Flow-Affecting Device for Subterranean Well Fluid Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices in subterranean wells lack effective mechanisms to control and select fluid flow based on the direction and rotation of fluids post-vortex assembly, limiting additional fluid flow control and selection beyond autonomous valves.
Innovation Solution
A flow-affecting device that moves between positions in response to the rotation of fluid from a vortex assembly, allowing or restricting fluid flow through a chamber exit opening based on the direction and rotation of the fluid, thereby enhancing fluid flow control and selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If autonomous valve with vortex assembly is used to select fluid based on viscosity, then fluid selection capability is improved, but device complexity increases and additional fluid flow control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flow-affecting device is nested within the chamber that is in fluid communication with the vortex assembly exit opening. The piston is nested within the flow-affecting device, and the diaphragm is nested within the piston assembly. This nested structure allows multiple functional components to be integrated in a compact arrangement, enhancing fluid selection capability while managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The diaphragm acts as an intermediary element that transmits the rotational motion generated by the vortex assembly to the piston, which in turn moves the flow-affecting device. This intermediary mechanism enables the conversion of fluid rotation into positional changes of the flow-affecting device, providing additional fluid flow control based on flow direction and rotation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flow-affecting device moves based on fluid rotation from vortex assembly, then additional fluid flow control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow-affecting device is designed to be self-actuating through the fluid's own rotation. The vortex assembly generates rotational flow that directly moves the diaphragm, piston, and flow-affecting device without requiring external actuators or control systems. This self-service mechanism provides additional fluid flow control while minimizing the addition of complex external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the vortex assembly's fluid selection function with the flow-affecting device's flow control function into a single integrated system. The chamber connects both components, allowing the vortex assembly and flow-affecting device to work together synergistically, providing both viscosity-based selection and rotation-based control without requiring separate independent systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If chamber is positioned subsequent to vortex assembly exit opening, then fluid flow control based on rotation direction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional zones: the vortex assembly for generating rotational flow, the chamber for housing the flow-affecting device, and the flow-affecting device itself for controlling flow based on rotation direction. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow-affecting device incorporates movable components (diaphragm and piston) that dynamically respond to the rotational characteristics of the fluid entering from the vortex assembly. The diaphragm flexes and the piston moves in response to rotational forces, enabling the system to adaptively control fluid flow based on real-time rotation direction and magnitude without requiring complex predetermined mechanisms.
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 flow-affecting device effectively impedes or allows fluid flow depending on the rotation and direction of fluid from the vortex assembly, improving the control and selection of fluid composition in subterranean wells, reducing unwanted fluid production and optimizing fluid flow rates.
Implementation Method 1
Fluid entering the vortex assembly via a first passageway, such as a passageway that is tangential to the vortex assembly, may be caused to rotate in the vortex assembly
Implementation Method 2
The flow-affecting device can move between a first position and a second position based on an amount of rotation of fluid entering the chamber from the vortex assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid flow influencer devices in chambers subsequent to vortex assemblies are described. A flow-affecting device can move from a first position to a second position based on a flow path of fluid flowing from the vortex assembly to the chamber. The flow path may depend on an amount of rotation of the fluid from the vortex assembly. The flow-affecting device in the first position can substantially allow fluid to flow through a chamber exit opening. The flow-affecting device in the second position can substantially restrict fluid from flowing through the chamber exit opening.