Sand Screen With Integral Standoffs for Even Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow control devices in wellbores face challenges in achieving even fluid flow and inhibiting solid particle invasion, particularly in horizontal wellbores with varying formation properties, leading to inefficient hydrocarbon production due to uneven boundary layers and the need for expensive, complex devices with moving parts.
Innovation Solution
A flow control device featuring a sand screen with integrated axial standoffs and radial channels, formed by wrapping a longitudinal member around a tubular, providing both axial and radial fluid flow paths while inhibiting solid particles, thus optimizing fluid flow and reducing device complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate inflow control devices are placed inside the sand screen, then flow control capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sand screen and inflow control device into a single integrated unit. The standoffs are formed as an integral part of the sand screen structure itself, eliminating the need for separate inflow control devices. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining flow control capability through the geometric design of the integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sand screen structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a filtration screen and an inflow control device. The standoffs provide both structural support for the wire wrap and create the necessary flow control geometry, making the structure universal and eliminating the need for additional specialized components.
2Measurement precision
If active inflow control devices with moving parts are used, then flow control precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, passive, disposable-style structure with no moving parts. The inflow control is achieved through the fixed geometric configuration of the standoffs and wire wrap, which provides sufficient control precision without requiring complex active mechanisms. This simple structure is highly reliable and maintenance-free throughout the wellbore life.
3Adaptability or versatility
If substantial radial space is allocated for separate inflow control devices, then flow control function is improved, but internal diameter for production tubing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the inflow control function into the sand screen structure itself, the patent eliminates the need for additional radial space that would be required for separate devices. The standoffs are formed within the existing sand screen radial dimensions, preserving the full internal diameter for production tubing while providing complete flow control functionality.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional sand screen with separate standoffs is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but fluid flow evenness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates local variations in the sand screen structure through the standoff geometry and wire wrap spacing. Different regions of the sand screen have optimized local characteristics that collectively achieve even fluid flow distribution along the entire production zone, while the overall manufacturing process remains relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous wire wrap structure with regularly spaced standoffs creates a uniform, continuous flow control surface along the entire length of the sand screen. This continuous structure ensures even fluid flow distribution without interruption, maintaining stable composition throughout the production zone while being manufactured as a single continuous unit.
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 solution ensures a more even and efficient flow of hydrocarbons by allowing both axial and radial fluid flow through the sand screen, reducing the risk of gas or water cone formation and enhancing hydrocarbon production while minimizing the need for expensive, complex devices.
Implementation Method 1
the longitudinal member has radial channels to provide radial flow of the fluid through the sand screen
Implementation Method 2
wrapping a wire having axial spaced apart standoffs to provide axial flow of a fluid along a surface of the sand screen
Implementation Method 3
The sand screen is used to inhibit flow of solid, such as rock pieces into the production tubing
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a flow control device is disclosed that in one embodiment may include a sand screen that includes adjacent wraps of a longitudinal member, wherein the longitudinal member has a width, a first axial side and a second axial side, the longitudinal member further including spaced apart standoffs along the first axial side and spaced apart channels that provide fluid paths from the second axial side to the first axial side.