Variable Flow Restrictor for Subterranean Well Coning Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies lack the ability to effectively regulate fluid flow in subterranean wells, particularly in hydrocarbon production, to prevent water or gas coning, minimize undesired fluid production, and balance production among zones, as existing methods are not adaptable to varying fluid characteristics and conditions.
Innovation Solution
A variable flow resistance system is introduced, featuring a flow chamber with multiple inlet flow paths and an actuator that adjusts the orientation of a deflector to influence fluid flow, thereby altering resistance based on fluid composition characteristics such as viscosity, velocity, and density, allowing for selective restriction or enhancement of flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed flow restrictor is used in a well, then the flow rate is controlled, but the ability to adapt to changing fluid conditions and production requirements is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The flow restrictor is designed with a movable deflector that can change its position dynamically in response to fluid conditions. The deflector is positioned within the flow path and can be actuated to alter the flow area, transitioning the restrictor from a static component to a dynamic one that adapts to varying production requirements and fluid properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow resistance parameter by moving the deflector to different positions within the flow chamber. This physical movement alters the effective flow area and geometry, thereby changing the flow characteristics and resistance without requiring multiple fixed restrictors or complex control systems.
2Reliability
If flow restriction is increased to prevent water coning, then water production is controlled, but oil production may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic deflector allows for real-time adjustment of flow restriction levels. When water coning is detected or anticipated, the deflector can be positioned to increase restriction and prevent coning. When conditions are favorable, the deflector moves to reduce restriction and maximize oil production, thus resolving the trade-off between control and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that monitor fluid properties and flow conditions, providing feedback to the control system. Based on this feedback, the actuator adjusts the deflector position to maintain optimal flow conditions that prevent water coning while maximizing hydrocarbon production, thereby balancing reliability and productivity.
3Manufacturing precision
If a variable flow restrictor is implemented, then flow control precision is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow chamber is segmented into multiple flow paths that can be selectively activated or deactivated by the deflector position. This segmentation allows for precise control of flow distribution without requiring a completely complex variable geometry structure, as the precision is achieved through selective path activation rather than continuous geometric adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector acts as an intermediary element that translates actuator movement into precise flow control. Rather than directly controlling flow area through complex mechanisms, the deflector mediates between the simple actuator input and the desired flow output, achieving precision control through this intermediate component.
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 system enables precise control of fluid flow, preventing undesired fluid production and balancing production among zones by varying resistance in response to fluid properties, enhancing oil production while minimizing water and gas production.
Implementation Method 1
An actuator deflects the fluid composition toward one of the inlet flow paths
Data Source
AI summary
A variable flow resistance system for use with a subterranean well can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows, the chamber having at least two inlets, and a flow resistance which varies depending on proportions of the fluid composition which flow into the chamber via the respective inlet flow paths, and an actuator which varies the proportions. The actuator may deflect the fluid composition toward one of the inlet flow paths. A method of variably controlling flow resistance in a well can include changing an orientation of a deflector relative to a passage through which a fluid composition flows, thereby influencing the fluid composition to flow toward one of multiple inlet flow paths of a flow chamber, the chamber having a flow resistance which varies depending on proportions of the fluid composition which flow into the chamber via the respective inlet flow paths.