Electric Inflow Valve Reopening via Injection Flow After Full Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical inflow control devices (EICDs) in wellbore systems struggle to fully close and reopen without the need for stored energy or downhole intervention, limiting their ability to control fluid production effectively.
Innovation Solution
An unbalanced actuator mechanism within the EICD, powered by fluid flow, allows for complete closure and remote reopening using injection flow, eliminating the need for stored energy and intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an electrical inflow control device uses a turbine generator powered by fluid flow to operate the actuator, then the device can control fluid flow, but the device cannot fully close and reopen without stored energy or downhole intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the fluid flow itself to provide the power needed for operation. The turbine generator converts kinetic energy from the flowing fluid into mechanical energy to drive the actuator, eliminating the need for separate power sources or external intervention. The fluid flow serves dual purposes: both controlling the valve and powering the actuation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs hydraulic principles by using the fluid flow (liquid or gas) to drive the turbine generator, which then mechanically actuates the valve. The fluid's pressure and kinetic energy are converted into mechanical work through the turbine, providing the force needed to move the actuator and control the flow path.
2Ease of operation
If stored energy devices are used to enable closing and reopening, then the device can be reopened remotely, but the system design becomes overly complicated and reliability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates stored energy devices by using the fluid flow itself to power the turbine generator and actuator. This self-powered approach removes the complexity and reliability risks associated with batteries or capacitors, as the energy source is continuously available through the fluid flow that already passes through the valve.
3Manufacturing precision
If the actuator is moved near the fully closed position by a drive mechanism, then the valve can close, but the actuator must be pulled onto seat by fluid flow to complete closure
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed as an unbalanced mechanism where the forces acting on the actuator during closure are intentionally made asymmetric. The drive mechanism provides force to move the actuator near closure, while the fluid flow provides a different force to pull it onto the seat. This asymmetric force balance allows for precise closure without requiring complex balancing 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
Enables reliable and efficient control of fluid production by allowing the EICD to fully close and reopen, improving the oil/water production ratio and streamlining field operations.
Implementation Method 1
power generator 208 that generates power from the flow of fluid through the EICD
Implementation Method 2
subsequently pulled onto seat by fluid flow
Data Source
AI summary
An inflow control device and method of use. The device may include a chamber, wherein the chamber comprises a seat. The device may further include a fluid passageway fluidly connected to the chamber, an actuator disposed within the chamber, and a motor at least partially disposed in the chamber and detachably connected to the actuator by a detachable connector. The method of using the inflow control device may include receiving a fluid from a formation with an inflow control device (ICD) disposed on a tubular string within a formation and stopping flow of the fluid through the ICD by seating the actuator to the seat after the actuator has detached from the motor by the detachable connector.