Hydrocyclonic Inflow Control Device for Water Discrimination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In the resource recovery industry, particularly in mature wells, there is a challenge in selectively controlling the inflow of target fluids over water, as existing inflow control devices lack sufficient specificity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an inflow control device (ICD) that incorporates a hydrocyclonic device with pressure taps and a valve responsive to differential pressure, allowing for the selective flow of desired fluids while retarding undesired fluids by utilizing the density difference between fluid components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional inflow control devices are used, then some fluid control is achieved, but specificity in excluding water while allowing target fluid flow is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the fluid flow into two separate paths: a pilot flow path through the hydrocyclonic separator and a main flow path through the valve. This segmentation allows the pilot flow to be analyzed for water content while the main flow is controlled based on that analysis, achieving specific fluid discrimination without requiring the entire device to be complex
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrocyclonic separator acts as an intermediary that processes a small pilot portion of the fluid flow to determine water content. This intermediary device provides the discrimination capability needed, while the main valve remains relatively simple in structure, controlling the bulk flow based on the intermediary's signal
2Measurement precision
If a pilot fluid is separated and differential pressure is applied to actuate a valve, then specificity of fluid control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses hydraulic principles where differential pressure generated by separating pilot fluid components directly actuates the valve. The pressure differential itself becomes the actuating mechanism, eliminating the need for separate sensors, electronics, or complex control systems. This hydraulic actuation achieves precise fluid discrimination while maintaining relatively simple device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The pilot fluid separation process itself generates the differential pressure needed to actuate the valve. The system is self-actuating based on the fluid composition it is measuring, without requiring external power sources or complex control mechanisms. The fluid's own properties drive the control action
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 effectively enhances the specificity of fluid control, allowing for the efficient exclusion of higher water percentage fluids while allowing lower water percentage fluids to flow, thereby improving the overall efficiency of resource recovery in wells.
Implementation Method 1
separating components of the pilot fluid... due to separation of fluids having different densities
Implementation Method 2
a hydrocyclonic device having a plurality of pressure taps therein and a valve responsive to differential pressure
Implementation Method 3
applying differential pressure of two of the separated components to a valve that is actuated by differential pressure
Data Source
AI summary
An inflow control device (ICD), including a hydrocyclonic device having a plurality of pressure taps therein and a valve responsive to differential pressure of the plurality of pressure taps. An inflow control device (ICD) including a switch having a primary flow inlet and a primary flow outlet, and a trigger that generates a differential pressure in the trigger due to separation of fluids having different densities. A method for allowing flow of a desired fluid while retarding a flow of undesired fluid in a flow control device, including flowing a pilot fluid through a fluid separator, separating components of the pilot fluid, applying differential pressure of two of the separated components to a valve that is actuated by differential pressure, flowing or retarding flow of a primary flow through the valve in response to the differential pressure.