Phase-Change Flow Control Device for Steam Flood Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow control devices for subterranean wells are expensive and difficult to tailor for specific well conditions, particularly in preventing steam breakthrough and liquid water injection during steam flood operations.
Innovation Solution
A flow control device with multiple actuators and flow restricting members that control fluid flow based on phase changes, using a chamber with a variable volume and a biasing device to adjust pressure, allowing for precise control of fluid phase transition from gas to liquid, thereby preventing steam production and ensuring consistent heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If phase control valves are used to prevent steam breakthrough and liquid water injection, then flow control based on fluid phase is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase changes (parameter changes in fluid state) to control flow automatically. The flow control device responds to temperature and pressure changes that occur during phase transitions, enabling automatic differentiation between liquid and vapor phases without complex mechanical components. This resolves the contradiction by achieving reliable phase-based flow control through thermodynamic parameter changes rather than complex valve mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention directly applies phase transition phenomena to its core function. The flow control device is designed to respond to the phase state of the fluid (liquid vs. vapor) by detecting temperature and pressure conditions associated with phase changes. This enables automatic flow control based on fluid phase without requiring expensive, complex phase-specific valve mechanisms, thereby resolving the technical contradiction.
2Manufacturing precision
If phase control valves are tailored for specific well conditions, then flow control precision is improved, but manufacturing difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device achieves flow control precision by monitoring and responding to temperature and pressure parameter changes that naturally occur during phase transitions. Rather than requiring custom-tailored valves for specific well conditions, the system uses universal thermodynamic principles that apply across different well conditions, achieving precision through parameter detection and response rather than custom manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control device is designed with universal applicability to various well conditions by relying on fundamental thermodynamic principles of phase changes. The same basic mechanism responds to temperature and pressure changes regardless of specific well conditions, eliminating the need for expensive custom tailoring while maintaining flow control precision through its ability to detect and respond to phase transition parameters.
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
The device effectively restricts steam flow and ensures liquid water production, reducing damage to formations and equipment, while maintaining consistent heat application and mobile steam within the formation, thus improving operational efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
the bellows being responsive to expand or contract in response to a phase change of the fluid
Implementation Method 2
a phase change of the fluid from a liquid phase to a vapor phase or from a vapor phase to a liquid phase
Data Source
AI summary
A flow control device can include water in a chamber, the chamber having a variable volume, a flow restricting member which displaces in response to a change in the chamber volume, and a biasing device which influences a pressure in the chamber. A method of controlling flow of steam in a well can include providing a flow control device which varies a resistance to flow in the well, the flow control device including a chamber having a variable volume, water disposed in the chamber, and a biasing device. The biasing device influences the chamber volume. Another flow control device can include water in a chamber, the chamber having a variable volume, a flow restricting member which displaces in response to a change in the chamber volume, and a biasing device which reduces a boiling point of the water in the chamber.