Permeability Control Devices for Wellbore Flow Balancing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Viscous hydrocarbon recovery in wellbore systems faces challenges with non-uniform heat distribution and production profiles, leading to inefficient hydrocarbon extraction and potential damage to downhole components due to thermal expansion.
Innovation Solution
A borehole system with permeability control devices strategically placed along the tubular string to manage pressure drops and fluid flow, balancing steam injection and production across the wellbore length, and using open hole anchors and baffles to mitigate thermal expansion and steam loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If steam is injected to facilitate hydrocarbon recovery, then hydrocarbon recovery efficiency is improved, but downhole components are damaged due to thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The wellbore system is divided into multiple zones with discrete permeability control devices positioned at different locations. Each zone can be independently controlled to manage steam distribution and heat transfer, preventing excessive thermal expansion in any single location while maintaining overall recovery efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different permeability control devices with varying permeability characteristics are deployed at different locations along the wellbore. This creates localized flow control that optimizes steam distribution and heat transfer in specific zones, reducing thermal stress on components while maintaining productivity.
2Productivity
If uniform inflow and outflow profiles are achieved, then production efficiency is improved and water breakthrough is delayed, but device complexity increases due to permeability control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Permeability control devices utilizing porous materials or beaded matrix structures are employed to regulate fluid flow. These devices provide flow control through their inherent porous structure, achieving uniform profiles without complex mechanical components, thereby balancing productivity improvement with acceptable device complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If permeability control devices are used to balance fluid flow, then production profile uniformity is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The permeability of control devices is varied as a key parameter to achieve flow balancing. By adjusting permeability values of different devices positioned at various locations, uniform fluid flow profiles are achieved. This parameter-based control approach provides flexibility in achieving flow stability without requiring complex structural designs.
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 enhances uniformity in fluid flow and production profiles, reducing early water breakthrough and minimizing damage from thermal expansion, thereby improving hydrocarbon recovery efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
one or more permeability control devices disposed in the string; and the plurality of permeability control devices being selected to produce particular pressure drops for fluid entering or exiting various discrete locations along the string
Data Source
AI summary
A borehole system having a permeability controlled flow profile including a tubular string; one or more permeability control devices disposed in the string; and the plurality of permeability control devices being selected to produce particular pressure drops for fluid entering or exiting various discrete locations along the string and method.