Variable Flow Resistance System for Subterranean Well Zoning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack effective means to variably regulate fluid flow in subterranean wells, particularly to prevent water or gas coning, minimize undesired fluid production, and balance production among zones, which is crucial for maximizing oil production and maintaining well efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A variable flow resistance system is introduced, comprising a first flow path, a flow rate sensor, and an actuator that adjusts the inflow rate of fluids based on measured characteristics, using a power generator and storage device to control fluid flow and resistance, allowing for real-time regulation of fluid flow rates and pressure drops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If flow resistance is increased to prevent water or gas coning and minimize undesired fluid production, then oil production is improved, but pressure changes and energy loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a variable orifice that can dynamically adjust its opening size based on real-time flow conditions. The actuator modifies the orifice diameter to change flow resistance dynamically, allowing optimization of oil production while minimizing unnecessary pressure losses. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the system to adapt to changing well conditions and maintain efficient operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow rate sensor continuously measures the actual fluid flow through the well and provides feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the controller adjusts the actuator position to optimize the variable orifice opening, thereby regulating flow resistance to prevent water or gas coning while minimizing energy loss from pressure changes.
2Productivity
If flow resistance is variably regulated to balance production among zones, then well efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple functions into a single unified device: the variable orifice serves as both a flow regulator and a pressure management component, the flow rate sensor provides both measurement and control feedback, and the actuator performs both positioning and flow restriction functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-regulating through the feedback loop where the flow rate sensor automatically detects flow conditions and the actuator automatically adjusts the variable orifice position in response. This self-service capability reduces the need for external intervention and manual adjustment, thereby improving well efficiency while keeping the control system relatively simple.
3Measurement precision
If real-time flow rate measurement and control is implemented, then fluid flow regulation precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines the flow rate sensor, actuator, and variable orifice into an integrated assembly that works as a unified flow control unit. The sensor is positioned to directly measure flow through the variable orifice, and the actuator is mechanically coupled to the orifice, creating a compact and efficient system that reduces overall complexity despite the advanced measurement and control capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A variable flow resistance system for use with a subterranean well includes a first flow path to receive a fluid, a flow rate sensor to measure a flow rate of the fluid received into the first flow path, and an actuator to control an inflow rate of the fluid received into the first flow path based upon the measured flow rate of the fluid.