Tubular Embedded Nozzle Assembly for Steam Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Steam injection in subterranean reservoirs faces challenges in controlling the flow rate into multiple zones from a single injection well, particularly at annulus to tubing pressure ratios above 0.6, leading to inefficiencies in steam distribution and reduced productive life of reservoirs.
Innovation Solution
A tubular embedded nozzle assembly with a fluidic device having a nozzle and diffuser portion, laterally offset inlet and outlet, and a latching assembly for secure placement, allowing for controlled steam injection at critical flow rates across a broader pressure ratio range, including up to 0.9.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional nozzles are used to inject steam into multiple zones, then steam injection can be performed, but the flow rate control becomes difficult and critical flow cannot be maintained at annulus to tubing pressure ratios above 0.6
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is segmented into distinct functional portions: a throat portion for achieving critical flow and a diffuser portion for pressure recovery. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function, enabling critical flow maintenance across broader pressure ratios.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional axial nozzle designs to a laterally offset inlet and outlet configuration. The inlet is positioned on the inner circumference and the outlet on the outer circumference, creating a flow path that moves radially outward. This dimensional change optimizes the flow path for maintaining critical flow at high pressure ratios.
2Reliability
If nozzles with downstream diffuser portions are used to increase the annulus to tubing pressure ratio, then critical flow can be maintained at higher pressure ratios, but tubing complexity increases and fluid flow capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle is merged directly into the tubular string wall structure rather than being a separate component. The inlet communicates with the interior of the tubular string and the outlet communicates with the exterior, integrating the flow control function into the existing tubular structure without adding side pockets or complex attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control function is extracted from complex tubular modifications and implemented through a simple embedded nozzle structure. The nozzle portions are positioned within the tubular wall thickness, removing the need for additional tubular components while maintaining critical flow capability.
3Productivity
If steam is injected into multiple zones from a single well, then reservoir productivity is extended, but steam distribution control becomes difficult due to pressure and thermal losses
Solution Approach 1:
Each nozzle embedded in the tubular string is designed with local quality optimization for its specific position and function. The throat and diffuser portions are configured to maintain critical flow at the local pressure conditions of each injection zone, enabling independent flow control for each zone despite being part of a single well 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
This solution enables efficient and controlled steam injection into multiple zones, extending the productive life of reservoirs by maintaining critical flow and improving steam distribution efficiency beyond conventional limits.
Implementation Method 1
Critical flow of a compressible fluid through a nozzle is achieved when the velocity through the throat of the nozzle is equal to the sound speed of the fluid at local fluid conditions. Once sonic velocity is reached, the velocity and therefore the flow rate of the fluid through the nozzle cannot increase regardless of changes in downstream conditions.
Implementation Method 2
attempts have been made to use nozzles having downstream diffuser portions to increase the annulus to tubing pressure ratio that can maintain critical flow
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (100) for controlling the flow rate of a fluid during downhole operations. The apparatus (100) includes a tubular member (134) having a flow path (136) between inner and outer portions of the tubular member (134). The flow path (136) includes an inlet (138) in an inner sidewall (140) and an outlet (142) in an outer sidewall (144) of the tubular member (134). The inlet (138) and the outlet (142) are laterally offset from each other. A fluidic device (146) is positioned in the flow path (136) between the inlet (138) and the outlet (142). The fluidic device (146) is embedded within the tubular member (134) between the inner sidewall (140) and the outer sidewall (144). The fluidic device (146) includes a nozzle (154) having a throat portion (156) and a diffuser portion (158) such that fluid will flow through the nozzle (154) at a critical flow rate.