AU2011381058B2 - Autonomous fluid control system having a fluid diode - Google Patents
Autonomous fluid control system having a fluid diode Download PDFInfo
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- AU2011381058B2 AU2011381058B2 AU2011381058A AU2011381058A AU2011381058B2 AU 2011381058 B2 AU2011381058 B2 AU 2011381058B2 AU 2011381058 A AU2011381058 A AU 2011381058A AU 2011381058 A AU2011381058 A AU 2011381058A AU 2011381058 B2 AU2011381058 B2 AU 2011381058B2
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- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 163
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 25
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 229930195733 hydrocarbon Natural products 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000004215 Carbon black (E152) Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 125000001183 hydrocarbyl group Chemical group 0.000 claims 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 6
- 150000002430 hydrocarbons Chemical class 0.000 description 5
- CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon dioxide Chemical compound O=C=O CURLTUGMZLYLDI-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 4
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 3
- 229910002092 carbon dioxide Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000001569 carbon dioxide Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001939 inductive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000003345 natural gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000003921 oil Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000013618 particulate matter Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004576 sand Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007717 exclusion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011065 in-situ storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001788 irregular Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001902 propagating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B34/00—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells
- E21B34/06—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells
- E21B34/08—Valve arrangements for boreholes or wells in wells responsive to flow or pressure of the fluid obtained
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B41/00—Equipment or details not covered by groups E21B15/00 - E21B40/00
- E21B41/0078—Nozzles used in boreholes
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
- E21B43/12—Methods or apparatus for controlling the flow of the obtained fluid to or in wells
Landscapes
- Geology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Measuring Volume Flow (AREA)
- Jet Pumps And Other Pumps (AREA)
- Physical Or Chemical Processes And Apparatus (AREA)
- Fluid-Pressure Circuits (AREA)
- Excavating Of Shafts Or Tunnels (AREA)
Abstract
Apparatus and methods for autonomously controlling fluid flow in a subterranean well are presented, and in particular for providing a fluid diode to create a relatively high resistance to fluid flow in one direction and a relatively low resistance to fluid flowing in the opposite direction. The diode is positioned in a fluid passageway and has opposing high resistance and low resistance entries. In one embodiment, the high resistance entry has a concave, annular surface surrounding an orifice and the low resistance entry has a substantially conical surface. The concave, annular surface of the high resistance entry preferably extends longitudinally beyond the plane of the orifice. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid will flow in eddies adjacent the concave, annular surface.
Description
TITLE: AUTONOMOUS FLUID CONTROL SYSTEM HAVING A FLUID DIODE CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS None. FIELD [0001] Embodiments relate generally to apparatus and methods for autonomously controlling fluid flow through a system using a fluid diode. In particular, some embodiments relate to using a fluid diode defined by an orifice having a high resistance side and a low resistance side. BACKGROUND [0002] Some wellbore servicing tools provide a plurality of fluid flow paths between the interior of the wellbore servicing tool and the wellbore. However, fluid transfer through such a plurality of fluid flow paths may occur in an undesirable and/or non-homogeneous manner. The variation in fluid transfer through the plurality of fluid flow paths may be attributable to variances in the fluid conditions of an associated hydrocarbon formation and/or may be attributable to operational conditions of the wellbore servicing tool, such as a fluid flow path being unintentionally restricted by particulate matter. [0002a] It is desired to address or ameliorate one or more shortcomings or disadvantages of existing wellbore servicing tools or other apparatus and methods for 1 autonomously controlling fluid flow through a system using a fluid diode, or to at least provide a useful alternative thereto. [0002b] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application. [0002c] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. SUMMARY [0003] Some embodiments relate to apparatus and methods for autonomously controlling fluid flow in a subterranean well, and in particular for providing a fluid diode to create a relatively high resistance to fluid flow in one direction and a relatively low resistance to fluid flowing in the opposite direction. The diode is positioned in a fluid passageway and has opposing high resistance and low resistance entries. The low resistance entry providing a relatively low resistance to fluid flowing into the diode through the low resistance entry. The high resistance entry providing a relatively high resistance to fluid flowing into the diode through the high resistance entry. In a preferred embodiment, the high resistance entry has a 2 concave, annular surface surrounding an orifice and the low resistance entry has a substantially conical surface. The entries can have a common orifice. In one embodiment, the concave, annular surface of the high resistance entry extends longitudinally beyond the plane of the orifice. That is, a portion of a fluid flowing through the diode from the high resistance side will flow longitudinally past, but not through, the orifice, before being turned by the concave, annular surface. