
If AICDs rely on Reynolds number differences caused by velocity variations, then the device can respond to flow conditions, but the control becomes dependent on local velocity and flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the controlling parameter from Reynolds number (velocity-dependent) to density. The float element's position is determined solely by fluid density, making the control consistent and reliable across all flow rates and velocity conditions without being influenced by local flow variations.
3Measurement precision
If the secondary inlet diameter is larger than the secondary outlet diameter, then the hydraulic resistance at the outlet is increased to improve fluid discrimination, but the pressure drop across the secondary flow channel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The float element acts as an intermediary that responds to density differences by moving to block the secondary inlet. This mechanism provides fluid discrimination without requiring high hydraulic resistance or large pressure drops, as the float's position is determined by buoyancy forces rather than pressure differential.
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 valve effectively restricts unwanted fluids across all flow rates without being influenced by viscosity or velocity, ensuring reliable operation by maintaining independence from fluid properties, thus enhancing well management and productivity.
Implementation Method 1
a piston having a first piston portion exposed to the secondary flow channel in the chamber and a second piston portion exposed to the primary flow channel downstream of the expansion section so that the piston is movable by a pressure differential between the first piston portion and the second piston portion
Implementation Method 2
an inflow control element, the inflow control element being a flotation element movable in a path arranged at an upstream side of the flow barrier, wherein the path extends between a first position and a second position for closing the secondary inlet when the inflow control element moves to the second position due to the undesired fluid in the flow upstream of the flow barrier exceeding the predetermined level
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A valve (1), a system (100) comprising the valve (1) and a method for closing fluid communication between a well (W) and a production string (PS) when a content of an undesired fluid in the fluid flow exceeds a predetermined level, the valve (1) comprising: - a primary flow channel (3) having a primary inlet (5) through a flow barrier (7), and a low pressure portion (5'); - a secondary flow channel (9) connected to the primary flow channel (3) at the low pressure portion (5'), the secondary flow channel (9) having a secondary inlet (11) through the flow barrier (7) and provided with a flow restrictor (13); - a chamber (17) in connection with the secondary flow channel (9); - a piston (20) arranged in the primary flow channel (3) for opening and closing the primary flow channel (3), the piston (20) defining a portion (22) of the chamber (17) in connection with the secondary flow channel (9); - an inflow control element (30) movable between a first position and a second position in response to a density of a fluid; wherein the inflow control element (30) is exposed to the fluid flow upstream of the flow barrier (7) and is arranged to move to the second position and close the secondary inlet (11) when the con-tent of the undesired fluid in the flow upstream of the flow barrier (7) exceeds the predetermined level; and wherein the closing of the secondary inlet (11) causes an underpressure in the chamber (17) such that the piston (20) is activated and the valve (1) is closed.