Pressure-Actuated Inflow Control Device Barrier Shear Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflow control devices in oil and gas well operations face challenges with premature rupture of rupture disks due to deformation during pressure cycles, leading to inconsistent and difficult-to-manage fluid flow control across multiple zones, requiring complex valve systems and additional wellbore operations.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a pressure-actuated inflow control device featuring a piston, a shear device, and a reinforced barrier that maintains structural integrity until a predetermined pressure differential is reached, ensuring reliable actuation and preventing premature rupture, allowing for controlled fluid flow through a combination of a body, flow passage, piston, barrier, and shear device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rupture disk is used to control fluid flow, then fluid flow control is achieved, but the rupture disk deforms during pressure cycles causing premature rupture
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is segmented into multiple sections with reinforcing structures positioned at specific intervals. These segments are connected by circumferential grooves that allow controlled movement while maintaining overall structural integrity, preventing deformation during pressure cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier is constructed as a composite structure combining a flexible barrier material with rigid reinforcing structures. This composite design allows the barrier to flex under pressure while the reinforcing structures prevent excessive deformation and premature rupture
2Reliability
If pressure isolation is maintained until sufficient pressure is applied, then reliable actuation is achieved, but complex valve systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The inflow control device is actuated automatically by the wellbore pressure itself. When pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold, the barrier deforms and opens the flow passage without requiring external valve systems, control lines, or additional wellbore operations
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical valve system is replaced with a pressure-sensitive barrier mechanism. The barrier responds directly to pressure changes through deformation, eliminating the need for traditional valve components, actuation mechanisms, and control systems
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 ensures consistent and reliable actuation of inflow control devices across multiple zones, preventing premature rupture and maintaining pressure isolation until the desired pressure is applied, thereby simplifying fluid flow management and reducing the need for complex valve systems and additional wellbore operations.
Implementation Method 1
The increased pressure can deform the barrier, which maintains the pressure isolation until the pressure is reduced
Implementation Method 2
a shear device that initially prevents movement of the piston relative to the body, where the shear device shears off the piston in response to a predetermined pressure differential
Data Source
AI summary
An inflow control device (ICD) that may include a piston located in a flow passage, a barrier that prevents fluid flow through the ICD, and a shear device that prevents movement of the piston. A method of actuating one or more ICDs may include preventing actuation of the devices by maintaining a pressure in an interior of a well tool (or tubing string) below an actuation pressure of the devices, where each device may include a piston located within a flow passage, a barrier that prevents fluid flow through the ICD, and a shear device that initially prevents movement of the piston. The method may include increasing the pressure in the well tool (or tubing string) to be greater than or equal to the actuation pressure, thereby shearing the shear device and moving the piston.