Well Flow Control Valve With Fluid Recirculation Against False Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Autonomous inflow control devices (AICDs) based on density differences face challenges with unwanted fluids accumulating and causing blockages, especially when dealing with low fractions of water or gas, as they can lead to premature closure of the valve, and existing leakage means are insufficient for removing separated phases effectively during normal operation.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a main flow channel with a pressure changing means, such as an expansion section, and a fluid return conduit that recirculates undesired fluids back into the main flow, preventing blockages by keeping the flow control element in a non-blocking position, and includes drainage means to manage accumulated fluids and prevent accidental closure, while maintaining orientation in horizontal well sections using an orientation means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing leakage means are used to allow fluid leakage independent of flow control element position, then some fluid can bypass the control element, but the leakage means are insufficient for removing separated phases effectively during normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by proactively removing unwanted fluid from the chamber through the fluid return conduit before it can accumulate to levels that would cause false blockage, rather than waiting for the leakage means to handle it after accumulation occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hydraulic principles by introducing a fluid return conduit that utilizes pressure differentials created by the pressure changing means to drive the removal of accumulated fluid from the chamber and return it to the main flow
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 reduces the risk of undesired blockages and ensures the flow control element remains in a non-blocking position, allowing for efficient control of fluid flow by recirculating accumulated fluids and maintaining valve openness, even with low fractions of water or gas, thus enhancing the reliability of fluid management in wells.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure changing means providing a pressure differential in a fluid return conduit extending between said chamber at a location wherein the flow control element is in the non-blocking position and a portion of the main flow channel
Implementation Method 2
a flow control element movable between a first position where the flow control element does not block the fluid flow... and a second position within or outside of the chamber wherein the flow control element blocks the fluid flow... movable in response to density of fluid in said chamber
Implementation Method 3
the pressure changing means comprising an expansion section arranged in the main flow channel, the expansion section having an inlet with a smaller cross sectional flow area than a cross sectional flow area at an outlet
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (1) and a method for controlling a fluid flow in, into or out of a well, and an orientation means for orienting the apparatus in the well, the apparatus (1) comprising: a main flow channel (5) having an inlet (4) and an outlet (8) being in fluid communication with the fluid flow; at least one chamber (50) arranged in fluid communication with the main flow channel (5), the chamber (50) having at least one flow control element (500) movable between a first non-blocking position and a second blocking position for the fluid flow between the inlet (4) and the outlet (8) of the main flow channel (5), the flow control element (500) movable in response to density of fluid in said chamber. The main flow channel (5) is provided with pressure changing means (70) causing a pressure differential in a fluid return conduit (60) providing fluid communication between said chamber (50) and a portion of the main flow channel (5), so that fluid in said chamber (50) is recirculated back to the main flow channel (5) when the main flow channel (5) is open.