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid will flow in eddies adjacent the concave, annular surface. [0003a] Some embodiments relate to an apparatus for autonomously controlling fluid flow in a subterranean well, the apparatus comprising: a fluid passageway having a fluid diode positioned therein; the fluid diode having opposing high resistance and low resistance entries and an orifice disposed between the high resistance and low resistance entries, wherein each of the orifice, high resistance entry and low resistance entry are centred on a longitudinal axis of the diode, wherein the diode is configured to allow fluid to flow in a direction along the longitudinal axis through the low resistance entry towards the high resistance entry with a relatively low resistance to the flow, and configured to provide a relatively high resistance to fluid flow through the high resistance entry towards the low resistance entry, and wherein the high resistance entry has a concave, annular surface configured such that when fluid flows from the high resistance entry towards the low resistance entry, a portion of the fluid flow is directed substantially radially towards the longitudinal axis prior to passing through the orifice. 3 [0003b] Some embodiments relate to a method of servicing a wellbore extending through a hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formation, the method comprising the steps of: providing a fluid diode in fluid communication with the wellbore, the fluid diode having opposing high resistance and low resistance entries and an orifice disposed between the high resistance and low resistance entries; flowing fluid through a low resistance entry of the diode; and flowing fluid through a high resistance entry of the diode, thereby restricting fluid flow through the diode; wherein each of the orifice, high resistance entry and low resistance entry are centred on a longitudinal axis of the diode, wherein the diode is configured to allow fluid to flow in a direction along the longitudinal axis through the low resistance entry towards the high resistance entry with a relatively low resistance to the flow, and configured to provide a relatively high resistance to fluid flow through the high resistance entry towards the low resistance entry, and wherein the high resistance entry has a concave, annular surface configured such that when fluid flows from the high resistance entry towards the low resistance entry, a portion of the fluid flow is directed substantially radially towards the longitudinal axis prior to passing through the orifice. [0004] The apparatus and method can be used in conjunction with other autonomous flow control systems, including those having flow control assemblies and vortex assemblies. Described embodiments may be used in production, injection and other servicing operations of a subterranean wellbore, and may be positioned to provide relatively higher resistance to fluid flow as it moves towards or away from the surface. 4 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0005] For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the described embodiments, reference is now made to the detailed description along with the accompanying figures in which corresponding numerals in the different figures refer to corresponding parts and in which: [0006] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a well system including a plurality of autonomous fluid flow control systems according to an embodiment of the invention; [0006a] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a fluid diode of a preferred embodiment of the invention; [0007] Figure 3 is a flow diagram representative of a fluid flowing into the fluid diode through the high resistance entry; [0008] Figure 4 is a flow diagram representative of a fluid flowing into the fluid diode through the low resistance entry; [0009] Figures 5A-C are exemplary embodiments of fluid diodes according to the invention; [0010] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a fluid diode according to an aspect of the invention; and [0011] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary fluid control system 59 having a fluid diode according to aspects of the invention. 5 [0012] It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the use of directional terms such as above, below, upper, lower, upward, downward and the like are used in relation to the illustrative embodiments as they are depicted in the figures, the upward direction being toward the top of the corresponding figure and the downward direction being toward the bottom of the corresponding figure. Where this is not the case and a term is being used to indicate a required orientation, the Specification will state or make such clear. "Uphole," "downhole" are used to indicate location or direction in relation to the surface, where uphole indicates relative position or movement towards the surface along the wellbore and downhole indicates relative position or movement further away from the surface along the wellbore, regardless of the wellbore orientation (unless otherwise made clear). DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0013] While the making and using of various embodiments are discussed in detail below, a practitioner of the art will appreciate that the concepts and technology can be embodied in a variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are illustrative of specific ways to make and use the technology and do not limit the scope of the present invention. [0014] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a well system, indicated generally 10, including a plurality of autonomous flow control systems, according to some embodiments. A wellbore 12 extends through various earth strata. Wellbore 12 has a substantially vertical section 14, the upper portion of which has installed therein a casing string 16. Wellbore 12 also has a substantially deviated section 18, shown as horizontal, which extends through a hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formation 20. 