Microwave Viscosity Control for Downhole Fluid Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid flow devices in the resource recovery industry, such as Inflow Control Devices and Autonomous Inflow Control Devices, face operational inefficiencies due to similar property values among fluid components like light oil and brine, which hinders effective separation and control of fluids in production tubing.

Innovation Solution

The use of a microwave energy device to selectively change the viscosity of one fluid component more than the other, increasing the property difference and enhancing the efficiency of fluid flow devices by heating the fluid with microwave emitters positioned in boreholes, allowing for improved separation and control in wellbore systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If passive fluid flow devices are used for separation based on fluid density or viscosity differences, then fluid separation and control can be achieved, but the devices do not operate optimally when fluid components have similar property values

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid separation effectivenessVSAvoidoperation under similar fluid properties

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by using microwave energy to selectively heat one fluid component, thereby changing its viscosity parameter. This creates a viscosity difference between fluid components that were previously too similar for effective separation by passive devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by heating the fluid with microwaves before the fluid enters the passive separation device. This pre-processing step creates the necessary property differences that enable the subsequent passive separation to work effectively

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If microwave energy is used to selectively change fluid component properties, then viscosity contrast between fluid components increases, but additional energy input equipment is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid separation effectivenessVSAvoidsystem configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses microwave energy as an intermediary to indirectly achieve fluid separation. Instead of modifying the passive separation device, microwaves act as a mediator to pre-condition the fluid, creating property differences that enable effective separation downstream

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the need for complex active control mechanisms with a simpler thermal field approach. Microwave heating substitutes for mechanical or electronic control systems, using thermal energy to achieve the separation objective

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 approach increases the viscosity contrast between fluid components, thereby improving the operation and effectiveness of downhole fluid flow devices like water separators and inflow control devices, enabling more efficient fluid separation and control in resource recovery processes.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrowave heating: Dielectric Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11473412B2Selective heating of fluid components with microwaves to change viscosity ratio in downhole fluid devices

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 BAKER HUGHES OILFIELD OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

An apparatus for processing components of a fluid having a first fluid component and a second fluid component in a fluid property-dependent fluid device includes an energy device configured to input energy to the fluid, the energy selectively changing a property of one of the first and second components more than the other of the first and second components.