Movable Flow Diverter Assembly for Autonomous Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for controlling fluid flow in subterranean wells lack the ability to autonomously respond to changes in fluid characteristics over time without operator intervention, particularly in managing the production of multiple fluid components like natural gas, oil, and water, which affects efficient hydrocarbon production.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of autonomous fluid control assemblies with pivoting or rotating diverter arms that actuate based on fluid density changes, using buoyancy principles to adjust valve positions and restrict or allow fluid flow, ensuring optimal production of desired components by selectively opening or closing valve assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional inflow control devices are installed to control fluid flow, then fluid flow rate can be controlled, but the device cannot autonomously respond to changes in fluid characteristics over time
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control device utilizes the fluid flow itself to actuate the control mechanism. The fluid pressure and flow characteristics directly drive the movable member to adjust flow restriction, eliminating the need for external power sources, control systems, or operator intervention. The device serves itself by using the process medium (fluid) to control the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention exploits changes in fluid parameters (pressure, flow rate, density) to automatically adjust the flow control device's operating characteristics. As fluid characteristics change over time, the movable member responds to these parameter changes and adjusts the flow restriction accordingly, enabling the device to adapt to varying production conditions without external intervention.
2Productivity
If multiple inflow control devices are installed to manage different fluid components, then fluid separation control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control device is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated mechanism. The movable member can adjust flow restriction for different fluid components (oil, gas, water) based on their varying densities and flow characteristics. This multi-functional design allows one device to replace what would traditionally require multiple specialized control devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining production efficiency.
3Reliability
If manual intervention is used to adjust flow control, then precise control is achieved, but production efficiency decreases due to operational interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The device eliminates manual intervention by using automatic actuation mechanisms that respond continuously to fluid flow conditions. The movable member is constantly adjusted by fluid pressure differentials and flow characteristics, ensuring optimal flow control is maintained at all times without operational interruptions or manual adjustments, thereby preserving both precision and continuous production efficiency.
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 solution enables autonomous control of fluid flow, optimizing the production of desired hydrocarbons by restricting undesired components, such as natural gas, while allowing desired components like oil to flow more freely, thereby enhancing the efficiency and stability of hydrocarbon production over the life of the well.
Implementation Method 1
a flow diverter assembly actuated in response to a change in density of the fluid flow
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus and methods for controlling the flow of fluid, such as formation fluid, through an oilfield tubular positioned in a wellbore (12) extending through a subterranean formation (20). Fluid flow is autonomously controlled in response to change in a fluid flow characteristic, such as density or viscosity. In one embodiment, a fluid diverter is movable between an open and closed position in response to fluid density change and operable to restrict fluid flow through a valve assembly inlet. The diverter can be pivotable, rotatable or otherwise movable in response to the fluid density change. In one embodiment, the diverter is operable to control a fluid flow ratio through two valve inlets. The fluid flow ratio is used to operate a valve member to restrict fluid flow through the valve. In other embodiments, the fluid diverter moves in response to a change in the fluid to affect fluid flow patterns in a tubular, the change in flow pattern operating a valve assembly.