Modular Screen Recess for Tubular Inflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In thru tubing installations, incorporating an inflow control device into a screen mandrel is challenging due to size constraints, making it difficult to adjust the inflow area based on reservoir permeability and other factors, as it often pushes the outer diameter to the limit or beyond, leading to binding issues.
Innovation Solution
A modular screen system with a tubular member featuring an outer surface with a recess and an opening, where a flow control device is positioned in the recess, and a screen member is detachably mounted, ensuring the filtering surface does not project beyond the outer surface, allowing for adjustable inflow control and easy replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an inflow control device is incorporated into a screen mandrel for thru tubing installation, then inflow control capability is improved, but the outer diameter increases to the edge of or beyond specific tolerances causing binding issues
Solution Approach 1:
The screen system is divided into separate modular components: a screen mandrel, a screen member with filtering surface, and a flow control device. The flow control device is positioned in a recess of the tubular member rather than being integrated into the mandrel, allowing independent optimization of each component's dimensions and functions without compromising insertion ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control device is positioned in a recess that extends into the outer surface of the tubular member, utilizing the radial dimension to accommodate the flow control functionality without increasing the overall outer diameter. This allows the inflow control capability to be added without compromising the insertion ease through excessive OD increase.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the outer diameter of the screen mandrel is increased to accommodate a flow control device, then inflow control adjustment capability is improved, but the screen mandrel binding risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the flow control device from the mandrel and positioning it in a recess of the tubular member, the mandrel can maintain its original outer diameter within tolerance specifications, ensuring reliable insertion while the flow control device provides adjustable inflow area capability through its own independent design.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control device is nested within a recess formed in the outer surface of the tubular member, allowing it to be accommodated without increasing the overall outer diameter. This nesting approach enables inflow control adjustment capability while maintaining the mandrel's outer diameter within acceptable tolerances to avoid binding.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a screen member is permanently integrated into the mandrel, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to replace screen members based on monitoring parameters is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The screen member is designed as a separate, detachable component that can be independently replaced from the mandrel. This modular segmentation allows the screen member to be removed and replaced based on monitoring parameters such as production fluid characteristics, while maintaining structural stability during operation through secure detachable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen member is designed with detachable connections that allow it to transition between a fixed state during operation (providing structural stability) and a replaceable state when maintenance is needed. This dynamic design enables easy replacement based on monitoring parameters while maintaining stability during normal operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular screen system includes a tubular member having an outer surface defining an outer diameter and an inner surface defining an inner diameter. The outer surface includes an opening and a recess extending about the opening. A flow control device is positioned at the opening in the recess, and a screen member is detachably mounted to the tubular in the recess. The screen member includes a filtering surface that does not project proudly of the outer surface.