Subcooled Fluid Cavitation Flow Control for Thermal Conformance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In energy production processes like Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage (SAGD) and geothermal energy extraction, uneven fluid distribution and thermal conformance issues lead to inefficiencies and equipment damage due to hotspots and cold regions in boreholes, necessitating effective fluid flow control to optimize production.
Innovation Solution
A fluid control device with a flow control body in a fluid channel that tapers towards the inlet, causing fluid to diverge into specific paths based on subcool temperature, inducing cavitation to choke fluid flow and regulate pressure, thereby controlling flow rates and thermal conformance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional flow control systems are used, then fluid flow can be controlled, but the systems are complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of the fluid from subcooled liquid to cavitated mixture by inducing phase change. This parameter change enables flow control through cavitation phenomena rather than mechanical restriction, simplifying the device structure while maintaining control effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes phase transition of the fluid from liquid to vapor-cavity state through induced cavitation. This phase transition mechanism replaces complex mechanical flow control systems with a simpler cavitation-based control approach that achieves the same flow regulation function
2Productivity
If steam injection is increased to improve hydrocarbon production, then production increases, but steam breakthrough and equipment damage from hotspots increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful effect of excessive steam injection (causing hotspots and steam breakthrough) into a beneficial flow control mechanism. By inducing cavitation in subcooled fluid, the system creates a natural flow restriction that prevents steam breakthrough while maintaining the heat transfer benefits of steam injection for hydrocarbon production
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 effectively reduces steam-oil ratios, improves hydrocarbon production, and enhances thermal conformance by redirecting heat, reducing steam breakthrough and equipment damage, while being more compact and cost-effective than traditional flow control systems.
Implementation Method 1
the geometry is selected to induce cavitation of the fluid to choke fluid flow through the fluid channel
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of a fluid control device includes a housing, a fluid channel defined within the housing, the fluid channel having a first surface and a second surface opposing the first surface and having an inlet, and a flow control body disposed in the fluid channel, the flow control body tapering toward the inlet. The body, in use, causing fluid flowing through the channel to diverge into at least a first path between the first surface and a first side of the body, and a second path defined by at least by the second side of the body. A geometry of the first path and the second path selected is based on a subcool of the fluid at a pressure of the fluid entering the fluid channel, and the geometry is selected to induce cavitation of the fluid to choke fluid flow through the fluid channel.