Autonomous Wellbore Valve Assembly for Stable Injection Rates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current well completions face challenges in accurately managing fluid injection and production processes due to uncertainties in reservoir pressure and inefficiencies in valve assembly manufacture, assembly, and deployment, necessitating a technology that addresses these issues.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with an autonomously adjustable flow restriction component that shifts based on pressure differentials to control fluid communication between the wellbore and reservoir, ensuring consistent fluid flow rates through a combination of flow adjusters and biasing elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed orifice size is used for fluid injection based on estimated reservoir pressure, then the valve assembly is simple to manufacture and deploy, but the fluid injection rate varies significantly when reservoir pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly employs a movable inner barrel that can shift axially to change the flow path length dynamically. When reservoir pressure increases, the pressure differential across the orifice increases, causing the inner barrel to move and lengthen the flow path, thereby increasing flow restriction and maintaining stable injection rates despite pressure variations
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the flow path length parameter in response to pressure differential changes. The inner barrel position is adjusted based on the pressure difference between the injection side and reservoir side, modifying the effective flow path length to compensate for pressure variations and maintain consistent fluid injection rates
2Productivity
If multiple valve assemblies are deployed at different depths, then fluid distribution along the wellbore can be controlled, but the complexity of manufacture and assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is divided into functional segments including an outer barrel, an independently movable inner barrel, and a flow restriction component. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function and enables modular assembly, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the capability for controlled fluid distribution across multiple depths
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly design incorporates multiple functions within a single integrated structure: flow restriction, pressure sensing, autonomous actuation, and flow distribution control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system configuration when deploying multiple valves at different depths
3Device complexity
If the flow restriction component is fixed, then the valve assembly structure is simple, but the fluid flow rate cannot be adjusted based on reservoir conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is designed to autonomously adjust its flow restriction based on reservoir conditions without external control. The pressure differential between the injection side and reservoir automatically actuates the inner barrel to move, enabling the valve to self-regulate flow rates in response to changing reservoir pressure, temperature, or permeability conditions
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 valve assembly maintains consistent fluid injection and production rates by dynamically adjusting to pressure differentials, reducing variability and enhancing operational efficiency in wellbore operations.
Implementation Method 1
The flow adjuster being configured to autonomously shift the outer barrel from the installation position to the open position, and between the open position and the closed position based on a pressure differential between an internal pressure (Pi) of the fluid chamber and an external pressure (Pe) of the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
The flow adjuster includes a biasing element operatively connected to the outer barrel and being adapted to bias the outer barrel along the tubular wall
Implementation Method 3
the fluid channel having a channel inlet and being configured to define a restricted flowrate in a first direction and an unrestricted flowrate in a second direction opposite the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly for integration within a wellbore string is provided. The valve assembly includes a valve housing defining a fluid passage therethrough and having injection ports, and a flow restriction component extending between the fluid passage and the injection ports to establish fluid communication therebetween. The flow restriction component is configured to create a flowrate restriction along a flow path length thereof, with each injection port being aligned with respective portions of the flow restriction component to define respective flow path lengths defining respective degrees of flowrate restriction. The valve assembly also includes a flow adjuster connected to the valve housing and being fluid-pressure actuatable to align an outlet with one of the injection ports such that fluid flow between the fluid passage and the reservoir is restricted by a corresponding degree of flowrate restriction to maintain an injection rate substantially constant.