Flow Control Device with Weep Hole for Wellbore Swabbing Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wellbore completion methods face challenges in efficiently managing fluid flow and pressure during fracturing and reverse circulation operations, particularly in multi-zone wells, where maintaining optimal fluid flow rates and preventing swabbing are crucial for effective hydrocarbon production.
Innovation Solution
A flow control device with a main flow passage and a weep hole is used, which closes when the fluid flow rate exceeds a selected rate and opens when the rate decreases, allowing continuous fluid flow while preventing vacuum conditions and ensuring reliable operation during well treatment processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a valve is used to control fluid flow during fracturing operations, then fluid flow rate can be controlled, but the valve may close completely preventing necessary fluid flow and causing vacuum conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control device is divided into two independent flow paths: a main flow passage that closes at high flow rates and a weep hole that remains open. This segmentation allows the device to provide different flow control functions through different paths, preventing complete flow closure while maintaining vacuum prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The weep hole acts as an intermediary flow path between the inlet and outlet, providing a backup route for fluid flow when the main passage closes. This intermediary path prevents vacuum conditions by ensuring continuous fluid communication across the valve body.
2Productivity
If the main flow passage closes at high flow rates, then flow rate control is improved, but fluid flow is completely blocked causing operational problems
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control device segments the flow control function into two independent paths: the main flow passage for high-rate flow control and the weep hole for continuous flow. This segmentation allows the main passage to close at high flow rates for control while the weep hole maintains necessary fluid communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The weep hole provides a partial flow path that is insufficient for high-rate production but sufficient for maintaining vacuum prevention and preventing complete blockage. This partial action ensures operational reliability when the main passage closes.
3Ease of operation
If the valve opens at low flow rates, then fluid flow is maintained, but flow control precision is reduced during high flow rate operations
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control device segments flow control into two independent paths with different characteristics: the main flow passage for precise high-rate control and the weep hole for continuous low-rate flow. This segmentation allows each path to optimize its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the flow control device have different local qualities: the main flow passage is designed for precise control at high flow rates, while the weep hole is designed for continuous flow at low rates. This local quality differentiation allows the device to achieve both precision and ease of operation simultaneously.
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 control device effectively manages fluid flow and pressure, preventing swabbing and ensuring reliable operation in multi-zone wells by maintaining optimal flow rates and preventing fluid loss or wellbore collapse, thereby enhancing the efficiency of fracturing and reverse circulation operations.
Implementation Method 1
a main flow passage and a weep hole, wherein the main flow passage closes when a fluid is supplied to a first end of the valve that exceeds a selected rate and opens when the fluid supplied is below the selected rate
Implementation Method 2
the weep hole continues to allow the fluid therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A flow control device for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment may include a main flow passage and a weep hole, wherein the main flow passage closes when a fluid is supplied to a first end of the valve that exceeds a selected rate and opens when the fluid supplied is below the selected rate and wherein the weep hole continues to allow the fluid therethrough.