Downhole Flow Control Apparatus with Integrated Cutting Tool

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Space limitations within wellbores restrict the volumetric rate of fluid flow between the surface and hydrocarbon-containing reservoirs, exacerbated by downhole tools, necessitating a solution to optimize space usage for efficient fluid communication.

Innovation Solution

A flow control apparatus with a housing, fluid conducting passage, and a flow communicator that includes an orifice, ports, and a cutting tool, allowing for size reduction of solid debris and efficient displacement of the flow control member to manage fluid flow, thereby optimizing space and reducing obstructions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If downhole tools are deployed within the wellbore to control fluid flow, then flow control capability is improved, but available space for fluid flow is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow control capabilityVSAvoidavailable space for fluid flow

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting tool is nested within the flow control apparatus housing, allowing the cutting function to be integrated into the existing downhole tool structure. This nesting approach enables debris removal capability without adding external space occupation, thus maintaining wellbore space efficiency while enhancing operational capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow control apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: flow control through the orifice and debris removal through the cutting tool. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate tools, optimizing space usage by combining capabilities that would otherwise require separate downhole equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If the flow control member is displaced to control flow communication, then flow control precision is improved, but the risk of solid debris obstruction in the orifice increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow control precisionVSAvoidsolid debris obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting tool is positioned to extend into the space between the orifice and ports before the flow control member is displaced. This preliminary positioning ensures that any solid debris is removed or size-reduced before it can obstruct the orifice during flow control operations, preventing harmful obstructions before they occur

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The cutting tool acts as an intermediary element between the orifice and solid debris. By extending into the space and performing size reduction on debris particles, it mediates the interaction between flowing fluids and potential obstructions, protecting the precise flow control function from degradation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11821292B2Apparatuses, systems and methods for hydrocarbon material from a subterranean formation using a displacement process

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 NCS MULTISTAGE

AI summary

There is provided a flow control apparatus configured for optimizing use of available space within the wellbore for conducting of fluids between the surface and the subterranean formation. The flow control apparatus is useable for conducting all forms of fluid, such as, for example, liquids, gases, or mixtures of liquids and gases. As well, the flow control apparatus is useable for effecting injection of fluid (e.g. a fluid for stimulating hydrocarbon production via a drive process, such as, for example, waterflooding, or via a cyclic process, such as “huff and puff”) into the subterranean formation, and for receiving production of fluid (e.g. hydrocarbon material) from the subterranean formation (including production that is stimulated by gas lift).