Variable Frequency Fluid Oscillators for Subterranean Well Sweep
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid oscillators in subterranean well operations lack efficient configurations to produce varied oscillations in fluid flow, which are essential for enhanced sweep efficiency, fracture initiation, and well cleaning, among other applications.
Innovation Solution
A well tool with uniquely configured fluid oscillators, including a fluid switch and vortex chamber, and multiple oscillators that vary flow rates and frequencies, allowing for repeated alternations in fluid discharge, utilizing the Coanda effect and feedback fluid paths to maintain fluid flow between opposing paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional fluid oscillators are used in subterranean well operations, then the basic fluid flow oscillation function is provided, but the sweep efficiency, fracture initiation capability, and well cleaning effectiveness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid oscillator is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion with inlet and outlet ports, and a separate diaphragm component with apertures. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to generate enhanced flow oscillations that improve sweep efficiency in steam flooding operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The diaphragm is configured to flexibly respond to pressure differentials across it, dynamically opening and closing apertures in response to flowing fluid. This dynamic behavior creates variable flow paths that generate the desired flow oscillations and pressure fluctuations, enhancing fracture initiation and well cleaning without requiring complex mechanical actuation systems.
2Productivity
If fluid oscillators operate at high flow rates, then productivity is improved, but maintaining stable oscillation frequency and pressure differential becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillator design incorporates inherent feedback through the diaphragm's response to pressure differentials. As fluid flows through the oscillator, pressure variations cause the diaphragm to flex, which in turn modulates the flow through the apertures, creating a self-regulating feedback mechanism that maintains stable oscillation frequency and pressure differential even at high flow rates.
Solution Approach 2:
The oscillator utilizes changes in fluid parameters (pressure, flow rate) to drive diaphragm movement and aperture opening/closing. By designing the diaphragm and aperture geometry to respond to these parameter changes, the system maintains reliable oscillation characteristics across a wide range of operating conditions and flow rates.
3Productivity
If complex oscillator configurations are used to achieve varied oscillations, then sweep efficiency and fracture initiation improve, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The oscillator design uses simplified geometric forms (body portion with ports, diaphragm with apertures) that can be manufactured using standard fabrication techniques. The complex oscillation patterns emerge from the interaction of these simple components with the flowing fluid, rather than requiring complex mechanical structures, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving effective fracture initiation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If moving parts are incorporated in fluid oscillators to control flow paths, then flow variation capability is improved, but reliability and maintenance requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The diaphragm serves itself by using the kinetic energy and pressure differentials of the flowing fluid to drive its own movement and control the flow paths. The flowing fluid provides the force that flexes the diaphragm and opens/closes the apertures, eliminating the need for external actuators or power sources, thereby improving reliability and reducing maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The design replaces complex mechanical flow control systems (valves, actuators, linkages) with a fluid-driven flexible diaphragm mechanism. The diaphragm's passive response to pressure differentials substitutes for active mechanical control systems, providing flow path variation without moving parts that require maintenance, thereby enhancing reliability.
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 solution achieves significant oscillations in flow rate and pressure differential, enabling improved sweep efficiency, fracture initiation, and well cleaning, with robust and moving-part-free designs capable of high flow rates and low frequencies.
Implementation Method 1
an oscillator including a vortex chamber
Implementation Method 2
utilizing the Coanda effect and feedback fluid paths to maintain fluid flow between opposing paths
Implementation Method 3
achieves significant oscillations in flow rate and pressure differential
Implementation Method 4
pressure fluctuations can encourage flow of hydrocarbons through rock pores
Data Source
AI summary
A well tool can include a first oscillator which varies a flow rate of fluid, and a second oscillator which discharges the fluid received from the first oscillator at a variable frequency. A method can include flowing a fluid through a first oscillator, thereby repeatedly varying a flow rate of fluid discharged from the first oscillator, and receiving the fluid from the first oscillator into a second oscillator. A well tool can include a first oscillator including a vortex chamber, and a second oscillator which receives fluid flowed through the vortex chamber.