Flow Conditioning Sleeve for Well Screen Shear Stress Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
High wall shear stress around perforation holes in production pipes can lead to corrosion, reducing the durability of well screen components in downhole tools.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a well screen assembly with a flow control device that includes a tubular sleeve with perforations, radially offset from the aperture, and a soft exit or protective lip to reduce turbulence and contact between the fluid and the pipe, thereby minimizing wall shear stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fluid flows directly through perforation holes in production pipe, then flow control function is achieved, but high wall shear stress causes corrosion of production pipe
Solution Approach 1:
A tubular sleeve is introduced as an intermediary component between the production pipe and the flow control aperture. The sleeve includes a flow channel that directs fluid flow away from direct contact with the production pipe wall, thereby mediating the harmful shear stress interaction while maintaining flow control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The flow channel in the tubular sleeve is positioned radially offset from the aperture, creating a three-dimensional flow path that redirects fluid away from the production pipe wall. This dimensional relocation of the flow path eliminates direct wall contact and reduces shear stress on the production pipe
2Productivity
If fluid flows directly through aperture, then flow control is achieved, but fluid turbulence increases wall shear stress on tubing
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular sleeve with its flow channel is positioned upstream of the aperture to pre-condition the fluid flow before it reaches the production pipe. The sleeve gradually directs and smooths the flow, preventing turbulence from developing at the aperture exit and thereby preventing high wall shear stress before it can affect the production pipe
Solution Approach 2:
The tubular sleeve acts as a flow-conditioning intermediary that separates the flow control aperture from the production pipe wall. By providing a dedicated flow channel with radial offset, the sleeve mediates the fluid flow path to eliminate direct impingement and turbulence-induced shear stress on the production pipe
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 design effectively reduces wall shear stress on the tubular members, preventing corrosion and enhancing the durability of the well screen assembly by minimizing fluid turbulence and contact with the pipe.
Implementation Method 1
High wall shear stress may occur around one or more of the perforation holes on the production pipe. This wall shear stress, in some cases, may cause corrosion of the production pipe.
Implementation Method 2
The implementation of a well screen assembly with a flow control device that includes a tubular sleeve with perforations, radially offset from the aperture, and a soft exit or protective lip to reduce turbulence and contact between the fluid and the pipe
Data Source
AI summary
A well screen assembly includes a tubing including a center bore and at least one aperture through the tubing between an outer radial surface of the tubing and an inner radial surface of the tubing; a filtration screen positioned around the tubing; a housing positioned around the tubing and including a fluid chamber in fluid communication with an outlet of the filtration screen; and a flow control device positioned in fluid communication with the outlet of the filtration screen and the at least one aperture to reduce a wall shear stress on at least one of the tubing or the at least one aperture.