Flow-Activated Flow Control Device for Wellbore Zone Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In open-hole well systems, there is a need for a device below the lowermost packer that remains open during the running of the completion assembly into the wellbore but can be closed once the desired depth is reached to isolate production zones for effective stimulation methods like fracturing.
Innovation Solution
A fluid-activated flow control device with a valve and seal member that closes after a selected number of pressure differential cycles, ensuring fluid isolation once the assembly is in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flow control device is installed below the lowermost packer to enable zone isolation, then the ability to isolate production zones is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for a cycling mechanism that responds to pressure differentials
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control device utilizes the natural pressure differentials generated during wellbore operations to automatically cycle the seal member between open and closed positions. The system serves itself by using operational pressures rather than requiring external control mechanisms, thereby achieving reliable zone isolation while minimizing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cycling mechanism is designed to respond periodically to pressure differentials, allowing the seal member to open and close in response to alternating pressure conditions during fluid injection and production cycles. This periodic action enables automatic zone isolation without continuous external control
2Ease of operation
If the flow control device remains open during assembly running, then ease of installation is improved, but the risk of unintended fluid flow or pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control device is pre-configured with a biasing mechanism that maintains the seal member in an open position during installation, allowing easy assembly running. The preliminary action of the biasing force ensures the device remains passively open until the wellbore operation generates sufficient pressure differential to overcome the bias and close the valve
Solution Approach 2:
The cycling mechanism incorporates feedback from pressure differential sensing that automatically triggers seal member closure when operational pressures indicate the wellbore is properly positioned and ready for treatment. This feedback loop ensures fluid flow control reliability without requiring external intervention
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 precise control of fluid flow, allowing for effective setting of packers and isolation of production zones, enhancing the efficiency of well treatment operations.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid-activated device that cycles each time a pressure differential is created across the fluid flow path and moves the seal member to close the valve after completion of a selected number of cycles
Data Source
AI summary
A completion assembly for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment includes a tubular member having at least one packer to isolate a zone between the completion assembly and the wellbore, and a flow control device for closing flow of fluid through the tubular member, the flow control device including a valve that includes a fluid flow path and a seal member configured to close the fluid flow path, and a fluid-activated device that cycles each time a pressure differential is created across the flow path and moves the seal member to close the valve after completion of a selected number of cycles.