6 As illustrated, substantially horizontal section 18 of wellbore 12 is open hole. While shown here in an open hole, horizontal section of a wellbore, the described methods and apparatus will work in any orientation, and in open or cased hole. The described methods and apparatus also work equally well with injection systems. [0015] Positioned within wellbore 12 and extending from the surface is a tubing string 22. Tubing string 22 provides a conduit for fluids to travel from formation 20 upstream to the surface. Positioned within tubing string 22 in the various production intervals adjacent to formation 20 are a plurality of autonomous fluid control systems 25 and a plurality of production tubing sections 24. At either end of each production tubing section 24 is a packer 26 that provides a fluid seal between tubing string 22 and the wall of wellbore 12. The space in-between each pair of adjacent packers 26 defines a production interval. [0016] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the production tubing sections 24 includes sand control capability. Sand control screen elements or filter media associated with production tubing sections 24 are designed to allow fluids to flow therethrough but prevent or restrict particulate matter of sufficient size from flowing therethrough. [0017] The fluid flowing into the production tubing section typically comprises more than one fluid component. Typical components are natural gas, oil, water, steam or carbon dioxide. Steam and carbon dioxide are commonly used as injection fluids to drive the hydrocarbon towards the production tubular, whereas natural gas, oil and water are typically found in situ in the formation. 7 [0018] Some embodiments relate to a method and apparatus for use of a fluid diode in a passageway to provide a relatively high resistance to fluid flow through a passageway in one direction while providing a relatively low resistance to fluid flow in the opposite direction. It is envisioned that such relative restriction of fluid flow can be used in any operation where fluid flow is desired in one direction and undesired in the opposite direction. For example, during production of hydrocarbons from the wellbore, fluid typically flows from the wellbore, into the tubing string, and thence uphole towards the surface. However, if flow is reversed for some reason, a fluid diode, or series of diodes, will restrict flow in the reverse direction. The diodes can be used similarly in injection operations to restrict fluid flow uphole. Persons of skill in the art will recognize other uses where restriction of flow in one direction is preferable. [0019] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a fluid diode according to some embodiments. The fluid diode 100 is positioned in a fluid passageway 102 defined by a passageway wall 101. The passageway 102 can be positioned in a downhole tool, tubing string, as part of a larger autonomous fluid control system, in series with additional fluid diodes, or individually. [0020] The fluid diode 100 has a high resistance entry 106 and a low resistance entry 104. In some embodiments, the low resistance entry 104 has a substantially conical surface 108 narrowing from a large diameter end 110 to a small diameter end 112 and terminating at an orifice 114. The substantially conical surface may be manufactured such that it is, in fact, conical; however, the surface can instead vary from truly conical, such as made of a plurality of flat surfaces arranged 8 to provide a cone-like narrowing. The high resistance entry 106 narrows from a large diameter end 116 to a small diameter end 118 and terminates at an orifice 114. In some embodiments, the orifice 114 for the high and low resistance ends is coincident. In other embodiments, the orifices can be separate. The orifice 114, high resistance entry 106 and low resistance entry 104 may be centred on the longitudinal axis 103 of the passageway 102. The orifice 114 lies in a plane 115, which may be normal to the longitudinal axis 103. [0021] The high resistance entry 106 may include a concave surface 120. The concave surface 120 is annular, extending around the orifice 114. In some embodiments, as seen in Figure 2, the concave surface 120 curves along an arc through more than 90 degrees. Here, "arc" does not require that the surface be a segment of a circle; the surface seen in Figure 2 is not circular, for example. The concave surface can be a segment of a circle, ellipse, etc., or irregular. The concave surface extends longitudinally from one side of the plane 115 of the orifice 114 to another. For purposes of discussion, the concave surface 120 extends longitudinally from a point upstream of the plane of the orifice (when fluid is flowing into the high resistance entry 106) to a furthest extent downstream from the place of the orifice. That is, the concave surface extends longitudinally beyond the plane of the orifice. The furthest extent downstream of the concave surface 120 is indicated by dashed line 121. In the embodiment