Fluidic Diode Pressure Control for Viscosity-Selective Well Inflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid flow control systems in hydrocarbon production wells struggle to discriminate and regulate the flow of different types of formation fluids effectively, leading to inefficiencies in producing desired fluid components while minimizing undesirable components.
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 automatically regulate fluid flow by closing or opening outlets based on pressure differentials, ensuring higher viscosity fluids like oil are prioritized over lower viscosity fluids like gas or water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a gatekeeper device or simple valve is used to regulate fluid flow, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to discriminate between different types of formation fluids is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flow restrictors with different geometries (length, diameter, tortuosity) that create viscosity-dependent pressure drops. By changing the physical parameters of the restrictors, the system achieves fluid discrimination without complex control mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces control fluids as intermediaries that transmit pressure signals from the flow restrictors to the inflow control devices. This intermediary mechanism enables automatic fluid discrimination while maintaining relative simplicity in the overall system architecture
2Ease of operation
If non-discriminating gatekeeper devices are used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the productivity is reduced due to inability to prioritize desired fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses autonomous inflow control devices that automatically respond to pressure differentials created by viscosity-dependent flow restrictors. The devices self-regulate fluid flow based on fluid properties without external control, maintaining ease of operation while improving productivity through selective fluid prioritization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where flow restrictors create viscosity-dependent pressure drops that automatically signal the inflow control devices to adjust their opening. This passive feedback system improves productivity by prioritizing desired fluids while requiring no active operation from the user
3Adaptability or versatility
If flow restrictors are used to achieve fluid discrimination, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves fluid discrimination by varying physical parameters of flow restrictors (length, diameter, tortuosity) rather than adding complex control systems. This approach increases adaptability while minimizing the increase in device complexity by using passive geometric variations
4Productivity
If autonomous inflow control devices are used, then the productivity is improved through automatic regulation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous inflow control devices operate automatically in response to pressure differentials without requiring external control systems. This self-service capability improves productivity through automatic fluid flow regulation while keeping device complexity relatively low by eliminating the need for complex control electronics or external actuation 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
The system enhances the production of desired fluids by automatically adjusting to fluid composition, optimizing the flow of higher viscosity fluids while restricting lower viscosity fluids, thereby improving the overall efficiency and composition of produced fluids.
Implementation Method 1
the fluidic diode is configured to change the control pressure to a higher control pressure when the fluidic diode encounters lower viscosity fluids and is configured to change the control pressure to a lower control pressure 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.