Self-regulating Turbine Flow with Bypass Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current downhole fluid flow regulation technologies are inadequate in managing fluid flow in subterranean wells, particularly in preventing water and gas coning, minimizing unwanted fluid production, and maximizing desired fluid production, as they lack effective discrimination between different types of formation fluids and often fail to provide consistent power generation when flow control devices are closed or partially closed.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of downhole assemblies equipped with pressure-balanced piston flow control devices and associated actuators that regulate fluid flow, integrated with power generators to produce electrical power even when the flow control device is closed or partially closed, and include bypass systems to maintain consistent power generation and fluid flow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flow control devices are closed or partially closed to regulate fluid flow, then fluid flow regulation is improved, but power generation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control device is segmented into multiple independent flow paths: a first flow path through the flow control device that can be regulated, and a second flow path through a bypass line that remains open. This segmentation allows the system to maintain power generation capability while regulating fluid flow through the controlled path.
Solution Approach 2:
A bypass line acts as an intermediary flow path that provides an alternative route for fluid to reach the power generator. When the main flow control device is closed or partially closed, the bypass line ensures continuous fluid flow to the power generator, maintaining power generation capability.
2Reliability
If flow control devices are used to prevent water and gas coning, then production control is improved, but consistent power generation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments fluid flow into two independent paths: one through the flow control device for production regulation, and another through the bypass line for consistent power generation. This ensures that power generation stability is maintained regardless of the flow control device position.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass line ensures continuous fluid flow to the power generator regardless of the flow control device position. This continuity maintains stable power generation even when the flow control device is closed or partially closed for production control.
3Device complexity
If non-discriminating gatekeeper devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but fluid flow discrimination capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control device serves multiple functions: it acts as a gatekeeper for overall flow regulation while also providing discrimination capability through its ability to selectively control flow to different paths. The system combines simple on/off valve functionality with the ability to discriminate between different fluid flow paths.
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 effectively regulates fluid flow to prevent coning and maximize desired fluid production while ensuring consistent power generation by using pressure-balanced pistons and bypass lines, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing unwanted fluid production.
Implementation Method 1
a piston having a first head and a second head, the piston being moveable between multiple positions to simultaneously move the first head within the nozzle to adjust an amount of the flow directed to the power generator
Implementation Method 2
a power generator configured to produce electrical power with the flow of the fluid even when the flow control device is closed or partially closed
Data Source
AI summary
A downhole assembly includes a base pipe, a power generator, and a flow control device positioned within a flow path for a fluid that extends between the exterior and the interior of the base pipe. The flow control device can control an amount of incoming flow that is directed to the power generator and an amount that is directed to the interior of the base pipe without passing through the power generator. A flow through the power generator can be maintained so that power is provided throughout operation of the flow control device.