shown, the longitudinal extent of the conical surface 108 overlaps with the longitudinal extent of the concave surface 120. [0022] In use, fluid F can flow either direction through the diode 100. When fluid flows into the diode through the low resistance entry 104, as indicated by the 9 solid arrow in Figure 2, the diode provides a lower resistance to fluid flow than when fluid flows into the diode through the high resistance entry 106, as indicated by the dashed arrow in Figure 2. In a typical use, fluid flow in the low resistance direction is preferred, such as for production of well fluid. If flow is reversed, such that it flows through the diode from the high resistance entry, flow is restricted. [0023] Figure 3 is a flow diagram representative of a fluid F flowing into the fluid diode 100 through the high resistance entry 106. Figure 4 is a flow diagram representative of a fluid F flowing into the diode 100 through the low resistance entry 104. The flow lines shown are velocity flow lines. Where fluid enters from the high resistance side, as in Figure 3, a portion of the fluid flow is directed substantially radially, toward the axis 103. The fluid flow through the orifice 114 is substantially restricted or slowed, and total fluid flow across the diode is similarly restricted. The pressure drop across the diode is correspondingly relatively higher. In some embodiments, eddies 122 are created adjacent the concave surface of the high resistance entry. Where fluid enters the diode from the low resistance side, as in Figure 4, fluid flows through the diode with relatively lower resistance, with a corresponding lower pressure drop across the diode. [0024] The following data is exemplary in nature and generated from computer modelling of a diode similar to that in Figure 2-4. The pressure drops across the diode and resistance to fluid flow is dependent on the direction of fluid flow through the diode. Water at a flow rate of 0.2 kg per second experienced a pressure drop across the diode of approximately 4200Pa when flowing into the diode from the high resistance side. Water flowing the opposite direction, from the low resistance side, 10 only experienced a pressure drop of approximately 2005Pa. Similarly, air having a density of 1.3 kg per cubic meter and at the same flow rate, experienced a pressure drop of 400psi when flowing in the restricted direction and only a 218psi pressure drop in the unrestricted direction. Finally, gas modelled at 150 kg per cubic meter and at the same flow rate, experienced a pressure drop of 5 psi in the restricted direction and 2 psi in the unrestricted direction. These data points are exemplary only. [0025] Figures 5A-C are exemplary embodiments of fluid diodes. Figures 5A-C show alternate profiles for the concave, annular surface 120 of the fluid diode 100. In Figure 5 A, the profile is similar to that in Figure 2, wherein the concave surface 120 curves through more than 90 degrees, has a comparatively deep "pocket," and extends to a point at 121 past the plane 115 of the orifice 114. Figure 5B is similar, however, the concave surface 120 is shallower. In Figure 5C the concave surface 120 curves through 90 degrees and does not extend longitudinally past the orifice plane 115. The design of Figure 5 A is presently preferred and provides the greatest pressure drop when flow is in the restricted direction. Using modeling techniques, the pressure drops across the diodes in Figures 5A-C were 4200Pa, 3980Pa and 3208Pa, respectively. Additionally, the high resistance entry can take other shapes, such as curved surfaces having additional curvatures to the concave surface shown, concave surfaces which vary from the exact curvature shown, a plurality of flat surfaces which provide a substantially similar concave surface when taken in the aggregate, or even having a rectangular cross-section. Further, the passageway can have round, rectangular, or other cross-sectional shape. 11 [0026] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a fluid diode. Figure 6 shows an alternate embodiment wherein the orifice 114a of the high resistance entry 106 is not coincident with the orifice 114b of the low resistance entry 104. A relatively narrow conduit 124 connects the orifices. [0027] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary fluid control system 59 having a fluid diode according to some embodiments. The fluid control system 59 is explained in detail in references which are incorporated herein by reference and will not be described in detail here. The fluid control system is designed for fluid flow in the direction indicated by the double arrows, F. Fluid, such as production fluid, enters the fluid control system 59, flows through the passageways 62 and 64 of the flow control assembly 60, exits through outlets 68 and 70. Fluid then flows into the vortex assembly 80 through an inlet 84 or 86, by optional directional elements 90, through vortex chamber 82 and out of the vortex outlet 88. Fluid then flows downstream (which in this embodiment is uphole), such as to the surface. While flow in this direction is preferred and typical, the fluid diode of the invention can be used in conjunction with or as part of the flow control system to restrict or prevent reverse fluid flow through the system. As indicated, one or more fluid diodes 100 can be employed at locations along the system, upstream or downstream from the system. [0028] In some embodiments, fluid diodes 100 are arranged in series, such that the fluid flow passes through a plurality of diodes. For example, two diodes 100 are seen downstream of the vortex assembly 80 in Figure 7. As discussed above, when fluid flows through the high resistance side of the diode, a greater pressure 11a drop is realized across the diode than when flow is in the opposite