Well Screen Shroud for Axial Flow Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing downhole flow control devices cause high fluid velocities at the end of well screens, leading to erosion and deformation, which can result in premature failure and sand production, as they do not effectively distribute fluid flow velocity axially across the screen.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a flow distribution assembly with a shroud mounted about the well screen, which channels fluid flow through an annular gap to distribute flow energy over the axial length of the screen, reducing the likelihood of erosion by matching the flow area with the screen's flow area and using features like dimples and perforations to increase resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a flow control device is placed at the end of a well screen, then fluid flow regulation is achieved, but high fluid velocities cause erosion and deformation of the well screen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewell screen durabilityVSAvoidfluid velocity-induced erosion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flow distribution assembly segments the single end-point flow control into multiple distributed flow control points along the well screen. The shroud with its annular gap and multiple flow control devices creates several flow restriction locations, distributing the velocity reduction effect throughout the screen length rather than concentrating it at one location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shroud acts as an intermediary component between the well screen and the flow control devices. It channels fluid through the annular gap and directs flow through multiple flow control devices, mediating the fluid's path and preventing direct high-velocity impact on the well screen structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If flow control devices are used to regulate fluid flow, then production regulation is achieved, but fluid follows the path of least resistance causing concentrated flow at specific locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow regulation capabilityVSAvoiduniform flow distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The flow distribution assembly applies local quality by creating different flow resistance characteristics at different locations along the well screen. The shroud and annular gap configuration provides varying flow paths and resistance levels, ensuring that fluid flow is distributed more uniformly across the screen length rather than concentrating at a single location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from one-dimensional flow control (single point at screen end) to two-dimensional distributed flow control along the screen length. The shroud extends axially along the well screen, creating multiple flow control locations that distribute flow across a broader spatial dimension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If flow control devices are mounted at the end of well screens, then flow regulation is simple to implement, but the well screen is susceptible to erosion and premature failure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow control device installation simplicityVSAvoidwell screen service life

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flow distribution assembly merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure. The shroud combines flow channeling, flow distribution, and protective functions, while also incorporating multiple flow control devices within its structure. This integrated approach maintains ease of installation as a single assembly unit while providing enhanced protection against erosion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 distributes fluid flow velocity across the well screen, reducing the risk of erosion and extending the life of the screen, thereby enhancing production efficiency and economic viability.

Implementation Method 1

channels fluid flow through an annular gap to distribute flow energy over the axial length of the screen

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow distribution:

Implementation Method 2

using features like dimples and perforations to increase resistance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow resistance:

Implementation Method 3

reducing the likelihood of erosion by matching the flow area with the screen's flow area

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVelocity distribution:

Data Source

PatentUS10502032B2Flow distribution assemblies for distributing fluid flow through screens

Publication Date: 2019.12.10 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

Embodiments herein include an assembly comprising a base pipe having at least one flow port defined therein; a well screen arranged about the base pipe and in fluid communication with the at least one flow port, the well screen having an end disposed at or near the at least one flow port; a shroud arranged about the end of the well screen and extending axially along a length of the well screen; and an annular gap defined between the well screen and the shroud and configured to receive a flow of a fluid, wherein the shroud increases a flow resistance of the fluid by channeling the fluid across the annular gap to distribute a flow energy of the fluid over the length of the well screen.