Fluid Mixer for Uniform Density Control in Wellbores
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid flow control devices in wellbores are not entirely accurate, often opening when the inlet fluid composition requires closure, and vice versa, due to improper mixing of fluids, which affects their ability to control fluid flow based on the bulk properties of the inlet fluid.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a fluid mixer upstream of the fluid flow control device to ensure proper mixing of fluids before they enter the control device, allowing the float within the device to operate based on the net density of the mixed inlet fluid rather than the density of individual constituents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a fluid flow control device is used without a fluid mixer, then the device structure is simpler, but the control accuracy deteriorates due to fluid stratification and improper mixing
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid mixer is positioned upstream of the fluid flow control device to perform preliminary mixing of the fluid stream before it reaches the control mechanism. This ensures that the float receives a uniformly mixed fluid sample, eliminating stratification effects and enabling accurate density-based control decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid mixer acts as an intermediary component between the incoming fluid stream and the float-based control mechanism. It mediates the fluid flow by ensuring proper mixing, thereby enabling the control device to function accurately based on bulk fluid properties rather than stratified layers.
2Reliability
If fluids are not properly mixed before entering the control device, then the device operation is simpler, but the reliability deteriorates as the float cannot accurately determine bulk fluid density
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing action occurs preliminarily upstream of the control device, ensuring that by the time the fluid reaches the float mechanism, it is already uniformly mixed. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex real-time mixing control while ensuring reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid mixer creates a homogeneous fluid mixture by thoroughly mixing different fluid constituents before they enter the control device. This homogeneity ensures that the float experiences the true bulk fluid density, enabling reliable density-based control decisions without requiring complex sensing or adjustment mechanisms.
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 enhances the accuracy of fluid flow control by reducing or eliminating fluid stratification, enabling the device to operate more reliably and consistently based on the bulk properties of the inlet fluid, thereby improving the control of fluid flow in wellbores.
Implementation Method 1
a float positioned within the fluid chamber, the float movable between an open position that allows fluid flow through the outlet port and a closed position that restricts fluid flow through the outlet port, the float having a net density that is between a first density of a desired fluid and a second density of an undesired fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a fluid flow control device, a well system, and method. The fluid flow control device, in one aspect, includes an inlet port, an outlet port, and a fluid chamber positioned between the inlet and outlet ports. The fluid flow control device, in one aspect, may further include a float positioned within the fluid chamber, the float having a net density that is between a first density of a desired fluid and a second density of an undesired fluid, such that the float may control fluid flow through the fluid flow control device when encountering the desired fluid or undesired fluid. The fluid flow control device, in one aspect, may further include a fluid mixer positioned uphole of the fluid chamber, the fluid mixer configured to receive unmixed or partially mixed fluid and turn it to mixed inlet fluid prior to the mixed inlet fluid encountering the fluid chamber.