Flow Restrictor Coupling for Heterogeneous Reservoir Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In oil wells, particularly those with heterogeneous reservoirs, a significant portion of the reservoir section remains unproductive due to high permeability zones dominating oil flow, leading to inefficient oil extraction and premature water breakthrough, as existing flow restriction devices are expensive and limited in number, restricting their widespread installation.
Innovation Solution
A flow restrictor coupling with selectively variable apertures and insert members allows for controlled fluid flow, creating a pressure drop that encourages production from lower permeability zones, enabling more even oil extraction and prolonging well productivity by distributing the devices more extensively across the reservoir.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If flow restriction devices are installed in the production tubing string, then oil production from lower permeability zones is improved, but the cost increases and the number of devices that can be installed is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flow restriction function is segmented into multiple discrete devices that can be distributed along the production tubing string. Each flow restrictor coupling is an independent unit that can be installed at specific intervals, allowing the system to achieve cumulative flow control效果 while managing costs through selective placement rather than continuous restriction.
Solution Approach 2:
Flow restriction is applied locally at specific zones within the reservoir rather than uniformly throughout. The flow restrictor couplings are positioned at intervals corresponding to different reservoir sections, allowing targeted control of flow from high and low permeability zones based on local reservoir characteristics, thereby optimizing oil recovery while controlling costs.
2Productivity
If flow restriction devices are installed to control oil flow, then production from heterogeneous reservoir sections is improved, but the number of devices is limited due to cost, reducing the effectiveness of the restriction
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of installing flow restriction devices at every possible location, the invention applies partial action by positioning a limited number of devices at strategically selected intervals along the production tubing string. This partial placement is sufficient to create the necessary back pressure and control flow patterns, achieving the desired effect without the expense of complete coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow restrictor coupling serves multiple functions: it connects tubing sections, provides flow restriction through its orifice, and acts as a pressure control element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated restriction devices, thereby increasing the number of effective flow control points within the budget constraints.
3Productivity
If flow restriction devices are spaced out at intervals across the reservoir section, then oil production is improved, but the density of devices is limited, reducing the extent of oil producing zones
Solution Approach 1:
The spacing and positioning of flow restrictor couplings can be dynamically adjusted based on reservoir performance and production data. The interval between devices is not fixed but can be optimized as the well matures and reservoir pressure depletion patterns change, allowing the system to adapt to maintaining effective flow control density throughout the reservoir section.
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 solution enhances oil production efficiency from a greater proportion of the reservoir, extends the time before water breakthrough, and reduces costs by allowing for a higher density of flow restrictor couplings, thereby improving coning control and well longevity.
Implementation Method 1
the resulting back pressure created would allow sections of the reservoir with lower permeabilities that would not normally get a chance to produce
Implementation Method 2
Devices which invoke this effect come in a variety of forms and have the common feature of restricting flow by creating a pressure drop as the oil passes through them
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a flow restrictor coupling 10 and a method of forming a flow restrictor coupling. The flow restrictor coupling 10 comprises a hollow tubular member 12 having at a first end thereof first means for engagement with an end of a first pipe and, at a second end thereof, second means for engagement with an end of a second pipe, wherein said hollow tubular member 12 is arranged to couple said first pipe to said second pipe and to provide for fluid communication therebetween, said flow restrictor coupling 10 further being arranged to present at least one aperture 26 in a wall of said hollow tubular member between said first and second ends, the aperture 26 having selectively variable dimensions for control of fluid flow therethrough.