Fluidic Diode Pressure Control for Viscosity-Based Inflow Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrocarbon production systems lack effective mechanisms to discriminate and regulate the flow of different types of formation fluids, such as oil, water, and gas, leading to inefficiencies in production and potential issues like water and gas coning, sand production, and pressure imbalances across subterranean zones.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow control system incorporating a flow restrictor and a fluidic diode that adjusts control pressure based on fluid viscosity, coupled with an inflow control device, to selectively allow or restrict the flow of fluids into the production tubing, ensuring higher viscosity fluids like oil are prioritized over lower viscosity fluids like gas and water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If non-discriminating gatekeeper devices are used to regulate fluid flow, then flow regulation is achieved, but discrimination between different types of formation fluids is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different flow paths with distinct characteristics within the single device. The tortuous path section provides high resistance to water and gas, while the restricted section allows oil flow, enabling different regions of the device to selectively pass different fluid types based on their local flow characteristics
2Adaptability or versatility
If tubular flow restrictors or nozzle-type flow restrictors are used to achieve fluid discrimination, then some degree of discrimination between different types of formation fluids is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple flow control functions into a single integrated device body. The combination of the tortuous path section and the restricted section within one device achieves both water/gas restriction and oil flow capability without requiring multiple separate components or complex assembly
3Productivity
If autonomous inflow control devices are deployed to regulate fluid flow, then flow regulation capability is improved, but discrimination capability between different fluid types may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses local quality differences in flow paths to achieve autonomous fluid discrimination. The tortuous path creates high resistance zones that autonomously block water and gas based on their flow characteristics, while the restricted section provides a different flow regime that allows oil to pass through without external control
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 system effectively regulates fluid flow based on viscosity, maximizing desired fluid production while minimizing undesirable components, thereby optimizing hydrocarbon extraction and balancing pressure across subterranean zones.
Implementation Method 1
a fluidic diode placed between the flow restrictor and a tubing the fluid flow control system is configured to couple to, wherein the fluidic diode is configured to change (e.g., increase) the control pressure (P2) to a higher control pressure (P2++) when the fluidic diode encounters lower viscosity fluids and is configured to change (e.g., increase) the control pressure (P2) to a lower control pressure (P2+) when the fluidic diode encounters higher viscosity fluids
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a fluid flow control system, a well system, and a method. The fluid flow control system, in one aspect, includes a flow restrictor operable to receive production fluid having a pressure (P3) and discharge control fluid having a control pressure (P2), and a fluidic diode placed between the flow restrictor and the tubing, the fluidic diode configured to increase the control pressure (P2) to a higher control pressure (P2++) when the fluidic diode encounters lower viscosity fluids and is configured to increase the control pressure (P2) to a lower control pressure (P2+) when the fluidic diode encounters higher viscosity fluids. The fluid flow control system, in one aspect, further includes an inflow control device having a production fluid inlet, a control inlet operable to receive control fluid having the higher control pressure (P2++) or the lower control pressure (P2+), and a production fluid outlet.