Electrically Actuated Elastomer Tubing Diameter Control for Liquid Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The oil and gas industry faces challenges in reducing liquid loading in wells, as current techniques are expensive, labor-intensive, and only partially effective in reducing liquid accumulation, which impairs well production.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing an expandable elastomer member within a tubing member assembly, controlled by a computing device and control unit, which constricts the inner pipe member's diameter in response to electrical signals, thereby reducing liquid loading and improving production efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the cross section of the area through which fluid flows is reduced by replacing tubing with smaller diameter tubing, then liquid loading is reduced, but the cost and labor intensity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by using an expandable elastomer member that can dynamically change the internal diameter of the tubing assembly. The elastomer member transitions from a compressed state during installation to an expanded state during operation, allowing the system to adapt its diameter rather than requiring permanent replacement of tubing. This dynamic adjustment mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing liquid loading reduction without the high costs and labor intensity of permanent tubing replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing the elastomer member's ability to change its physical state and dimensions. The elastomer transitions from a small, compressible form factor during installation to a large, expanded form during operation, effectively changing the flow cross-section parameter. This allows the system to achieve the desired diameter reduction for liquid loading control without permanently altering the tubing structure, thereby avoiding the costs associated with tubing replacement.
2Productivity
If current techniques are used to reduce liquid loading, then some liquid accumulation is reduced, but the effectiveness is only partial and additional costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the tubing assembly into distinct functional zones using the expandable elastomer member. The elastomer creates separate flow paths and can segment the tubing interior to control fluid flow patterns. This segmentation allows for more effective liquid loading reduction compared to uniform tubing, as it can create specific flow dynamics in different sections of the assembly, thereby improving overall effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomer member acts as an intermediary element between the inner and outer tubing components. It provides a flexible interface that can be expanded or contracted to control flow characteristics without requiring direct modification of the rigid tubing structure. This intermediary approach allows for effective liquid loading reduction while maintaining the integrity of the existing tubing assembly, avoiding the need for complete system replacement.
3Productivity
If an expandable elastomer member is used to constrict tubing diameter, then liquid loading is reduced effectively, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastomer member serves multiple functions within the tubing assembly: it acts as a flow control mechanism, a structural support element, and a seal between the inner and outer tubing. By consolidating these multiple functions into a single component, the patent reduces overall device complexity compared to using separate components for each function. The multi-functionality of the elastomer allows for effective liquid loading reduction without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the nested doll principle by placing the expandable elastomer member inside the existing tubing assembly. The elastomer is nested within the annular space between the inner and outer tubing, allowing it to function without requiring complete disassembly or replacement of the tubing system. This nested configuration minimizes the increase in device complexity by integrating the expandable mechanism within the existing structural framework.
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 system effectively reduces liquid loading by maintaining critical rate velocity for liquid extraction, enhancing the operational life and production capability of the tubing member assembly, while being more efficient and cost-effective than existing methods.
Implementation Method 1
the elastomer member expands from a first position to a second position to constrict the dynamic diameter from a first inner pipe member value to a second inner pipe member value responsive to receiving an electrical signal from the control unit
Data Source
AI summary
A system for controlling tubing member assembly diameter includes a control unit, a computing device, a tubing member assembly, and an elastomer member. The tubing member assembly includes an outer pipe member that defines a static diameter and an inner pipe member having an outer surface and defining a dynamic diameter that changes from a first inner pipe member value to a second inner pipe member value. The elastomer member is disposed between the outer pipe member and the inner pipe member such that an inner area of the elastomer member is disposed on the outer surface of the inner pipe member. The elastomer member expands from a first position to a second position to constrict the dynamic diameter from the first inner pipe member value to the second inner pipe member value responsive to receiving an electrical signal from the control unit.