Modular Well Screen Joints with Centralized Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
The closure of multiple sand screen joints in oil and gas wells to prevent unwanted fluid influx is time-consuming and expensive.
Innovation Solution
A well string system comprising a plurality of well screen joints that direct fluid to a common inflow area, where a sliding sleeve device can selectively block inflow from multiple joints, simplifying the process by allowing control via a single mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sand screen joints are equipped with individual closure devices, then each joint can be independently controlled, but the complexity and cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual closure devices into a single centralized closure device that can control flow from multiple sand screen joints simultaneously. This single closure device is positioned at a central location and equipped with multiple closure elements that can independently seal off each well zone, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining independent control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single centralized closure device is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling flow from multiple different well zones through a unified mechanism. This multi-functional design allows one device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate devices, reducing overall system complexity while preserving adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sand screen joints are equipped with individual closure devices, then each joint can be independently controlled, but the cost of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple individual closure devices into one centralized closure device with multiple closure elements, the patent reduces the total quantity of materials and components required. This merging approach maintains independent control capability while reducing the overall cost of the system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If closure devices are installed on multiple sand screen joints, then flow control from each joint is possible, but the time required to operate the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple closure operations into a single centralized closure device that can control multiple well zones. This allows for more efficient operation as the centralized device can coordinate closure actions across multiple joints simultaneously or sequentially without requiring multiple separate operation cycles, thereby reducing the time required to achieve flow control.
4Device complexity
If a single centralized closure device is used, then system complexity and cost are reduced, but independent control of each well zone becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized closure device is segmented into multiple independent closure elements, each responsible for controlling flow from a specific well zone. This segmentation allows each closure element to operate independently while being part of the unified centralized system, thereby maintaining ease of independent control while benefiting from reduced overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized closure device acts as an intermediary between the control system and multiple well zones. It provides a unified interface for control while internally managing independent closure elements that can selectively seal individual zones, thus simplifying the external control interface while maintaining independent zone control capability.
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 system enables efficient and cost-effective control of fluid inflow, allowing or blocking fluid from multiple well screen joints with a single mechanism, reducing the complexity and expense of preventing unwanted fluid influx.
Implementation Method 1
a sliding sleeve device can selectively block inflow from multiple joints
Data Source
AI summary
A technique facilitates production of desired well fluids. A well string may comprise a plurality of well screen joints which are assembled for receipt of a well fluid from a desired well zone along a wellbore. The well screen joints are constructed and assembled in a manner which also creates a flow path to a common inflow area. At this common inflow area, the well fluid may be directed through a port or ports into an interior production passage of the well string for production to a desired collection area. The port or ports at the common inflow area may be selectively closed to block inflow of fluid from the plurality of well screen joints.