Fluidic Devices for Interventionless Zonal Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling fluid flow in wellbores during enhanced hydrocarbon recovery require mechanical intervention, which is costly, prone to errors, and lacks precise control over flow rates in individual zones, leading to inefficiencies in hydrocarbon extraction.
Innovation Solution
The use of fluidic devices with different fixed flow restriction characteristics, positioned along a tubular string and isolated by zonal devices, allows for interventionless control of fluid flow by selecting fluids with specific properties to pass through or be impeded by these devices, optimizing flow rates without mechanical alteration or intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional valves are used for flow control in injection wells, then flow rate control is achieved, but mechanical intervention is required which increases cost, complexity, and operational risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical valves with fluidic devices that have fixed flow restriction characteristics. Instead of using mechanical components that require intervention for adjustment, the system uses fluids with specific properties (viscosity, density) that naturally control flow rates through the fluidic devices, eliminating the need for mechanical valves and their associated intervention requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the injection fluid (viscosity, density) to achieve flow control. By selecting fluids with specific properties, the system can optimize flow rates through different fluidic devices without mechanical adjustment. This parameter-based control replaces the need for mechanical valve adjustment and intervention.
2Ease of operation
If intervention tools are lowered into the well to adjust valves, then flow control is achieved, but time consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-selecting fluids with specific properties before injection. The fluid characteristics are chosen in advance to match the desired flow control requirements for each zone, eliminating the need for time-consuming downhole interventions. The flow control is built into the fluid selection rather than requiring post-installation adjustment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple flow control devices are deployed in different zones, then zonal control is achieved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using fluids with different properties targeted at specific zones. Each zone receives a fluid optimized for its characteristics, allowing localized flow control without requiring complex mechanical devices at each location. The fluid properties are tailored to the specific needs of each zone while using simpler fluidic devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the injection fluid serve multiple functions: it acts as both the injection medium for hydrocarbon recovery and as the flow control mechanism. The fluid's physical properties simultaneously enable zone isolation, flow rate control, and injection effectiveness, replacing the need for separate mechanical flow control devices in each zone.
4Extent of automation
If Intelligent Completion valves with control lines are used, then real-time actuation is achieved, but system cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using the injection fluid itself to control the flow distribution. The fluid's physical properties (viscosity, density) automatically regulate flow rates through the fluidic devices without requiring external control systems, control lines, or power sources. The system self-regulates based on the inherent characteristics of the injected fluid.
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 approach enables precise and efficient control of fluid distribution within the formation, increasing hydrocarbon recovery rates by allowing different flow rates through various zones without the need for mechanical tools, reducing costs and operational risks.
Implementation Method 1
a first fluid having a first viscosity is conveyed to the first and second fluidic devices... adjusting the viscosity of the first fluid changes the flow rates through the fluidic devices
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole, interventionless system and method of controlling fluid flow from a tubular string into isolated zones of a wellbore annulus utilizing fluidic devices having different flow restriction characteristics. In an embodiment, the system includes multiple fluidic devices positioned on a work string in fluidically isolated zones of a wellbore. Each fluidic device is configured with a different flow restriction characteristic that results in a different flow rate response when a working fluid having a particular initial fluidic property is introduced into the fluidic devices. By altering the initial fluidic property of the working fluid, the flow rate from the work string into the corresponding isolated zone may be adjusted and optimally controlled without the need for additional manipulation of the fluidic devices.