Hydrophilic Flow Control Device for Water Restriction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current inflow control devices (ICDs) are complex, expensive, and only partially effective in reducing water flow, often leading to a reduction in hydrocarbon production, and are difficult to adjust during the well's lifespan without manual intervention.

Innovation Solution

A flow control device with a tubular body and a hydrophilic material disposed within the flow path, which passively restricts water flow while allowing hydrocarbons to flow unimpeded, eliminating the need for mechanical activation and manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If mechanically activated valves or filters are used to restrict water flow, then water production is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater productionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the flow control function from complex mechanical valves and filters, replacing them with a simple tubular body containing hydrophilic material that passively restricts water flow through surface energy differences alone

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical activation systems (valves, switches, actuators) with a passive chemical/physical mechanism where hydrophilic material surfaces automatically differentiate between water and hydrocarbon flow based on surface energy interactions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of substance

If mechanically activated devices are used to control fluid flow, then flow regulation is achieved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requirement for manual intervention

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater productionVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hydrophilic material surfaces serve themselves by automatically differentiating between water and hydrocarbon flows through inherent surface energy properties, eliminating the need for external control systems or manual intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical control systems requiring manual operation with a passive chemical/physical mechanism where surface energy differences automatically regulate flow without human intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of substance

If expandable materials are used to restrict water flow, then water production is reduced, but hydrocarbon flow may also be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater productionVSAvoidhydrocarbon production

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different surface energy characteristics on the inner surface of the tubular body that specifically interact with water molecules through hydrophilic attraction, while allowing hydrocarbon flow to proceed unimpeded based on their non-polar nature

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the surface energy parameter of the tubular body interior by applying hydrophilic materials or coatings, which fundamentally alters how different fluids interact with the surface - water is attracted and restricted while hydrocarbons are not affected

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Loss of substance

If current ICD designs are used to reduce water flow, then water production is partially reduced, but adaptability deteriorates as adjustment during well lifespan becomes difficult or impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater productionVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic adaptability by allowing the hydrophilic material surfaces to continuously respond to changing flow conditions throughout the well's lifespan, maintaining optimal water restriction performance as production characteristics evolve

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 device effectively maximizes hydrocarbon production by selectively impeding water flow without reducing hydrocarbon flow, allowing for efficient reservoir drainage and easy adjustment without mechanical intervention.

Implementation Method 1

a material having a hydrophilic surface located and configured to contact formation fluids flowing along the at least one flow path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS10227850B2Flow control devices including materials containing hydrophilic surfaces and related methods

Publication Date: 2019.03.12 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

Flow control devices for regulating fluid flow from a subterranean formation by utilizing materials containing hydrophilic surfaces in a flow path of formation fluids. The flow control device comprises a tubular body, a flow path, and a material having a hydrophilic surface disposed within the flow path to restrict the flow of water. Methods of making and systems utilizing the flow control devices are disclosed.