Downhole Flow Control Device with Autonomous Regulator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing downhole flow control devices cannot autonomously adjust flow restrictions in response to changes in flow direction, such as switching between production and injection phases, often requiring complex control and actuator systems.

Innovation Solution

A downhole flow control device with a regulator member that moves between first and second positions in response to flow direction changes, providing different flow restrictions for inflow and outflow, allowing for autonomous reconfiguration without complex control systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed restriction flow control device is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot provide different flow restrictions during production and injection phases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow restriction adaptabilityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flow control device transitions from a fixed restriction design to a dynamic one where the regulator member can move between positions to change the flow restriction characteristics. The device adapts its flow control properties based on flow direction, providing different restrictions for production and injection phases without requiring external control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The regulator member autonomously responds to flow direction changes and automatically reconfigures the flow restriction. The device self-regulates by using the flow itself as the actuating mechanism, eliminating the need for complex external control and actuator systems while maintaining adaptability to different operational phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If a regulator member is added to enable autonomous flow restriction adjustment, then flow control adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow restriction adaptabilityVSAvoiddevice structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The regulator member is designed to autonomously respond to flow direction changes without requiring external control systems. The flow itself acts as the actuating mechanism, and the regulator member automatically reconfigures the flow restriction, making the device self-regulating while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The regulator member serves as an intermediary element that mediates between the flow and the flow restriction. It translates flow direction changes into appropriate restriction adjustments, providing a simple mechanical linkage that achieves complex adaptive behavior without requiring sophisticated control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If flow restriction is increased during production, then production control is improved, but injection flow may be overly restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveproduction controlVSAvoidinjection flow suitability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The flow control device dynamically adjusts its restriction characteristics based on flow direction. During production, the regulator member positions to provide increased restriction for better production control, while during injection, it automatically repositions to provide minimal restriction, ensuring optimal performance for each operational phase.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes its flow restriction parameter in response to flow direction changes. The regulator member transitions between positions that correspond to different restriction values, allowing the system to optimize production control when needed while maintaining injection flow suitability during injection phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables improved functionality and suitability for a wider range of operations by providing distinct flow control during both injection and production phases, optimizing flow profiles and reducing the need for complex control systems.

Implementation Method 1

a regulator member mounted within the body and being moveable between first and second positions in accordance with flow direction through the body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS11230910B2Downhole flow control device and method

Publication Date: 2022.01.25 SWELLFIX UK

AI summary

A downhole flow control device comprises a body locatable within a wall of a tubular, wherein the body defines a flow path therethrough to accommodate flow in reverse first and second directions between internal and external locations of the tubular in use. The downhole flow control device further comprises a regulator member mounted within the body and being moveable between first and second positions in accordance with flow direction through the body. The regulator member is locatable in the first position during flow through the body in the first direction to provide a first restriction to flow. The regulator member is locatable in the second position during flow through the body in the second direction to provide a second restriction to flow.