Divergent Passageway Flow Restriction for Wellbore Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wellbore technologies fail to achieve uniform hydrocarbon production and effectively reduce the production of undesirable fluids, as existing flow restriction devices do not utilize the production fluid flowing into the wellbore tubular as the power fluid for controlling fluid flow characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The use of divergent passageways, or Venturi nozzles, connected to the wellbore tubular to create tailored flow characteristics by controlling pressure drop vs flow rate, allowing or restricting fluid production based on properties like phase, viscosity, density, temperature, and gas/vapor content, with the ability to operate under subcritical, critical, or supercritical flow conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional flow restriction devices are used, then fluid flow can be restricted, but uniform production cannot be achieved and undesirable fluids cannot be selectively reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different flow restriction characteristics at different locations along the wellbore tubular. Each flow restriction device can be configured with specific orifice sizes, divergent passageway angles, and throat dimensions tailored to the local production requirements, allowing uniform production distribution across multiple completion zones while selectively restricting undesirable fluids in specific areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying multiple flow control parameters including orifice diameter, divergent passageway angle, throat size, and length of flow restriction devices along the wellbore. These parameter variations enable optimization of pressure drop versus flow rate relationships to achieve uniform hydrocarbon production while reducing water, gas, and vapor breakthrough in specific zones.
2Reliability
If flow restriction devices are used to reduce undesirable fluids, then production uniformity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the flow restriction function into multiple discrete devices distributed along the wellbore tubular. Each segment can be independently configured and adjusted, allowing production uniformity to be achieved through coordinated action of multiple simpler devices rather than one complex system. The flow restriction devices are separated by spacing and can be positioned at different depths to target specific production zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing flow restriction devices that can simultaneously perform multiple functions: restricting total fluid flow, controlling pressure drop, selecting desirable hydrocarbons, and reducing undesirable fluids (water, gas, vapor). The divergent passageway configuration enables a single device to achieve both flow restriction and fluid selection, reducing the need for separate complex systems.
3Productivity
If divergent passageways are used to create optimal pressure drop vs flow rate relationship, then fluid selection improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by using divergent passageways with moderate divergence angles (e.g., 5-30 degrees) rather than extremely sharp or gradual angles. This partial divergence provides sufficient flow separation and fluid selection capability while remaining manufacturable with standard tolerances. The throat-to-exit area ratios are kept within practical manufacturing ranges, achieving effective fluid selection without requiring ultra-precise geometry.
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
This solution enables optimal pressure drop and flow rate relationships, preferentially allowing or restricting fluid production, thereby enhancing hydrocarbon recovery while minimizing the influx of undesirable fluids, such as steam, gas, and solids, and reducing equipment damage.
Implementation Method 1
The flow restriction devices are connected to a wellbore tubular so that fluid flows from the formation (e.g., from the production zone), through the device and into the bore of the tubular. The at least one divergent passageway comprises a throat disposed at the first opening or between the first opening and the second opening, and a divergent section disposed between the throat and the second opening.
Implementation Method 2
create an optimal pressure drop vs flow rate relationship that is dependent on fluid properties
Implementation Method 3
In one embodiment the divergent passageway includes an opening near the throat of the passageway, to recirculate fluid within the device.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow restriction device for controlling flow of a fluid into a wellbore tubular from a production zone. The device comprises a housing and at least one divergent passageway having a throat section and a divergent section disposed within the housing, wherein the average angle of divergence in the divergent section is between 2° and 40°. Fluid is directed from the production zone, through the divergent passageway and into the wellbore. The divergent passageway may or may not comprise a convergent section before the throat. Also described is a flow restriction device in which the discharged flow is aligned at an angle of between 0 and 60 degrees of the direction of flow within the wellbore tubular. The flow restriction device is used to control distributed fluid flow into a wellbore tubular.