Thermal-Responsive Material for Fluid Flow Path Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inflow control devices (ICDs) in well systems require expensive sliding sleeves and complex tools to open or close fluid flow paths, making it costly and difficult to manage fluid flow efficiently, especially when multiple ICDs are involved.

Innovation Solution

A device using a material that expands or contracts with temperature changes to move an inlet covering, allowing for the opening or closing of fluid flow paths without the need for mechanical tools, providing a cost-effective alternative to sliding sleeves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sliding sleeves and complex mechanical tools are used to open or close fluid flow paths, then the fluid flow control is achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow controlVSAvoidmechanical tool complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical sliding sleeves and tools with a thermal-responsive material system. The material automatically responds to temperature changes to open or close fluid flow paths, eliminating the need for mechanical actuation systems and reducing device complexity while maintaining flow control functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the control parameter from mechanical position/slice movement to temperature. By using materials that respond to temperature changes, the system achieves fluid flow control through thermal parameter changes rather than mechanical parameter changes, simplifying the overall device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If sliding sleeves are used to control fluid flow paths, then the flow path can be opened or closed, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow path controlVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs inexpensive thermal-responsive materials that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, rather than expensive sliding sleeve mechanisms. These materials provide the necessary flow control function at a fraction of the cost of mechanical components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

By substituting mechanical sliding sleeves with thermal-responsive materials, the invention eliminates complex machining requirements and reduces manufacturing costs. The materials can be synthesized or formed using simpler processes compared to precision mechanical component fabrication

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If mechanical tools are used to operate inflow control devices, then the fluid flow path can be adjusted, but the operation difficulty and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow path adjustmentVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal-responsive materials in the patent perform the flow control function automatically in response to temperature changes, without requiring external mechanical tools or manual intervention. This self-service capability eliminates operation time and simplifies the operational process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The materials are pre-configured to respond to specific temperature thresholds, so when the appropriate temperature is applied, the flow path adjustment occurs automatically without requiring real-time mechanical manipulation. This preliminary programming of response behavior reduces operational complexity and time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables efficient and economical control of fluid flow paths by eliminating the need for mechanical tools, reducing costs and improving accuracy in managing fluid flow in well systems and other applications.

Implementation Method 1

a material, wherein the material is capable of expanding or contracting via a change in temperature; wherein the expansion or contraction of the material causes movement to the inlet covering

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS9534701B2Opening or closing a fluid flow path using a material that expands or contracts via a change in temperature

Publication Date: 2017.01.03 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A device for opening or closing a fluid flow path comprises: a fluid inlet, wherein the fluid inlet comprises one end of the fluid flow path; an inlet covering, wherein the inlet covering is adjacent to the fluid inlet; and a material, wherein the material is capable of expanding or contracting via a change in temperature; wherein the expansion or contraction of the material causes movement to the inlet covering, and wherein the movement of the inlet covering either opens or closes the fluid flow path. A method for opening or closing a fluid flow path using the device comprises: allowing or causing a change in temperature to the material.