Wellbore Flow Control Apparatus for Versatile Hydrocarbon Production

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current well completion technologies are not versatile enough to accommodate various well processes for producing hydrocarbon materials from subterranean formations, limiting their effectiveness in managing flow and pressure conditions.

Innovation Solution

A flow control apparatus integrated within a wellbore string, featuring a housing with a subterranean formation flow communicator and multiple flow control members that can occlude or reduce pressure, allowing for different operational conditions to manage flow communication between the wellbore and the subterranean formation, including occluded, non-occluded, and condition-defined flow paths with varying resistances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If current well completion technologies are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability to accommodate various well processes is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to accommodate various well processesVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flow control apparatus is designed with multiple flow control members (first and second flow control members) that can be positioned in different configurations to accommodate various well processes including production, stimulation, and injection operations, enabling a single device to perform multiple functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus is divided into distinct functional segments including a housing, multiple flow control members, and flow communicators, allowing each component to be optimized for specific functions while maintaining overall system adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If flow control members are added to enable multiple operational conditions, then the versatility improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational condition flexibilityVSAvoidflow control structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple flow control members are integrated within a single housing structure, combining several control functions into one unified apparatus that can be installed at a single location in the wellbore string

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flow control members are designed to be displaceable relative to the housing, allowing dynamic adjustment of flow paths and control configurations to match different operational requirements without requiring multiple fixed structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 flexible and efficient management of hydrocarbon production by controlling flow and pressure, enhancing the versatility of well processes and improving hydrocarbon extraction efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the flow modulator includes a tortuous flow path-defining fluid conductor that defines a tortuous flow path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTortuous flow path:

Data Source

PatentUS11821286B2Apparatuses, systems and methods for producing hydrocarbon material from a subterranean formation

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 NCS MULTISTAGE

AI summary

There is provided a flow control apparatus configured for integration within a wellbore string disposed within a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation and useable for effecting production of hydrocarbon material by providing flow communication for injection of treatment material for stimulating the reservoir and then receiving hydrocarbon material from the stimulated reservoir, and also for effecting production of hydrocarbon material by providing flow communication for injection of a displacement fluid for displacing hydrocarbon material to a second wellbore.