Hydraulically Isolated Flow Paths for Wellbore Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling fluid flow between a wellbore tubular and a subterranean formation often result in uneven drainage, leading to undesirable conditions such as gas or water cones, which can significantly reduce hydrocarbon production. There is a need for controlled drainage and the ability to selectively close off or reduce in-flow in production zones experiencing undesirable influxes.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus and method involve creating hydraulically isolated flow paths with occludable sections, each generating a different pressure drop, and including chambers and openings to control fluid flow between the wellbore tubular and the formation, allowing for selective occlusion to manage fluid flow and pressure differentials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional flow control systems are used, then fluid flow can be regulated, but uneven drainage occurs leading to gas or water cones
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control device is divided into multiple independently controllable flow paths, each with its own occlusion mechanism. This segmentation allows individual adjustment of each flow path to achieve uniform drainage across all zones, preventing the formation of gas or water cones while maintaining reliable flow control.
2Productivity
If production zones are left open for maximum production, then hydrocarbon recovery is maximized, but undesirable influxes of water and gas reduce production quality
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control device incorporates dynamically adjustable flow paths that can be opened or occluded based on real-time production conditions. This dynamic control allows the system to maximize hydrocarbon production when conditions are favorable while selectively closing off flow paths to prevent water and gas influx, thereby maintaining production quality.
Solution Approach 2:
Each flow path is equipped with independent occlusion capability, allowing local adjustment of specific zones. This enables targeted control where only problematic zones are occluded while other zones continue to produce hydrocarbons, thus maintaining overall productivity while eliminating harmful influxes.
3Reliability
If multiple flow paths are created for controlled drainage, then uniform drainage is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple flow paths with standardized occlusion mechanisms. While this creates multiple flow paths for uniform drainage, the use of modular and standardized components across each segment helps manage overall device complexity through repetition of proven design elements.
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 enables controlled and balanced fluid flow, reducing the risk of gas or water cones and optimizing hydrocarbon production by allowing for tailored pressure drops and flow management in each production zone.
Implementation Method 1
each of the at least two flow paths generates a different pressure drop in the fluid flowing there across
Data Source
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AI summary
A flow control device may include a body having at least two flow paths configured to convey the fluid. The flow paths may be hydraulically isolated from one another in the body and at least one of the flow paths may be selectively occludable. In certain arrangements, a filtration element may be positioned upstream of one or more of the plurality of in-flow control devices. The flow paths may utilize features such as chamber and openings in order to impose a specified pressure drop on the fluid flowing there across.