Pressure Pulse Bypass Flow Restrictor for Subterranean Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for variably restricting flow in subterranean wells lack the ability to efficiently open additional flow paths in response to pressure signals, limiting the flexibility in managing fluid flow restrictions.
Innovation Solution
A flow restrictor system with a pressure sensor and an initially closed device that opens an additional parallel flow path when a predetermined pressure signal is detected, utilizing materials that increase pressure upon contact to bypass flow restrictors, thereby reducing resistance to fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If flow restrictors are used to restrict flow into the tubular string, then flow control is achieved, but flow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow restrictor system employs a dynamically controllable bypass valve that can transition between closed and open states based on pressure signals. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt flow resistance levels in real-time, resolving the contradiction between maintaining flow control (when valve is closed) and reducing flow resistance (when valve is open).
Solution Approach 2:
The flow path is segmented into two parallel paths: one through the flow restrictors and another through the bypass valve. This segmentation allows independent control of each path, enabling the system to selectively restrict or bypass flow based on operational requirements, thus achieving both flow control and resistance reduction capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a bypass flow path is opened to reduce flow resistance, then flow management flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass valve is integrated within the same housing as the flow restrictors, and the bypass flow path merges with the main flow path downstream of the restrictors. This merging approach allows the bypass functionality to be added without requiring entirely separate components or complex external assemblies, thus improving flow path configuration while limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Extent of automation
If materials that increase pressure upon contact are used to open the bypass path, then automated flow control is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass valve opening mechanism utilizes materials that automatically generate pressure upon contact, eliminating the need for external actuators, power sources, or complex control systems. This self-service approach achieves automated bypass activation through intrinsic material properties, resolving the contradiction between automation and manufacturing simplicity.
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
Enables flexible and efficient management of fluid flow by selectively opening bypass paths, reducing restrictions and allowing relatively unrestricted flow when needed, while maintaining minimal resistance through the use of parallel flow paths.
Implementation Method 1
the device comprises multiple materials, which, in use of the system, increase pressure in the device, in response to contact of the materials with each other, to open the additional flow path
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of variably restricting flow in a subterranean well can include resisting the flow through a sidewall of a tubular string, and then selectively opening a device in response to a predetermined pressure signal being transmitted. The opening of the device can substantially reduce a resistance to the flow through the tubular string sidewall. A flow restrictor system for use with a subterranean well can include a flow restrictor which resists flow through system, a pressure sensor, and an initially closed device which opens and thereby permits the flow to bypass the flow restrictor, in response to a predetermined pressure signal being detected by the sensor.