Downhole Flow Control Device with Sliding Sleeve Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the drilling and completion industry, existing inflow control devices in wellbores are not easily adjustable, leading to uneven fluid flow and issues like gas or water cones, which reduce production efficiency and require costly and time-consuming string removal for adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A downhole-adjustable flow control device with a multi-channel flow member and a sliding sleeve that allows for longitudinal movement to align with different flow resistance ratings, enabling selective adjustment of flow channels without pulling the production string.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If passive inflow control devices are used with fixed flow resistance settings, then the device structure is simple and reliable, but the flow rate cannot be adjusted without pulling the production string
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a sliding sleeve mechanism that can move longitudinally within the tubular to selectively align with different flow channels having varying flow resistance ratings. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the device to adapt flow rates without requiring string removal, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity by introducing a movable component that maintains relative structural compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The device divides the flow control function into multiple discrete flow channels, each with a specific flow resistance rating. The sliding sleeve can selectively align with different segments (flow channels) to achieve desired flow control. This segmentation allows for precise flow adjustment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, as each channel is an independent functional unit.
2Ease of operation
If the production string is pulled out to adjust flow rate, then the flow control can be changed, but the operation becomes expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-adjustment of flow rates through the sliding sleeve mechanism that can be operated without removing the production string. The sleeve can be repositioned using standard wireline or coiled tubing tools, allowing the well to be adjusted in-situ. This eliminates the need for expensive and time-consuming string removal operations while maintaining full adjustability of flow control parameters.
3Productivity
If passive inflow control devices are installed, then flow control is provided, but uneven fluid flow and gas or water cones occur reducing production efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides different flow resistance ratings for different flow channels, allowing localized optimization of flow control for specific production zones. By selecting appropriate flow channels with the sliding sleeve, operators can compensate for variations in formation properties (porosity, permeability) along the wellbore length, promoting more uniform fluid flow and preventing gas or water cone formation that would reduce production efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow control device having a longitudinal axis includes an outer housing having at least one fluid inlet, a multi-channel flow member positioned radially within the outer housing, a plurality of flow channels formed between the outer housing and the flow member, at least two of the plurality of flow channels having a different flow resistance rating from each other, and a radial window formed in an outlet region of each of the plurality of flow channels. The flow control device further includes a sliding sleeve positioned radially within the multi-channel flow member, the sliding sleeve including a first section of radial slots. The first section of radial slots is configured to align with a selected radial window via longitudinal movement of the sliding sleeve with respect to the multi-channel flow member.