Pressure Pocket Flow Regulator for Subterranean Zone Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In subterranean formations, the uneven flow rates and permeability between zones lead to inefficient fluid recovery during production and injection operations, with undesired fluids often being produced alongside the desired ones, necessitating a solution to regulate fluid flow effectively.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a pressure pocket, a first fluid passageway, and a pressure switch is used to direct fluid flow into two passageways with similar back pressure, adjusting based on fluid properties like flow rate, viscosity, and density, ensuring a consistent flow rate and minimizing undesired fluid production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fluid flow is regulated using conventional methods in subterranean formations, then fluid recovery is achieved, but uneven flow rates and permeability between zones lead to inefficient recovery and production of undesired fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The device changes the flow parameters by using a pressure-sensitive element that responds to pressure changes in the fluid stream. When pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold, the element deflects to redirect flow, thereby dynamically adjusting flow distribution to maintain consistent rates across zones with different permeability characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure-sensitive element acts as a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors pressure in the fluid stream and automatically adjusts flow distribution. The element deflects in response to pressure changes, creating a closed-loop system that maintains balanced flow rates without external control
2Reliability
If a pressure-sensitive flow distribution device is implemented, then flow rate consistency is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-sensitive element is positioned to be directly acted upon by the fluid stream itself, eliminating the need for separate sensing lines or external pressure measurement devices. The fluid's own pressure changes directly deflect the element, which then redirects the flow, creating a self-regulating system
Solution Approach 2:
The device merges the pressure sensing function and flow distribution function into a single integrated structure. The pressure-sensitive element serves both as the sensing mechanism and as the flow control mechanism, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device 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
The device effectively regulates fluid flow, maintaining a consistent rate and reducing the production of undesired fluids by dynamically adjusting flow distribution based on fluid properties, enhancing recovery efficiency and minimizing inefficiencies in subterranean formations.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure switch is positioned adjacent to the pressure source... as at least one of the properties of the fluid changes, the fluid that flows into the pressure pocket changes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A device for directing the flow of a fluid comprises: a pressure pocket; a first fluid passageway; a pressure source; and a pressure switch, wherein the first fluid passageway operationally connects at least the pressure pocket and the pressure source, and wherein the pressure switch is positioned adjacent to the pressure source. According to an embodiment, depending on at least one of the properties of the fluid, the fluid that flows into the pressure pocket changes. In one embodiment, the change is the fluid increasingly flows into the pressure pocket. In another embodiment, the change is the fluid decreasingly flows into the pressure pocket. According to another embodiment, a flow rate regulator comprises: the device for directing the flow of a fluid; a second fluid passageway; a third fluid passageway; and a fourth fluid passageway.