Flow Restrictor Obstructing Member Sealing Production Tubing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow restrictor devices in oil wells suffer from leakage issues during the setting of mechanical packers, leading to pressure loss and increased operational costs due to the need for specialist tools and prolonged setup times.
Innovation Solution
A flow restrictor device with an obstructing member that moves between sealed and unsealed positions within an aperture in the production tubing, utilizing a retaining arrangement to prevent leakage and minimize tool dependency, and a pressure-actuated mechanism to control fluid flow, featuring a spherical obstructing member and a cage for retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing flow restrictor devices are used in production tubing, then fluid flow can be restricted, but leakage occurs during packer setting causing pressure loss
Solution Approach 1:
The obstructing member is designed to move dynamically between two positions: a first position where it forms a seal with the aperture edge to prevent leakage during packer setting, and a second position where it allows unobstructed fluid flow. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by providing sealing when needed and flow when needed, eliminating both pressure loss and flow restriction simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The flow restrictor device operates autonomously using the existing pressure differential in the system. The obstructing member moves automatically in response to pressure changes during packer setting and normal production, eliminating the need for specialized external tools or complex control mechanisms while maintaining both sealing and flow functions
2Productivity
If existing flow restrictor devices are used, then fluid flow is restricted, but specialist tools and prolonged setup times are required
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed to be self-installing and self-regulating. The obstructing member responds automatically to pressure differentials during packer setting and production, eliminating the need for specialized setting tools, complex activation mechanisms, or prolonged setup procedures. This simplifies the overall system while maintaining effective flow restriction
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates the dependency on specialized external tools and complex setting procedures from the system. By using a simple obstructing member that responds automatically to inherent pressure differentials, the patent removes the need for complex installation equipment and prolonged setup times, directly improving installation efficiency
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 effectively prevents fluid leakage during packer setting, maintains pressure within the production tubing, and reduces operational costs by eliminating the need for specialized tools and shortening the setup process.
Implementation Method 1
as fluid is pumped into the production tubing, the pressure increase effected within the tubing can cause the obstructing member or means to move to form a seal with the edge of the aperture
Implementation Method 2
an obstructing member or means arranged for movement between a first position where said obstructing member or means is located so as to form a seal with an edge of an aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A flow restrictor device for production tubing comprising an obstructing member. The flow restrictor is arranged for movement between a first position where the obstructing member is located so as to form a seal with an edge of an aperture formed in a wall of said production tubing and is arranged to prevent fluid flow through said aperture, and a second position where the obstructing member is located so that the aperture is unobstructed. The flow restrictor further comprises a retaining arrangement for restricting possible locations of said obstructing member to said first position, second position and positions therebetween. The aperture allows fluid communication between the exterior and interior of the production tubing.