Fluid Diverter Exit Assembly for Subterranean Flow Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid regulation systems in subterranean formations fail to effectively manage flow rates and separate desired from undesired fluids based on viscosity and density, leading to inefficient production and recovery operations.
Innovation Solution
An exit assembly with a fluid diverter that dynamically redirects fluid pathways within an exit chamber based on fluid viscosity, density, and flow rate, routing higher viscosity or density fluids into one pathway and lower viscosity or rate fluids into another, allowing for selective flow regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single fluid pathway is used in existing regulation systems, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to separate and regulate different fluids based on viscosity and density is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The exit assembly is segmented into multiple fluid pathways (first and second fluid pathways) within the exit chamber, allowing different fluids to be routed through different paths based on their properties. This segmentation enables selective regulation of oil and water flows independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the exit chamber are designed with distinct characteristics - the first fluid pathway is configured to accommodate rotational flow patterns for lower viscosity fluids, while the second fluid pathway is configured for axial flow patterns for higher viscosity fluids. This local differentiation enables property-based separation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing flow control apparatus is used, then the device is easy to manufacture, but it cannot dynamically redirect fluid pathways based on fluid properties
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid diverter is designed with a dynamic geometry that passively responds to fluid properties. The diverter shape creates different flow resistance characteristics that automatically redirect fluids based on their viscosity and density without requiring active control mechanisms, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving dynamic pathway selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system exploits changes in fluid parameters (viscosity, density, flow rate) to achieve pathway separation. The fluid diverter is shaped to create different pressure drops and flow patterns that naturally sort fluids based on these parameters, eliminating the need for complex sensors or actuators.
3Productivity
If all fluids flow through the same pathway, then the flow regulation is simple, but the productivity of desired fluid production is reduced due to mixed flow
Solution Approach 1:
The exit chamber is divided into distinct fluid pathways that separate desired oil production from undesired water production. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each pathway for its intended fluid type, improving overall productivity by preventing contamination and backpressure issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid diverter acts as an intermediary element that automatically directs different fluids to appropriate pathways based on their properties. This mediator component enables selective fluid routing without requiring complex control systems, thereby improving productivity through passive separation.
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 enables efficient separation and regulation of fluid flow, optimizing the production of desired fluids while minimizing undesired fluid production by adjusting flow paths according to fluid properties, thereby enhancing recovery operations and reducing backpressure.
Implementation Method 1
the shape of the fluid diverter is selected such that the fluid diverter is capable of displacing the pathway of the fluid from the fluid inlet into a first fluid pathway, a second fluid pathway, or combinations thereof, wherein the fluid flowing in the first fluid pathway enters the exit chamber via an exit chamber entrance in a first direction and the fluid flowing in the second fluid pathway enters the exit chamber via the exit chamber entrance in a second direction, wherein the exit assembly is designed such that a higher viscosity, higher density, or lower flow rate fluid will flow in the second direction, while a lower viscosity, lower density, or higher flow rate fluid will flow in the first direction
Implementation Method 2
the exit assembly is designed such that a higher viscosity, higher density, or lower flow rate fluid will flow in the second direction, while a lower viscosity, lower density, or higher flow rate fluid will flow in the first direction
Implementation Method 3
the fluid diverter increasingly displaces the pathway of the fluid from the fluid inlet into the first fluid pathway as the viscosity or density of the fluid decreases, or as the flow rate of the fluid increases
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an embodiment, an exit assembly comprises: a fluid inlet; an exit chamber; a fluid outlet, wherein the fluid outlet is located within the exit chamber; and a fluid diverter, wherein the fluid diverter is connected to the fluid inlet and the exit chamber, wherein a fluid is capable of flowing from the fluid inlet, through the fluid diverter, and into the exit chamber, and wherein the shape of the fluid diverter is selected such that the fluid diverter is capable of displacing the pathway of the fluid from the fluid inlet into a first fluid pathway, a second fluid pathway, or combinations thereof, wherein the first fluid pathway and the second fluid pathway are located within the exit chamber. According to another embodiment, the fluid diverter increasingly displaces the pathway of the fluid from the fluid inlet into the first fluid pathway as the viscosity or density of the fluid decreases, or as the flow rate of the fluid increases, and the fluid diverter increasingly displaces the pathway of the fluid from the fluid inlet into the second fluid pathway as the viscosity or density of the fluid increases, or as the flow rate of the fluid decreases.