direction. However, the pressure drop across a plurality of diodes will be greater still. A plurality of diodes in series may be used to create a much greater total pressure drop across the plurality of diodes. In such a manner, the reverse flow through the system can be substantially restricted. [0029] The diode explained herein can be used in conjunction with the various flow control systems, assemblies and devices described in the incorporated references as will be understood by those of skill in the art. [0030] Descriptions of fluid flow control using autonomous flow control devices and their application can be found in the following U.S. Patents and Patent Applications, each of which are hereby incorporated herein in their entirety for all purposes: U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/635612, entitled "Fluid Flow Control Device," to Schultz, filed 12/10/2009; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/770568,entitled "Method and Apparatus for Controlling Fluid Flow Using Movable Flow Diverter Assembly," to Dykstra, 11b WO 2013/074113 PCT/US2011/061331 filed 6/2/2010; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/792095, entitled "Alternating Flow Resistance Increases and Decreases for Propagating Pressure Pulses in a Subterranean Well," to Fripp, filed 6/2/2010; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/792117, entitled "Variable Flow Resistance System for Use in a Subterranean Well," to Fripp, filed 6/2/2010; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/792146, entitled "Variable Flow Resistance System With Circulation Inducing Structure Therein to Variably Resist Flow in a Subterranean Well," to Dykstra, filed 6/2/2010; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/879846, entitled "Series Configured Variable Flow Restrictors For Use In A Subterranean Well," to Dykstra, filed 9/10/2010; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/869836, entitled "Variable Flow Restrictor For Use In A Subterranean Well," to Holderman, filed 8/27/2010; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/958625, entitled "A Device For Directing The Flow Of A Fluid Using A Pressure Switch," to Dykstra, filed 12/2/2010; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/974212, entitled "An Exit Assembly With a Fluid Director for Inducing and Impeding Rotational Flow of a Fluid," to Dykstra, filed 12/21/2010; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12983144, entitled "Cross-Flow Fluidic Oscillators for use with a Subterranean Well ," to Schultz, filed 12/31/2010; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/966772, entitled "Downhole Fluid Flow Control System and Method Having Direction Dependent Flow Resistance," to Jean-Marc Lopez, filed 12/13/2010; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/983153, entitled "Fluidic Oscillators For Use With A Subterranean Well (includes vortex)," to Schultz, filed 12/31/2010; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/084025, entitled "Active Control for the Autonomous Valve," to Fripp, filed 4/11/2011; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 61/473,700, entitled 12 WO 2013/074113 PCT/US2011/061331 "Moving Fluid Selectors for the Autonomous Valve," to Fripp, filed 4/8/2011; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 61/473,699, entitled "Sticky Switch for the Autonomous Valve," to Fripp, filed 4/8/2011; and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/100006, entitled "Centrifugal Fluid Separator," to Fripp, filed 5/3/2011. [0031] While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments as well as other embodiments of the invention, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description. It is, therefore, intended that the appended claims encompass any such modifications or embodiments. 13
Claims (21)
1. An apparatus for autonomously controlling fluid flow in a subterranean well, the apparatus comprising: a fluid passageway having a fluid diode positioned therein; the fluid diode having opposing high resistance and low resistance entries and an orifice disposed between the high resistance and low resistance entries, wherein each of the orifice, high resistance entry and low resistance entry are centred on a longitudinal axis of the diode, wherein the diode is configured to allow fluid to flow in a direction along the longitudinal axis through the low resistance entry towards the high resistance entry with a relatively low resistance to the flow, and configured to provide a relatively high resistance to fluid flow through the high resistance entry towards the low resistance entry, and wherein the high resistance entry has a concave, annular surface configured such that when fluid flows from the high resistance entry towards the low resistance entry, a portion of the fluid flow is directed substantially radially towards the longitudinal axis prior to passing through the orifice.
2. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein the low resistance entry has a substantially conical surface.
3. An apparatus as in claim 2, wherein the substantially conical surface narrows and ends at the orifice.
4. An apparatus as in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the concave annular surface extends longitudinally beyond the plane of the orifice. 14
5. An apparatus as in any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a downhole tool, the fluid passageway and diode being positioned in the downhole tool.
6. An apparatus as in claim 5, wherein the subterranean well extends from the surface, and wherein the diode is positioned such that fluid flow towards the surface enters the low resistance entry of the diode.
7. An apparatus as in claim 5, further comprising an autonomous fluid control system having a vortex assembly and flow control assembly.
