Strap-Mounted Flow Control Devices for Faster Well Pipe Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for securing flow control devices (FCDs) on production tubing in hydrocarbon wells are time-intensive and costly, often involving welding or fasteners, which can lead to damage and inefficiency, particularly in addressing issues like water and gas breakthrough during oil production.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a strap to secure flow control devices circumferentially over the base pipe, avoiding welding and providing a secure, efficient means of retention while allowing for fluid communication through ports, with optional seals to prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If welding or fasteners are used to secure flow control devices, then the devices are retained on the base pipe, but the installation time increases and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flow control device from the base pipe surface and secures it using a separate strap component that wraps around both the pipe and device. This separation allows for quick installation without time-consuming welding or fastening operations, directly resolving the contradiction between reliable retention and installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap acts as an intermediary component between the base pipe and the flow control device. Instead of directly welding or fastening the device to the pipe, the strap mediates the connection by circumferentially securing both elements together, enabling rapid installation while maintaining secure retention.
2Reliability
If welding or fasteners are used to secure flow control devices, then the devices are retained on the base pipe, but the costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flow control device from the base pipe surface and secures it using a separate strap component that wraps around both the pipe and device. This separation allows for quick installation without time-consuming welding or fastening operations, directly resolving the contradiction between reliable retention and installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap acts as an intermediary component between the base pipe and the flow control device. Instead of directly welding or fastening the device to the pipe, the strap mediates the connection by circumferentially securing both elements together, enabling rapid installation while maintaining secure retention.
3Reliability
If welding is used to secure flow control devices, then the devices are retained on the base pipe, but damage may occur to the device or base pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flow control device from the base pipe surface and secures it using a separate strap component that wraps around both the pipe and device. This separation allows for quick installation without time-consuming welding or fastening operations, directly resolving the contradiction between reliable retention and installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap acts as an intermediary component between the base pipe and the flow control device. Instead of directly welding or fastening the device to the pipe, the strap mediates the connection by circumferentially securing both elements together, enabling rapid installation while maintaining secure retention.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for securing at least one flow control device, FCDs, to a pipe used for producing hydrocarbons from a subterranean reservoir comprises a strap provided over the pipe and over the at least one flow control device.