Velocity Switch Inflow Control Device for Multi-Phase Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In hydrocarbon production wells, existing systems fail to effectively control the flow of multi-phase fluids, leading to undesirable conditions such as gas cones, water cones, and harmful flow patterns, which impede the efficient extraction of hydrocarbons.
Innovation Solution
The use of an inflow control device with multiple pressure reducing stages, including a velocity switch and throttle, which selectively recirculates the gas phase and applies backpressure to prevent additional gas entry, ensuring that the liquid phase can flow through with minimal pressure drop while managing high gas velocities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If existing flow control systems are used in multi-phase fluid flow, then simple structure is maintained, but gas cones and water cones form causing harmful flow patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The inflow control device is divided into multiple independent pressure reducing stages, each capable of controlling fluid flow separately. This segmentation allows targeted control of gas and liquid phases at different locations, preventing gas cones and water cones without requiring a completely complex single-stage system.
Solution Approach 2:
Each pressure reducing stage is equipped with specific flow control elements (orifices, throttles) tailored to local flow conditions. The device applies different control characteristics at different stages - early stages handle gas-dominated flow while later stages handle liquid-dominated flow, addressing harmful effects locally where they occur.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If gas phase is allowed to flow through pressure reducing stages, then gas production is maintained, but steam hammering effects occur causing harmful vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The velocity switch converts the harmful high-velocity gas flow that causes steam hammering into a useful recirculation pattern. By directing high-velocity gas back through the pressure reducing stage, the system dissipates kinetic energy that would otherwise cause vibrations, while still allowing gas production to continue through the main flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the velocity parameter of gas flow by using the velocity switch to redirect high-velocity gas into a recirculation path. This parameter change transforms the problematic high-velocity direct flow into a controlled recirculating flow, eliminating steam hammering while preserving gas production capability.
3Stress or pressure
If liquid phase flow is restricted to control pressure, then pressure control is improved, but liquid production decreases reducing hydrocarbon recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-stage pressure reducing system segments the pressure control function across multiple stages, each with its own flow control elements. This allows progressive pressure reduction that maintains overall backpressure control while distributing the flow restriction across stages, minimizing the impact on total liquid production.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous liquid flow through all pressure reducing stages by ensuring each stage is designed to handle liquid phase effectively. The flow control elements are configured to allow liquid to pass through with minimal restriction while still providing the necessary pressure control, ensuring continuous productive action throughout the device.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If velocity switch recirculates gas phase, then steam hammering is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The velocity switch is designed to operate automatically based on the velocity of the incoming gas flow. High-velocity gas self-activates the recirculation path without requiring external control systems or complex actuation mechanisms. The device uses the kinetic energy of the gas itself to trigger the recirculation, reducing the need for additional complexity.
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 controls the flow of multi-phase fluids, preventing gas/steam entry and reducing steam hammering effects, thereby optimizing hydrocarbon production rates and maintaining stable flow patterns.
Implementation Method 1
recirculating at least a portion of the gas phase in the at least one pressure reducing stage
Implementation Method 2
applies backpressure to prevent additional gas entry
Implementation Method 3
receiving a multi-phase fluid from the wellbore annulus in the inflow control device, the multi-phase fluid having a gas phase and a liquid phase
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling a flow of a fluid between a flow bore of a wellbore tubular and a wellbore annulus may include an inflow control device having at least one pressure reducing stage. The stage may include a flow passage along which the fluid flows and a throttle receiving the fluid from the flow passage. The throttle may include a first flow area that is cross-sectionally larger than a second flow area and an outlet in direct fluid communication with the second flow area.