Tube Inflow Control Device for Uniform Wellbore Pressure Drop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current helical channel inflow control devices (ICDs) in the drilling and completion industry are difficult to modify once fabricated, limiting their ability to control flow characteristics effectively and leading to imbalanced pressure drops along well lengths, which can prematurely end the productive life of a well.
Innovation Solution
A tube inflow control device (ICD) with adjustable axial and cross-sectional shapes is introduced, allowing for controlled pressure drops between input and output ports, facilitating uniform fluid flow into a base pipe, thereby addressing the limitations of existing helical channel ICDs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If helical channel ICDs are used to control pressure drop, then flow uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases due to two machined parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the restrictor and housing into a single integrated tube structure. The tube itself forms the flow control element, eliminating the need for separate restrictor and housing components. This integration maintains flow uniformity control while reducing device complexity and the number of parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the structural housing and the flow control element. The tube's geometry (length, diameter, bends) provides the pressure drop control that previously required separate helical channels, making the component universal and multi-functional.
2Reliability
If helical channels are etched into the base pipe, then flow control is achieved, but adaptability is reduced because the channel cannot be modified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a modular tube design where the tube can be selectively positioned at different locations along the base pipe. This dynamic positioning allows the flow control characteristics to be adapted to different well conditions without modifying the base pipe itself, maintaining reliability while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control function is segmented into separate tube modules that can be independently selected and positioned. Each tube module can have different geometric characteristics, allowing customization of flow control for different sections of the well while maintaining the integrity of the overall system.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If passive ICDs are used to equalize pressure drop, then productive life is extended, but manufacturing complexity increases due to multiple screen joint installations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ICD functionality with the screen joint structure itself. The tube is integrated into the screen joint assembly, eliminating the need for separate ICD installations in each screen joint. This merging simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the pressure equalization function that extends productive life.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen joint is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides both the screen function and the ICD flow control function through the integrated tube. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components and simplifies manufacturing while achieving the same pressure equalization effect.
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 tube ICD enables flexible control of pressure drops along the well length, enhancing the productive life of wells by ensuring balanced fluid inflow and reducing the risk of water intrusion at the heel section.
Implementation Method 1
The axial length of the tube controls a drop in pressure of the fluid between the tube input port and a corresponding tube output port
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system perform flow characteristic control. The system includes a tube inflow control device (ICD) including a tube input port. The tube ICD conveys fluid along an axial length of a tube of the tube ICD. The axial length of the tube controls a drop in pressure of the fluid between the tube input port and a corresponding tube output port. The system also includes a base pipe with an input port coupled to the tube output port of the tube of the tube ICD, wherein the base pipe is configured to convey the fluid to a surface.