Viscosity-Responsive Flow Restrictor for Well Fluid Discrimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for regulating the flow of formation fluids in hydrocarbon production wells are often non-discriminating and fail to effectively manage the production of different fluid components, leading to inefficiencies and imbalances in well production.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fluid flow control system that includes a flow restrictor and a fluidic diode, which adjust the control pressure based on the viscosity of the production fluid, coupled with an inflow control device that opens or closes based on pressure values, allowing for selective regulation of fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If non-discriminating gatekeeper devices are used to regulate fluid flow, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to selectively control different fluid components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different flow resistance characteristics for different fluid types within the same device. The flow restrictor is designed with specific geometry and permeability properties that create locally differentiated flow paths, allowing the device to selectively restrict water and gas while permitting oil flow, thereby achieving fluid discrimination without complex multi-component systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by designing the flow restrictor with specific physical parameters (porosity, tortuosity, pore size distribution) that respond differently to various fluid viscosities and densities. These parameter characteristics enable the restrictor to automatically differentiate between fluid types based on their flow properties, achieving selective control through inherent physical parameter differences rather than complex mechanical controls
2Ease of operation
If simple on/off valves are used for flow regulation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the precision of flow control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the flow restrictor to automatically regulate flow based on the physical properties of the fluids passing through it. The device requires no external control mechanisms, power sources, or manual intervention - it autonomously discriminates between fluid types and adjusts flow rates based on viscosity and density differences, achieving precise control through self-actuation based on inherent fluid characteristics
3Device complexity
If non-selective flow regulation is used, then the device complexity is minimized, but the productivity of desired fluid production deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating differentiated flow resistance zones within the restrictor structure that selectively impede unwanted fluids (water, gas) while maintaining open pathways for desired oil production. This localized variation in flow characteristics enables the simple device structure to achieve selective fluid management that enhances productivity by preventing water and gas coning without requiring complex active control systems
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 enables more precise control over the flow of different fluid components, optimizing the production of desired fluids while minimizing the production of undesirable components, thereby enhancing overall well performance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
configured to provide a lower pressure drop across its outlet with lower viscosity fluids and a higher pressure drop across its outlet with higher viscosity fluids
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a fluid flow control system, a well system, and a method. The fluid flow control system, in one aspect, includes a fluidic diode operable to receive production fluid having a pressure (P3) and discharge control fluid having a control pressure (P2), and a flow restrictor placed between the fluidic diode and the tubing, the flow restrictor configured to change the control pressure (P2) to a higher control pressure (P2++) when the flow restrictor encounters higher viscosity fluids and is configured to change the control pressure (P2) to a lower control pressure (P2+) when the flow restrictor encounters lower viscosity fluids. The fluid flow control system, in one aspect, further includes an inflow control device having a production fluid inlet, a control inlet operable to receive control fluid having the higher control pressure (P2++) or the lower control pressure (P2+), and a production fluid outlet.