Fluid Diode Apparatus for Autonomous Wellbore Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore servicing tools experience undesirable and non-homogeneous fluid flow due to variations in hydrocarbon formation conditions and operational issues, such as unintentional restriction by particulate matter, leading to inefficient fluid transfer through multiple flow paths.
Innovation Solution
A fluid diode apparatus with opposing high resistance and low resistance entries is positioned in a fluid passageway, featuring a concave, annular surface surrounding an orifice, providing relatively high resistance to fluid flow in one direction and low resistance in the opposite direction, effectively controlling fluid flow by creating eddies and varying pressure drops based on flow direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple fluid flow paths are provided in wellbore servicing tools, then fluid transfer capacity is improved, but fluid flow becomes non-homogeneous and unpredictable due to formation condition variations and operational issues
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by providing different flow resistance characteristics to different fluid flow paths. The first fluid flow path includes a flow control assembly with a first flow resistance, while the second fluid flow path includes a flow control assembly with a second flow resistance that is greater than the first. This creates non-homogeneous flow distribution that is deliberately controlled rather than random, ensuring predictable fluid transfer while maintaining high overall fluid transfer capacity through the parallel path configuration
2Ease of operation
If flow control assemblies are used to regulate fluid flow, then fluid transfer control is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to unintentional restriction by particulate matter
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies parameter changes by configuring flow control assemblies with specific flow resistance values that create a pressure differential favoring flow through the first fluid flow path. By setting the first flow resistance lower than the second flow resistance, the system maintains operational control while reducing vulnerability to particulate matter restriction in the primary flow path, as any restriction would be compensated by the parallel path configuration with appropriate flow resistance characteristics
3Productivity
If autonomous flow control is implemented, then operational efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple flow control assemblies
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies segmentation by dividing the fluid flow system into multiple parallel paths, each with its own flow control assembly. This segmentation allows autonomous flow control to be implemented in a modular fashion, where each flow control assembly operates independently to regulate flow through its respective path. The segmentation approach maintains operational efficiency through distributed control while managing system complexity by creating reusable, standardized flow control modules that can be configured with different flow resistance characteristics
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 fluid diode apparatus ensures autonomous control of fluid flow, restricting reverse flow while allowing preferred flow directions, such as during hydrocarbon production, by creating significant pressure drops and eddies, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and preventing unwanted fluid reversal.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid will flow in eddies adjacent the concave, annular surface
Implementation Method 2
creating significant pressure drops and eddies
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for autonomously controlling fluid flow in a subterranean well are presented, and in particular for providing a fluid diode to create a relatively high resistance to fluid flow in one direction and a relatively low resistance to fluid flowing in the opposite direction. The diode is positioned in a fluid passageway and has opposing high resistance and low resistance entries. In one embodiment, the high resistance entry has a concave, annular surface surrounding an orifice and the low resistance entry has a substantially conical surface. The concave, annular surface of the high resistance entry preferably extends longitudinally beyond the plane of the orifice. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid will flow in eddies adjacent the concave, annular surface.