Mechanical Choke Control for Wellbore Liquid Cross-Flow Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wellbore flow instabilities due to uncontrolled liquid cross-flows between zones within the wellbore lead to disruptions in fluid flow, reduced efficiency, and potential environmental hazards, necessitating a method to stabilize fluid dynamics and enhance injectivity.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical choke system with an automatically adjustable sleeve/valve/port that opens and closes based on the vertical liquid level, coupled with annular volumes and flow control devices, to manage fluid flow and stabilize the gas-oil contact, thereby reducing wellbore instabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If natural flow is achieved from production zone to injection zone through production tubing, then fluid flow efficiency is improved, but liquid level instabilities occur in the injection zone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic choke device that automatically adjusts its opening degree based on real-time liquid level conditions in the injection zone. The choke transitions from a static flow restriction to a dynamic control mechanism that responds to liquid level changes, thereby stabilizing the gas-oil contact and preventing liquid level instabilities while maintaining efficient fluid flow from the production zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by monitoring the liquid level in the injection zone and using this information to automatically adjust the choke opening. When liquid levels rise, the choke closes to reduce inflow; when liquid levels drop, the choke opens to increase inflow. This closed-loop feedback mechanism stabilizes the liquid level and maintains optimal flow conditions.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a choke device is added to control liquid flow, then liquid level stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The choke device is designed to be self-regulating, automatically adjusting its opening based on liquid level conditions without requiring external control systems. The device uses the liquid level differential itself as the control signal, eliminating the need for complex external actuators, sensors, or control logic. This self-service approach stabilizes liquid levels while minimizing added system complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the choke opening is adjusted manually, then flow control precision is improved, but operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The choke device automatically regulates its own opening based on liquid level conditions, eliminating the need for manual intervention. The device uses the natural liquid level differential as the control mechanism, providing precise flow control while maintaining high operational efficiency. The system continuously self-adjusts to maintain optimal flow conditions without requiring operator input.
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 system effectively stabilizes fluid flow, reduces operational risks, and enhances the efficiency of hydrocarbon extraction by managing liquid level instabilities, ensuring optimal well performance and cleaner extraction processes.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrostatic head of a liquid phase is sufficient to open and close a pressure arrangement
Implementation Method 2
a production tubing that may contain a choke (or other flow control device)
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure provide a method of mitigating liquid instability in controlled intra-well cross-flow between two, or more, zones accessed by a well. One or more embodiments define new functionalities necessary for dynamic multiphase flow (MPF) simulation to model, mitigate and control liquid instability observed in a well.