Rotatable Choke Members for Zonal Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole choke systems in oil and gas wells lack effective mechanisms to selectively control fluid flow across different reservoir zones, leading to inconsistent production of valuable hydrocarbon-rich fluids and increased recovery of undesirable components like water and gases.
Innovation Solution
A downhole choke system with rotatable choke members and adjustable flow paths, featuring a flow restrictor with apertures on mating faces that change cross-sectional area by relative rotation, allowing for precise control of fluid flow through selective alignment of apertures, and incorporating a piston device and seal system to manage fluid pressure and sealing forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single choke opening is used to control fluid flow, then the structure is simple, but the ability to selectively control flow across different reservoir zones is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The single choke opening is segmented into multiple openings (first opening, second opening, third opening) that can be independently controlled by rotatable choke members. Each opening can be selectively opened or closed to control fluid flow from different reservoir zones, enabling zonal flow control while maintaining a relatively compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The choke members are made rotatable to dynamically adjust the flow control configuration. The rotatable choke members can rotate to align different openings with the flow path, allowing dynamic adaptation to different production requirements and reservoir zone conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple choke members are added to control different zones, then zonal flow control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple choke members are merged into a single integrated choke assembly with a common body and shared sealing system. The first, second, and third choke members are combined in one structure, reducing the need for multiple separate devices while maintaining the ability to control multiple zones independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Each rotatable choke member serves multiple functions: it acts as both a flow control element and a sealing element, and can control multiple openings simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components needed while achieving comprehensive zonal control.
3Manufacturing precision
If choke members are made rotatable to adjust flow paths, then flow control precision is improved, but the sealing reliability under pressure becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the sealing force is automatically adjusted in response to pressure conditions. The resilient sealing elements and biasing springs provide continuous adaptation to maintain sealing integrity as pressure varies during rotation and flow control operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system uses composite sealing structures combining resilient materials (such as elastomers or spring elements) with rigid sealing faces. This composite approach provides both the flexibility needed for reliable sealing under varying pressure conditions and the precision required for accurate flow control through rotation.
Data Source
AI summary
A choke controlling fluid flow in a well has a conduit with an inlet and an outlet, and a flow restrictor comprising first and second choke members (10,20), one of which (20) rotates relative to the other (10) to choke or promote flow. The first and second choke members (10,20) are axially spaced from one another, and have mating faces that are optionally planar, and are axially stacked in the choke. The choke is operated by a shifting tool (50), which grips the inner surface of the rotating choke member (20), and rotates it relative to the other (10), in order to vary the flow.