Fluid Flow Influencer Device for Subterranean Selection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid flow control devices in subterranean formations are limited in their ability to selectively control fluid flow based on properties such as viscosity, density, velocity, and Reynolds number, as they often rely on simplistic mechanisms that do not effectively differentiate between desired and undesired fluids.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a flow control device with a chamber and a flow influencer device that creates turbulence, such as a vortex, to restrict fluid flow differentially based on properties like viscosity, density, velocity, and Reynolds number, using diverters, vortex-causing devices, or whiskers that change position in response to fluid properties, allowing for more precise control of fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flow control device uses a chamber with a flow influencer device to create turbulence and restrict fluid flow based on fluid properties, then fluid selection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control device is divided into distinct functional segments: a chamber housing, a flow influencer device (such as a vortex generator or diverter), and multiple exit openings. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling precise fluid selection based on turbulence characteristics while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow influencer device dynamically interacts with fluid flow by creating turbulence structures (vortices or eddies) that adapt to different fluid properties such as viscosity, density, and velocity. This dynamic behavior enables the device to automatically differentiate between desired and undesired fluids based on their flow characteristics without requiring complex control systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the flow influencer device creates turbulence to differentiate between fluids based on properties like viscosity and velocity, then fluid differentiation capability is improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device converts the energy loss associated with turbulence creation into a beneficial diagnostic tool. The turbulence structures (vortices or eddies) that would normally represent energy dissipation are instead used as flow signatures that reveal fluid properties such as viscosity, density, and velocity. By monitoring these turbulence characteristics, the device achieves versatile fluid differentiation while the energy 'loss' provides useful information about fluid composition.
3Manufacturing precision
If the chamber restricts fluid flow by different amounts based on turbulence structure, then flow control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber is designed with specific local geometric features (such as angled surfaces, protrusions, or strategically positioned exit openings) that create localized turbulence structures at critical points in the flow path. These localized turbulence zones provide precise flow control for different fluid types without requiring the entire device to be complex, as only specific regions need the intricate geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control precision is achieved by varying geometric parameters of the chamber and flow influencer device (such as angles, dimensions, and positions) to optimize turbulence creation for different fluid properties. By adjusting these parameters, the device can precisely control flow restriction for various fluid types while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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
This solution enables more precise control over fluid flow by creating areas of low pressure and altering flow paths based on fluid properties, effectively restricting undesired fluids and allowing desired fluids to pass through, thereby improving the selection and management of fluids in subterranean formations.
Implementation Method 1
The flow influencer device can affect fluid flowing into a turbulence having a structure that is based on at least one property of the fluid and the flow influencer device
Implementation Method 2
The flow influencer device is a diverter that is positioned between the inlet and the exit opening. The flow influencer device can influence flow of fluid, based on one or more properties, toward the exit opening and toward the second exit opening, by causing the fluid to flow into a turbulence that is a vortex
Implementation Method 3
creating an area of low pressure between the diverter and the second end of the chamber
Implementation Method 4
The pressure at the port is configured to influence an angle of entry of the fluid into the exit opening
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid flow influencer devices capable of affecting fluid flow for fluid selection are described. Fluid flow influencer devices may affect fluid flowing into a turbulence, such as a vortex, having a structure that is usable to restrict fluid flow in a flow path of a chamber by different amounts based on at least one property of the fluid. The fluid flow control device may be in an autonomous fluid selector, such as a diverter, a vortex-causing device, or a whisker. Fluid properties based on which the flow influencer device can select fluid can include fluid density, fluid velocity, fluid viscosity, and Reynolds number of the fluid flow.