8. An apparatus as in claim 7, wherein the diode is positioned upstream from the vortex assembly.
9. An apparatus as in claim 7, wherein the diode is positioned downstream from the flow control assembly.
10. An apparatus as in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the concave surface is configured for creating eddies in fluid flowing into the diode through the high resistance entry.
11. A method of servicing a wellbore extending through a hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formation, the method comprising the steps of: providing a fluid diode in fluid communication with the wellbore, the fluid diode having opposing high resistance and low resistance entries and an orifice disposed between the high resistance and low resistance entries; flowing fluid through a low resistance entry of the diode; and flowing fluid through a high resistance entry of the diode, thereby restricting fluid flow through the diode; 15 wherein each of the orifice, high resistance entry and low resistance entry are centred on a longitudinal axis of the diode, wherein the diode is configured to allow fluid to flow in a direction along the longitudinal axis through the low resistance entry towards the high resistance entry with a relatively low resistance to the flow, and configured to provide a relatively high resistance to fluid flow through the high resistance entry towards the low resistance entry, and wherein the high resistance entry has a concave, annular surface configured such that when fluid flows from the high resistance entry towards the low resistance entry, a portion of the fluid flow is directed substantially radially towards the longitudinal axis prior to passing through the orifice.
12. A method as in claim 11, wherein the low resistance entry has a substantially conical surface.
13. A method as in claim 11 or 12, wherein the concave annular surface extends longitudinally beyond the plane of the orifice.
14. A method as in any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising flowing fluid through an autonomous fluid control system having a flow control assembly and a vortex assembly.
15. A method as in claim 14, further comprising flowing production fluid from the wellbore into the autonomous fluid control system.
16. A method as in any one of claims 11 to 15, further comprising flowing fluid into the wellbore. 16
17. A method as in claim 14, wherein the step of flowing fluid through an autonomous fluid control system occurs prior to the step of flowing fluid through the low resistance entry of the diode.
18. A method as in any one of claims 11 to 17, further comprising the step of creating eddies in the fluid flow during the step of flowing fluid through the high resistance entry of the diode.
19. A method as in claim 18, wherein the eddies are created adjacent the concave, annular surface of the high resistance entry.
20. An apparatus as in any one of claims 1 to 10 or a method as in any one of claims 11 to 19, wherein a ridge is formed by a junction of the concave, annular surface and a surface of the low resistance entry, the ridge defining an edge of the orifice.
21. An apparatus as in any one of claims 1 to 10 or 20, or a method as in any one of claims 11 to 20, wherein the fluid diode is disposed in a fluid passageway that is one of a pair of parallel passageways that extend between a common inlet where fluid may be divided into the pair of parallel passageways, and respective outlets where fluid may be recombined from the pair of parallel passageways. 17
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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PCT/US2011/061331 WO2013074113A1 (en) | 2011-11-18 | 2011-11-18 | Autonomous fluid control system having a fluid diode |
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AU2011381058A1 AU2011381058A1 (en) | 2014-05-22 |
AU2011381058B2 true AU2011381058B2 (en) | 2016-05-19 |
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AU2011381058A Active AU2011381058B2 (en) | 2011-11-18 | 2011-11-18 | Autonomous fluid control system having a fluid diode |
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EP (1) | EP2780540B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN104040109B (en) |
AU (1) | AU2011381058B2 (en) |
BR (1) | BR112014011842B1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2844928C (en) |
SG (1) | SG2014008791A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2013074113A1 (en) |
Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20110139453A1 (en) * | 2009-12-10 | 2011-06-16 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Fluid flow control device |
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US20110186300A1 (en) * | 2009-08-18 | 2011-08-04 | Dykstra Jason D | Method and apparatus for autonomous downhole fluid selection with pathway dependent resistance system |
US20110139453A1 (en) * | 2009-12-10 | 2011-06-16 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Fluid flow control device |
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CN104040109A (en) | 2014-09-10 |
WO2013074113A1 (en) | 2013-05-23 |
SG2014008791A (en) | 2014-04-28 |
CN104040109B (en) | 2017-01-18 |
BR112014011842A2 (en) | 2017-05-02 |
CA2844928C (en) | 2016-08-23 |
EP2780540B1 (en) | 2017-09-06 |
BR112014011842B1 (en) | 2020-06-23 |
CA2844928A1 (en) | 2013-05-23 |
EP2780540A1 (en) | 2014-09-24 |
EP2780540A4 (en) | 2016-03-02 |
AU2011381058A1 (en) | 2014-05-22 |
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