Fluid Diode Sleeve for Homogeneous Wellbore Flow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore servicing tools experience undesirable and non-homogeneous fluid transfer due to variations in hydrocarbon formation conditions and operational issues, such as fluid flow path restrictions by particulate matter, which affects the efficiency of fluid flow control.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow control tool featuring a tubular diode sleeve with a diode aperture, an inner ported sleeve, and an outer ported sleeve, where the shape and location of the diode aperture, inner port, and outer port provide different fluid flow resistances, allowing for controlled fluid transfer between the inner and outer ports, and the tool can be configured to generate a fluid vortex for enhanced flow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a plurality of fluid flow paths are provided in wellbore servicing tools, then fluid transfer capability is improved, but fluid flow distribution becomes non-homogeneous and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different flow resistance characteristics to different fluid flow paths. Each flow path is equipped with flow control elements (such as flow restrictors or variable geometry structures) that create localized resistance variations, ensuring that fluid distributes more uniformly across all paths despite variations in formation conditions or particulate matter. This localized control of flow resistance prevents any single path from dominating the fluid transfer, thereby achieving homogeneous distribution while maintaining overall productivity.
2Reliability
If flow control structures are added to manage fluid distribution, then fluid flow uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fluid flow control function into multiple independent flow control elements, each associated with a specific fluid flow path. Rather than using a single complex central control mechanism, the system divides the control function across multiple simpler, modular elements. Each segment can be independently adjusted or replaced, simplifying the overall device architecture while achieving the desired uniform fluid distribution across all flow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic flow control structures that can adjust their resistance characteristics in response to flow conditions. These dynamic elements (such as movable flaps, adjustable orifices, or pressure-responsive components) automatically adapt to varying formation conditions and flow rates, maintaining uniform fluid distribution without requiring complex external control systems. The dynamic nature of these structures allows them to self-regulate, reducing overall device complexity while improving reliability.
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 tool ensures more homogeneous fluid flow distribution and effective resistance management, promoting efficient hydrocarbon recovery by controlling fluid flow rates and preventing clogging, thereby improving the overall performance of wellbore servicing operations.
Implementation Method 1
a shape of the diode aperture, a location of the inner port relative to the diode aperture, and a location of the outer port relative to the diode aperture provide a fluid flow resistance to fluid transferred to the inner port from the outer port and a different fluid flow resistance to fluid transferred to the outer port from the inner port
Implementation Method 2
The fluid diode may be configured to generate a fluid vortex when fluid is transferred from the high resistance entry to the low resistance entry
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A method of servicing a wellbore, comprising providing a fluid diode in fluid communication with the wellbore, and transferring a fluid through the fluid diode. A fluid flow control tool, comprising a tubular diode sleeve comprising a diode aperture, a tubular inner ported sleeve received concentrically within the diode sleeve, the inner ported sleeve comprising an inner port in fluid communication with the diode aperture, and a tubular outer ported sleeved within which the diode sleeve is received concentrically, the outer ported sleeve comprising an outer port in fluid communication with the diode aperture, wherein a shape of the diode aperture, a location of the inner port relative to the diode aperture, and a location of the outer port relative to the diode aperture provide a fluid flow resistance to fluid transferred to the inner port from the outer port and a different fluid flow resistance to fluid transferred to the outer port from the inner port.