Magnetic Well Flow Control Device for Scale Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current flow control devices in wells are susceptible to scale formation, leading to blockages and production losses due to salt precipitation, necessitating costly interventions and resource usage.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of magnetic components in the valve design to prevent scale formation by generating a magnetic field that inhibits the adherence of crystals to the device's internal walls, using metal alloys with defined magnetic orientations to create a vector product for laminar flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If flow control devices are installed to control fluid flow and improve oil recovery, then production control is improved, but scale formation occurs leading to blockages and production losses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoil recoveryVSAvoiddevice blockage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical flow control mechanism with a magnetic field-based system. Magnetic components generate a magnetic field that prevents scale formation through magnetic alignment of crystals, eliminating the mechanical surfaces that would otherwise be blocked by scale accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and behavior of fluid flow by introducing magnetic fields. The magnetic field alters the orientation and alignment of precipitating crystals, changing them from scale-forming deposits into aligned structures that do not block flow, thereby preventing device blockage while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If conventional flow control devices are used to apply pressure drop for controlling unwanted fluids, then gas-oil ratio control is improved, but costly interventions are required for chemical removal treatments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow controlVSAvoidproduction stoppage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical pressure drop devices with a magnetic field-based flow control system. The magnetic components maintain fluid flow control capabilities while preventing scale formation, eliminating the need for periodic chemical removal treatments and production stoppages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic flow control device provides continuous scale prevention without interruption. The magnetic field operates continuously to prevent crystal adherence, ensuring uninterrupted fluid flow control and eliminating the periodic interruptions required for maintenance in conventional devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If magnetic components are incorporated to prevent scale formation, then device reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescale preventionVSAvoidmagnetic components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic components are integrated within the existing flow control device structure. The magnetic elements are nested within or alongside the conventional device components, adding scale prevention functionality without requiring a complete redesign or significant increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Reduces the risk of blockages and enhances production efficiency by maintaining fluid flow control, reducing the need for interventions and increasing the recovery factor and cost-effectiveness of hydrocarbon production.

Implementation Method 1

generating a magnetic field that inhibits the adherence of crystals to the device's internal walls

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

The pressure drop channel receives a fluid at an inlet with a first diameter and discharges said fluid at an outlet with a second diameter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure drop: Pressure Drop

Data Source

PatentUS20250305386A1Magnetic device for controlling fluid flow in a well

Publication Date: 2025.10.02 PETROLEO BRASILEIRO SA PETROBRAS

AI summary

The present application discloses a magnetic device for controlling fluid flow in a well. The magnetic device comprises: a base magnetic tube, an external magnetic tube, and a pressure drop channel. The pressure drop channel receives a fluid at an inlet with a first diameter and discharges said fluid at an outlet with a second diameter. The base magnetic tube is fitted inside the external magnetic tube, and the pressure drop channel is formed in a fitting region between the base magnetic tube and the external magnetic tube.