Water-Choking Nozzle Geometry for Selective Inflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inflow control devices (ICDs) used in oil production are complex, expensive, and prone to failure due to their reliance on moving elements that dynamically adjust to fluid characteristics, leading to ineffective control of water and gas breakthrough, which reduces oil production rates and increases operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A nozzle with a unique geometry featuring a converging inlet, a diverging outlet, and a central section with an uneven surface, such as a wavy surface, that differentially affects the flow of water and gas by increasing turbulence and form drag, thereby choking the flow of low viscosity fluids like water without significantly impacting oil flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ICDs with moving elements are used to control water and gas flow, then fluid flow control is achieved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes moving elements from the ICD design, extracting the problematic component that caused complexity and reliability issues. The fixed geometry nozzle replaces dynamic adjustment mechanisms while maintaining flow control functionality through carefully designed geometric features including a converging section, throat, and diverging section.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the design parameters from dynamic moving parts to fixed geometric parameters. The nozzle geometry (converging angle, throat diameter, diverging angle) is optimized to provide different flow resistance for water and gas phases, achieving adaptability through parameter optimization rather than mechanical adjustment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ICDs with moving elements are used to control water and gas flow, then fluid flow control is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing moving elements and complex adjustment mechanisms, the patent significantly simplifies the manufacturing process. The fixed geometry nozzle can be manufactured using standard machining or molding techniques, reducing production costs while maintaining effective flow control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive nozzle design that can be easily manufactured and potentially replaced if needed. The fixed geometry design eliminates expensive moving parts, making it a cost-effective solution that prioritizes functionality over long-term adjustability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ICDs with moving elements are used, then dynamic adjustment to fluid characteristics is achieved, but failure risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts moving elements from the design, eliminating the mechanical components that are prone to wear, seizure, and failure. The fixed geometry nozzle provides reliable, maintenance-free operation while still achieving phase-specific flow control through its carefully designed internal geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle design allows the fluid flow itself to interact with the geometric features (converging section, throat, diverging section) to achieve self-regulation of flow rates. The flow characteristics automatically respond to changes in reservoir conditions without requiring active control mechanisms.
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 nozzle effectively increases the oil-to-water production ratio by choking water flow while maintaining oil flow, reducing water production by up to 37% without affecting oil flow rates, thus enhancing economic efficiency in oil extraction operations.
Implementation Method 1
the central section includes an uneven surface, such as a wavy surface
Implementation Method 2
increasing turbulence and form drag
Data Source
AI summary
A nozzle for controlling the flow of a water and/or gas component of a fluid produced from a hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir, the fluid comprising oil and water and/or gas, the nozzle comprising a fluid passage extending between an inlet and an outlet, wherein the fluid passage comprises an uneven surface for imparting turbulence to the water and/or gas component of the fluid.