Variable Flow Restrictor for Subterranean Well Fluid Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for regulating fluid flow in subterranean wells are inadequate in effectively managing the ratio of undesired to desired fluids, leading to issues such as water or gas coning, sand production, and imbalanced production among zones.
Innovation Solution
A variable flow resistance system is introduced, featuring a flow chamber with spirally oriented structures that induce spiral flow and impede radial flow changes, increasing resistance as the ratio of undesired to desired fluids increases, thereby regulating fluid flow based on viscosity and velocity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional flow regulation methods are used, then flow control is achieved, but the system cannot effectively manage the ratio of undesired to desired fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The flow resistance structure changes its flow resistance parameter automatically based on fluid properties. As the ratio of undesired fluids (water, gas) increases, the fluid composition changes, causing the flow resistance to increase automatically, thereby managing the fluid ratio and improving adaptability while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system regulates flow based on the inherent properties of the fluid composition without external control. The flow resistance varies automatically in response to changes in fluid density, viscosity, or velocity, allowing the system to self-adjust and manage fluid ratios without additional actuators or control systems.
2Reliability
If flow resistance is increased to prevent water or gas coning, then coning is prevented, but desired fluid production is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The flow resistance is not fixed but changes dynamically based on fluid composition. When water or gas coning occurs (undesired fluids increase), the flow resistance increases to prevent further coning. When desired oil production is the goal, the resistance remains lower, allowing optimal production. This resolves the contradiction by making resistance adaptive rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides automatic feedback control where the flow resistance responds to changes in fluid composition. The presence of undesired fluids (water, gas) triggers increased resistance, while desired fluid flow maintains lower resistance, creating a self-regulating system that prevents coning without permanently reducing productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a variable flow resistance system with moving parts is used, then flow regulation is improved, but device complexity and reliability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The flow resistance variation is achieved without moving parts, actuators, or external power sources. The structure relies on the inherent properties of the fluid (density, viscosity, velocity) to automatically adjust resistance, eliminating mechanical complexity while maintaining adaptability and improving reliability through a purely passive, self-regulating mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical flow control systems (with moving parts) with a passive structural system that uses fluid dynamics principles. The flow resistance varies through geometric or structural features that respond to fluid properties rather than mechanical actuation, reducing device complexity while achieving variable flow regulation.
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 system autonomously and automatically adjusts flow resistance to prevent water or gas coning and balance production among zones by increasing resistance to undesired fluids, ensuring optimal production of desired fluids without moving parts.
Implementation Method 1
The chamber has at least one inlet, an outlet, and at least one structure spirally oriented relative to the outlet. The structure induces spiral flow of the fluid composition about the outlet.
Implementation Method 2
The structure induces spiral flow of the fluid composition about the outlet
Implementation Method 3
increasing resistance as the ratio of undesired to desired fluids increases, thereby regulating fluid flow based on viscosity and velocity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A variable flow resistance system for use in a subterranean well. The system comprises a flow chamber including an outlet, at least one first structure which induces spiral flow of a fluid composition about the outlet, and at least one second structure which impedes a change in direction of flow of the fluid composition radially toward the outlet.