Series Flow Restrictors for Adjustable Sand Control Screens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflow control devices in well screens face challenges with adjustment at the jobsite, as they often rely on small orifices that can become plugged and are difficult to adjust, and suffer from erosion due to pressure drops, making it impractical to manufacture screens for all possible well conditions.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a well screen with multiple tubular flow restrictors configured in series, allowing fluid to change direction multiple times, which provides adjustable flow restriction without relying on small passages, and allows convenient access and adjustment of the flow restrictors at the jobsite by removing parts of the inflow control device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If small orifices or nozzles are used to restrict flow, then flow restriction is achieved, but the passages are easily plugged and eroded
Solution Approach 1:
The flow restriction function is divided into multiple segments by using multiple flow restrictors in series instead of a single small orifice. Each flow restrictor has a larger individual passage that is less susceptible to plugging and erosion, while collectively providing the necessary flow restriction through their series arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the flow restriction passages from small-diameter orifices to larger-diameter tubular flow restrictors. This parameter change maintains flow restriction effectiveness while reducing vulnerability to plugging and erosion through increased passage size and surface area distribution.
2Reliability
If small orifices are used for flow restriction, then flow control is achieved, but adjustment at the jobsite becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The flow restrictors are designed as separate, extractable components that can be removed and adjusted independently from the well screen assembly. This extraction allows jobsite personnel to access, remove, and replace flow restrictors without disturbing the entire screen structure, enabling easy adjustment according to changing well conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow restrictors are designed with adjustable characteristics, allowing their flow restriction properties to be dynamically modified at the jobsite. This dynamic adjustability enables adaptation to varying production requirements and well conditions without requiring manufacturing changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple flow restrictors are configured in series, then adjustable flow restriction is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple flow restrictors are integrated into a universal inflow control device structure that serves multiple functions: flow restriction, flow adjustment, and easy maintenance access. The series configuration of flow restrictors within a single device assembly provides adaptability while the modular design keeps complexity manageable through standardized integration.
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
This configuration achieves a desirable and adjustable pressure drop without the issues of plugging or erosion, allowing for precise control of fluid flow based on changing well conditions, enhancing the operational flexibility and longevity of the well screens.
Implementation Method 1
the large pressure drop across an orifice tends to erode the passage relatively quickly
Data Source
AI summary
Inflow control devices for sand control screens. A well screen includes a filter portion and at least two flow restrictors configured in series, so that fluid which flows through the filter portion must flow through each of the flow restrictors. At least two tubular flow restrictors may be configured in series, with the flow restrictors being positioned so that fluid which flows through the filter portion must reverse direction twice to flow between the flow restrictors. A method of installing a well screen includes the step of accessing a flow restrictor by removing a portion of an inflow control device of the screen.