Viscosity-Dependent Pressure Differential System for Downhole Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current control systems for downhole hydrocarbon evacuation are unable to effectively regulate the inflow of oil, water, and gas phases due to the lack of pressure change in response to fluid viscosity, making it difficult to separate or control flow based on phase or material.
Innovation Solution
A viscosity-dependent pressure differential system that uses a network of pilot streams with different pressure loss characteristics to generate a pressure differential proportional to fluid viscosity, allowing for the measurement of viscosity through differential pressure readings and subsequent control of fluid flow using pressure-controlled actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If pressure switches and automated valves are used for control, then automation level is improved, but ability to detect and measure viscosity is worsened because pressure is largely unaffected by changes in viscosity
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the fluid stream into multiple pilot streams, each experiencing different pressure loss characteristics. By measuring differential pressure across these segmented streams with distinct pressure loss properties (e.g., different lengths, diameters, or obstruction levels), the system can detect viscosity changes that would be imperceptible in the main stream alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pilot streams as intermediary elements that amplify the viscosity signal. These pilot streams act as mediators between the main fluid stream and the pressure sensing device, translating subtle viscosity changes into measurable differential pressure variations through their engineered pressure loss characteristics.
2Measurement precision
If different pressure loss characteristics are applied to pilot streams, then measurement precision of viscosity is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple sections and junctions
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot streams serve multiple functions: they are part of the flow control system, provide the measurement medium for viscosity detection, and generate the differential pressure signal. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate measurement devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity despite the multiple sections and junctions required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If differential pressure measurement across multiple sections is implemented, then viscosity control capability is improved, but loss of energy increases due to multiple pressure loss characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses partial action by implementing viscosity control only where and when needed through the differential pressure measurement, rather than controlling the entire fluid stream uniformly. The pilot streams experience the pressure losses, while the main stream continues with minimal additional energy loss, as the control action is localized to the measurement and regulation mechanism.
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
Enables real-time determination of fluid viscosity and phase identification, allowing for adaptive control of fluid flow and separation based on viscosity, improving the management of oil, water, and gas phases in well completions and fluid stream separation.
Implementation Method 1
a first pilot stream 103a that follows two flow paths, an inertia altering path 104a and a frictional path 105a, connected to form one complete path
Implementation Method 2
a frictional path 105a
Implementation Method 3
a pressure sensing device 107 that reads a differential pressure across a first junction 106a on the first pilot stream 103a and a second junction 106b on the second pilot stream 103b
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for generating a change in pressure proportional to fluid viscosity is disclosed herein. The system can comprise a first pilot stream, a second pilot stream, and a pressure sensing device that reads a differential pressure across a first junction on the first pilot stream and a second junction on the second pilot stream. The first junction is between a first section having a first predominant pressure loss characteristic, and a second section having a second predominant pressure loss characteristic. Similarly, the second junction can be between a third section having a third predominant pressure loss characteristic and a fourth section having a fourth pressure loss characteristic.