Self-Adjusting Inflow Control Device for Horizontal Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional static inflow control devices in horizontal wells fail to adapt to changing well properties over time, leading to uneven drainage and inability to prevent water or gas breakthrough, resulting in reduced hydrocarbon yield.
Innovation Solution
A self-adjusting inflow control device utilizing a tubular member with a flow control device that adjusts flow based on fluid velocity, pressure, and composition, featuring an annular resilient valve member that deforms to alter flow area in response to pressure differences and fluid changes, and includes a swellable material to block undesirable fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If static ICDs with fixed openings are used to control inflow, then drainage profile is evened out initially, but the device cannot adapt to changing well properties over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing static fixed openings with dynamic flow control devices that can automatically adjust their flow characteristics. The ICD device changes its flow control properties in response to changing well conditions such as pressure differentials and fluid composition, enabling adaptation without requiring complex external control systems or manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through autonomous flow control mechanisms that automatically respond to changing well conditions. The device monitors its own operating environment and adjusts its flow control characteristics without external input, using self-contained sensing and actuation mechanisms to maintain optimal drainage throughout the well's production life.
2Reliability
If conventional fixed opening ICDs are used to delay water breakthrough, then hydrocarbon production is extended, but the device cannot close openings when water or gas breakthrough occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback principles by incorporating sensing mechanisms that detect fluid composition changes indicating water or gas breakthrough. When such breakthrough is detected, the system automatically responds by adjusting or closing the flow control openings, preventing unwanted fluids from entering the production stream while maintaining hydrocarbon production from unaffected zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by preparing the flow control device to automatically close openings before significant water or gas contamination occurs. The system detects early signs of breakthrough and preemptively restricts flow through affected intervals, preventing the harmful effect of water/gas production before it can compromise overall well performance.
3Manufacturing precision
If static ICDs are installed during initial completion, then correct inflow control properties are achieved at the beginning, but properties become increasingly off as the well matures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the static ICD into a dynamic system that continuously adapts its flow control characteristics. The device maintains accurate inflow control properties throughout the well's production life by automatically adjusting to changing reservoir conditions, extending the duration of optimal performance from the initial completion stage through mature production phases.
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 consistent and optimized hydrocarbon flow, delaying water or gas breakthrough, and maintaining efficient drainage by automatically adjusting to changing well conditions, thereby enhancing the overall yield and reliability of hydrocarbon production.
Implementation Method 1
a valve body comprising an annular resilient valve member arranged to be deformed by flowing fluid to reduce or increase a flow area through the flow control device
Implementation Method 2
arranged to be deformed by flowing fluid to reduce or increase a flow area through the flow control device
Data Source
AI summary
A tubular member has at least one drainage section including an inlet inlet and at least one self-adjustable flow control device to control the flow of fluid into the drainage section from a well. The flow control devices are located in an annular space surrounding a pipe between the inlet and an outlet is provided for fluid flowing into the drainage section. The annular space forms a flow path through the flow control device passing by a valve body arranged to adjust the flow area in response to the pressure difference across the flow control device and/or changes in density of the fluid. The flow control device includes a valve seat cooperating with the valve body. The valve body includes an annular resilient valve member arranged to be deformed at least in a radial direction, in order to reduce or increase the flow area through the flow control device.