Pressure Actuated Inflow Control Device Plug Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current inflow control devices in oil and gas well completions face challenges in reliably transitioning from a 'closed' to an 'open' position, often relying on dissolvable plugs which are not cost-effective or reliable, leading to issues like premature water or gas breakthrough and leaving valuable reserves untapped.
Innovation Solution
A pressure actuated inflow control device featuring a collapsible apparatus that changes configuration in response to predetermined pressure, allowing an axially extending plug to move from a restrictive to a non-restrictive position within fluid passageways, enabling efficient fluid flow control without the need for dissolvable plugs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dissolvable plugs are used to control fluid flow, then the device can transition from closed to open position, but the method is not cost-effective and reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical dissolution mechanism with a mechanical pressure-actuated system. A piston moves in response to pressure differential (reservoir pressure vs. hydrostatic pressure) to mechanically push the plug from the closed position to the open position, eliminating the need for dissolvable plugs and their associated cost and reliability issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes hydraulic pressure principles where the pressure differential between the reservoir and the wellbore acts on a piston to generate mechanical force. This pressure-actuated mechanism reliably transitions the plug from closed to open position based on predetermined pressure thresholds, providing both reliability and cost-effectiveness
2Reliability
If dissolvable plugs are used to prevent premature water or gas breakthrough, then flow control is achieved, but the method leaves valuable reserves in the ground
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic flow control system where the plug transitions from closed to open position based on predetermined pressure conditions. This allows the device to adapt to changing reservoir conditions, preventing premature breakthrough when pressure differential is insufficient while allowing efficient drainage when pressure conditions are favorable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pressure differential as the triggering parameter for plug actuation. By monitoring and responding to pressure changes in the reservoir, the system optimizes the timing of flow activation, ensuring that valuable reserves are not left behind due to premature or delayed plug actuation
3Reliability
If a pressure actuated mechanism is used to move the plug, then reliable flow control is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a self-actuating system where the pressure differential inherent in the well environment automatically actuates the piston and plug without requiring external control systems, complex sensors, or additional actuators. The system uses the available pressure gradient to perform the work of plug actuation, maintaining reliability while minimizing added complexity
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 ensures reliable and efficient fluid flow control, preventing premature breakthroughs and optimizing reservoir drainage by using a pressure-actuated mechanism that reduces operational costs and enhances completion efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure actuated inflow control device features a collapsible apparatus that changes configuration in response to predetermined pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure actuated inflow control device that includes: a housing having a wall within which a fluid passageway axially extends; a collapsible apparatus coupled to the housing and configured to change from an extended to a retracted configuration when subjected to a predetermined pressure; and an axially extending plug at least partially disposed within the fluid passageway and removable from the fluid passageway; wherein, when the collapsible apparatus is in the extended configuration, the plug is disposed within the fluid passageway at a first position relative to the housing to restrict fluid flow through the fluid passageway; and wherein, when the collapsible apparatus changes to the retracted configuration, the plug is either: moved to a second position relative to the housing to allow fluid flow through the fluid passageway; or capable of moving from the first position to allow fluid flow through the fluid passageway.