Series Vortex Flow Restrictors for Subterranean Well Erosion Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for regulating fluid flow in subterranean wells, such as in hydrocarbon production and injection operations, face challenges in effectively managing flow rates and preventing undesired fluid production or injection, particularly with gases which can lead to erosion issues and inefficient flow control.
Innovation Solution
A variable flow resistance system utilizing vortex devices that adjust resistance based on fluid characteristics like velocity, viscosity, and rotation, with multiple vortex devices connected in series to enhance control and resistance, ensuring that fluid composition and flow direction are managed effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional flow regulation methods are used in subterranean wells, then flow rates can be controlled to some extent, but gas flow causes erosion issues and flow control becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex device changes the flow parameters by converting linear fluid flow into rotational vortex flow. This parameter transformation increases flow resistance particularly for gas phases while maintaining controlled flow rates, thereby reducing erosion damage and improving flow control efficiency in subterranean wells
Solution Approach 2:
The vortex device acts as an intermediary element between the fluid flow and the wellbore environment. By introducing a vortex chamber with specific geometric features, it mediates the flow characteristics to increase resistance and prevent direct high-velocity gas flow that causes erosion
2Reliability
If multiple vortex devices are connected in series, then flow resistance increases to prevent undesired fluid production, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control function is segmented into multiple vortex devices connected in series, with each device providing a stage of flow resistance. This segmentation allows incremental increase in flow resistance to prevent undesired fluid production while maintaining modular simplicity in each individual device design
3Reliability
If vortex devices are used to increase flow resistance, then undesired fluid production is prevented, but flow velocity decreases affecting production efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex device creates local rotational flow characteristics within the vortex chamber while maintaining overall flow direction. This local quality change increases resistance to undesired fluids (water or gas coning) while the controlled velocity reduction is localized, allowing efficient flow of desired hydrocarbon phases through the system
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 system effectively regulates fluid flow by increasing resistance when necessary, preventing undesired fluid production or injection, and maintaining efficient operation by adapting to changes in fluid properties, thereby enhancing well performance and reducing erosion risks.
Implementation Method 1
A variable flow resistance system is provided which brings improvements to the art of regulating fluid flow in wells. One example is described below in which resistance to flow through a vortex device is dependent on a rotation of a fluid composition as it enters the vortex device.
Implementation Method 2
Another example is described, in which multiple vortex devices are connected in series. A resistance to flow of the fluid composition through the second vortex device is dependent on a rotation of the fluid composition at the outlet of the first vortex device.
Data Source
AI summary
A well device can include a fluid diode having an interior surface that defines an interior chamber, and an outlet from the interior chamber, with the interior surface operable to direct fluid to rotate in a rotational direction through the outlet, and another fluid diode having an interior surface that defines an interior chamber in fluid communication with the outlet, the second interior surface operable to direct fluid to rotate in the rotational direction in response to receiving the fluid rotating in the rotational direction through the outlet. A method of controlling flow in a well can include communicating fluid through two or more fluid diodes in a flow path between an interior and an exterior of a well device in the well. Communicating the fluid through the fluid diodes can cause the fluid to rotate within the fluid diodes in a same rotational direction.