Flow Restriction Devices for Selective Inflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore systems face challenges in achieving even fluid drainage and selectively controlling the inflow of gas and water, leading to undesirable conditions such as gas cones or water cones that reduce oil production efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a flow control apparatus with flow control elements that cause changes in the inertial direction of fluids and create segmented pressure drops along the flow path, allowing for selective control of fluid flow and increased pressure drop as water concentration increases, thereby separating fluids into distinct paths and managing pressure drops differently for various fluid types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional flow control is used in wellbore systems, then fluid flow can be controlled, but even drainage across production zones cannot be achieved and gas cones or water cones form that reduce oil production
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control device divides the flow path into multiple segments using a series of flow control elements arranged along the flow path. Each element creates a segmented pressure drop, allowing independent control of different fluid phases (oil, gas, water) as they pass through different segments of the device, thereby achieving even drainage across production zones and preventing cone formation
Solution Approach 2:
Different flow control elements are designed with varying characteristics to create different pressure drops at different locations along the flow path. This local differentiation allows the device to selectively control flow of different fluid types based on their specific properties and concentrations, enabling precise control over which fluids are allowed to pass through which segments
2Productivity
If selective control of gas and water inflow is implemented, then oil production efficiency can be improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control elements are designed to respond to changes in fluid parameters such as density, viscosity, and flow velocity. As different fluids (gas, water, oil) pass through the device, their varying parameters cause different pressure drops across the flow control elements, enabling automatic selective control without complex external actuation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes the inherent properties of the flowing fluids themselves to control the flow process. The segmented pressure drops are automatically adjusted based on the fluid composition and flow characteristics, allowing the system to self-regulate and selectively control gas and water inflow without requiring external control mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If flow control elements cause changes in inertial direction and create segmented pressure drops, then fluid separation and selective control are achieved, but pressure drop increases
Solution Approach 1:
The total pressure drop is divided into multiple smaller segmented pressure drops created by individual flow control elements arranged in series. This segmentation allows the pressure control function to be distributed across multiple elements rather than concentrated in a single element, enabling finer control over fluid flow while managing the overall pressure drop
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 ensures even fluid drainage across production zones, reduces the inflow of undesirable gases and water, and enhances the efficiency of oil production by managing pressure drops effectively, thereby improving the overall production quality and quantity.
Implementation Method 1
The flow control elements may be configured to cause changes in the inertial direction of the fluid flowing in the flow path
Implementation Method 2
The flow control elements may also be configured to cause an increase in a pressure drop in the flow path as a concentration of water increases in the fluid
Data Source
AI summary
An inflow control device may include flow control elements along a flow path. The flow control elements may change the inertial direction of the fluid flowing in the flow path. The change in inertial direction occurs at junctures along the flow path. The flow control elements may also be configured to form segmented pressure drops across the flow path. The segmented pressure drops may include a first pressure drop segment and a second pressure drop segment that is different from the first pressure drop segment. The pressure drop segments may be generated by a passage, an orifice or a slot. In embodiments, the plurality of flow control elements may separate the fluid into at least two flow paths. The flow control elements may also be configured to cause an increase in a pressure drop in the flow path as a concentration of water increases in the fluid.