Flow Control Apparatus with Breakable Bond and Twisting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current autonomous inflow control devices for wellbore tubulars lack a mechanism to efficiently seal and open flow paths in response to pressure changes, limiting their ability to facilitate operations like packer setting while ensuring selective fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A flow control apparatus with a guide housing and platform having multiple configurations: initially sealing the tubular, breaking the seal upon increased pressure, and transitioning to an open configuration through a twisting mechanism to permanently open ports, allowing fluid flow from the annular area into the tubular.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple autonomous inflow control devices are used to control flow from multiple zones, then flow control capability is improved, but device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple autonomous inflow control devices into a single integrated device that can control flow from multiple zones simultaneously. The device includes multiple packers that can be positioned at different depths and multiple inflow control mechanisms that can independently regulate flow from each zone, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple flow control operations from a single installation. It can isolate multiple zones, control flow from each zone independently, and provide selective fluid flow control all through one device, thereby improving adaptability without requiring multiple separate devices.
2Ease of operation
If pressure is applied to open flow paths in the tubular, then fluid flow control is improved, but unintended opening of ports may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs different bond strengths at different locations. The first bond between the platform and guide housing is designed to be breakable at a first pressure threshold, while the second bond between the platform and base pipe requires a higher second pressure threshold to break. This localized differentiation of bond properties ensures that ports open in a controlled sequence rather than all at once, improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is pre-configured with bonds of different strengths before installation. The weaker first bond is designed to fail at a lower pressure, allowing initial port opening, while the stronger second bond remains intact until a higher pressure is applied. This preliminary arrangement of bond strengths prevents unintended opening and ensures controlled, sequential activation of flow paths.
3Reliability
If the device remains in a sealed configuration during wellbore operations, then isolation capability is improved, but ability to facilitate flow operations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device transitions from a static sealed configuration to a dynamic state where ports can be opened on demand. The platform is designed to move relative to the guide housing and base pipe when pressure thresholds are reached, breaking bonds and opening ports. This dynamic capability allows the device to maintain isolation when needed while facilitating flow operations when required, resolving the contradiction between sealed isolation and flow facilitation.
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 efficient sealing and opening of flow paths in response to pressure changes, facilitating operations like packer setting while ensuring selective fluid flow, thereby enhancing the control over fluid migration into the production tubing.
Implementation Method 1
upon experiencing a predetermined pressure upon the lower surface of the platform sufficient to break the breakable bond
Data Source
AI summary
A flow control apparatus with a guide housing having one or ports, a breakable bond, and a platform with an upper surface having one or more pistons. The platform and guide housing have a first bonded configuration where the pistons are received in the ports, a breaking configuration, an opening configuration where the platform is movable away from the guide housing, and a misaligned configuration where the platform is displaced with respect to the guide housing. The guide housing has a guide bore and the platform has a guide projection extending into the guide bore. The guide bore has a groove and the guide projection has an extension extending in the groove for transitioning between configurations.