Exit Assembly Fluid Directors Rotational Flow Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

In subterranean formations, existing flow control technologies face challenges in managing uneven flow rates between zones and undesired fluid production, such as water production alongside desired hydrocarbons, due to variable permeability and inefficient recovery techniques.

Innovation Solution

A flow rate restrictor incorporating an exit assembly with fluid directors that induce rotational flow in one direction and impede it in another, allowing for variable flow regulation and enhanced recovery by directing fluid through specific passageways based on physical properties or external inputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If existing flow control technologies are used in subterranean formations, then fluid flow can be controlled, but uneven flow rates between zones and undesired fluid production occur due to variable permeability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow rateVSAvoidflow rate uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The exit assembly incorporates fluid directors that can dynamically alter flow patterns based on incoming fluid direction. The assembly creates rotational flow in one direction while impeding it in another, providing adaptive flow control that responds to varying permeability conditions across different zones

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The exit assembly changes flow parameters by inducing rotational flow and altering resistance characteristics. This modifies the fluid flow behavior to achieve more uniform distribution across zones with variable permeability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If existing flow control technologies are used, then fluid production can be managed, but undesired fluid production such as water production alongside hydrocarbons occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid production volumeVSAvoidundesired fluid production

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The exit assembly applies different flow control characteristics to different fluid streams. By creating rotational flow for desired hydrocarbons while impeding flow for undesired fluids like water, it selectively manages different substance types based on their flow direction and properties

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If conventional exit assemblies are used, then fluid can pass through, but flow regulation and recovery efficiency are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecovery efficiencyVSAvoidassembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The exit assembly is divided into multiple functional components including fluid directors and outlet passages arranged to create distinct flow paths. This segmentation allows independent control of different fluid streams to enhance recovery efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The exit assembly introduces rotational flow dimension to the fluid stream, creating three-dimensional flow patterns that improve mixing and recovery efficiency beyond simple linear flow control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 effectively regulates fluid flow rates, reduces undesired fluid production, and enhances recovery efficiency by altering resistance and pressure pulses within the flow rate restrictor, improving fluid mobility and production rates.

Implementation Method 1

two fluid directors, wherein the fluid switch causes the fluid to enter the exit assembly in one direction, in another direction, or combinations thereof, and wherein the fluid directors induce flow of the fluid rotationally about the assembly when the fluid enters in the one direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational flow induction: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

the fluid directors induce flow of the fluid rotationally about the assembly when the fluid enters in the one direction and impedes flow of the fluid rotationally about the assembly when the fluid enters in the another direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow impedance: Drag

Data Source

PatentEP2655791B1An exit assembly with a fluid director for inducing and impeding rotational flow of a fluid

Publication Date: 2019.07.17 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

According to an embodiment, an exit assembly comprises: a first fluid inlet; a first fluid outlet; and at least one fluid director, wherein the fluid enters the exit assembly in one direction, in another direction, or combinations thereof, and wherein the at least one fluid director induces flow of the fluid rotationally about the assembly when the fluid enters in the one direction and impedes flow of the fluid rotationally about the assembly when the fluid enters in the another direction. In another embodiment, the exit assembly includes two or more fluid inlets. According to another embodiment, a flow rate restrictor comprises: a fluid switch; and the exit assembly. According to another embodiment, the flow rate restrictor is for use in a subterranean formation.