EP2776660A1 - Système de résistance variable à l'écoulement à mettre en uvre dans un puits souterrain - Google Patents

Système de résistance variable à l'écoulement à mettre en uvre dans un puits souterrain

Info

Publication number
EP2776660A1
EP2776660A1 EP11875323.5A EP11875323A EP2776660A1 EP 2776660 A1 EP2776660 A1 EP 2776660A1 EP 11875323 A EP11875323 A EP 11875323A EP 2776660 A1 EP2776660 A1 EP 2776660A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
flow
fluid composition
fluid
response
resistance
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP11875323.5A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP2776660B1 (fr
EP2776660A4 (fr
Inventor
Jason D. Dykstra
Michael L. Fripp
Liang Zhao
Frederic Felten
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Halliburton Energy Services Inc
Original Assignee
Halliburton Energy Services Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Halliburton Energy Services Inc filed Critical Halliburton Energy Services Inc
Priority to EP18169405.0A priority Critical patent/EP3375975B1/fr
Publication of EP2776660A1 publication Critical patent/EP2776660A1/fr
Publication of EP2776660A4 publication Critical patent/EP2776660A4/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2776660B1 publication Critical patent/EP2776660B1/fr
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • E21B43/32—Preventing gas- or water-coning phenomena, i.e. the formation of a conical column of gas or water around wells
    • 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
    • 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
    • E21B2200/00—Special features related to earth drilling for obtaining oil, gas or water
    • E21B2200/02—Down-hole chokes or valves for variably regulating fluid flow

Definitions

  • This disclosure relates generally to equipment utilized and operations performed in conjunction with a subterranean well and, in an example described herein, more particularly provides for variably resisting flow.
  • a variable flow resistance system can include a structure which displaces in response to a flow of a fluid composition.
  • a resistance to the flow of the fluid composition changes in response to a change in a ratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid
  • a variable flow resistance system can include a structure which rotates in response to flow of a fluid composition, and a fluid switch which deflects the fluid composition relative to at least two flow paths.
  • a resistance to the flow of the fluid composition through the system changes in response to a change in a ratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid composition .
  • a variable flow resistance system can include a chamber through which a fluid composition flows, whereby a resistance to a flow of the fluid
  • composition through the chamber varies in response to a change in a direction of the flow through the chamber, and a material which swells in response to a decrease in a ratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid composition.
  • a variable flow resistance system can include at least two flow paths, whereby a resistance to a flow of a fluid composition through the system changes in response to a change in a proportion of the fluid composition which flows through the flow paths.
  • an airfoil changes a deflection of the flow of the fluid composition relative to the flow paths in response to a change in a ratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid composition.
  • a further example comprises a method of variably resisting flow in a subterranean well.
  • the method can include a structure displacing in response to a flow of a fluid composition, and a resistance to the flow of the fluid composition changing in response to a change in a ratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid composition.
  • FIG. 1 is a representative partially cross-sectional view of a well system and associated method which can embody principles of this disclosure.
  • FIG. 2 is a representative cross-sectional view of a variable flow resistance system which can embody the
  • FIG. 3 is a representative cross-sectional view of the variable flow resistance system, taken along line 3-3 of FIG. 2.
  • FIG. 4 is a representative cross-sectional view of the variable flow resistance system, with rotational flow in a chamber of the system.
  • FIGS. 5 & 6 are representative cross-sectional views of another configuration of the variable flow resistance system, resistance to flow being greater in FIG. 5 as compared to FIG. 6.
  • FIG. 7 is a representative cross-sectional view of another configuration of the variable flow resistance system.
  • FIG. 8 is a representative cross-sectional view of the FIG. 7 configuration, taken along line 8-8.
  • FIG. 9 is a representative cross-sectional view of the variable flow resistance system, resistance to flow being greater in FIG. 8 as compared to that in FIG. 9.
  • FIGS. 10 & 11 are representative cross-sectional views of another configuration of the variable flow resistance system, resistance to flow being greater in FIG. 11 as compared to that in FIG. 10.
  • FIG. 12 is a representative cross-sectional view of another configuration of the variable flow resistance system.
  • FIG. 13 is a representative cross-sectional view of the FIG. 12 configuration, taken along line 13-13.
  • FIG. 14 is a representative cross-sectional view of another configuration of the variable flow resistance system.
  • FIGS. 15 & 16 are representative cross-sectional views of a fluid switch configuration which may be used with the variable flow resistance system.
  • FIGS. 17 & 18 are representative cross-sectional views of another configuration of the variable flow resistance system, FIG. 17 being taken along line 17-17 of FIG. 18.
  • FIG. 19 is a representative cross-sectional view of a flow chamber which may be used with the variable flow resistance system.
  • FIGS. 20-27 are representative cross-sectional views of additional fluid switch configurations which may be used with the variable flow resistance system.
  • FIG. 1 Representatively illustrated in FIG. 1 is a system 10 for use with a well, which system can embody principles of this disclosure.
  • a wellbore 12 has a generally vertical uncased section 14 extending downwardly from casing 16, as well as a generally horizontal uncased section 18 extending through an earth formation 20.
  • a tubular string 22 (such as a production tubing string) is installed in the wellbore 12. Interconnected in the tubular string 22 are multiple well screens 24, variable flow resistance systems 25 and packers 26.
  • the packers 26 seal off an annulus 28 formed radially between the tubular string 22 and the wellbore section 18. In this manner, fluids 30 may be produced from multiple intervals or zones of the formation 20 via isolated portions of the annulus 28 between adjacent pairs of the packers 26.
  • a well screen 24 and a variable flow resistance system 25 are interconnected in the tubular string 22.
  • the well screen 24 filters the fluids 30 flowing into the tubular string 22 from the annulus 28.
  • the variable flow resistance system 25 variably restricts flow of the fluids 30 into the tubular string 22, based on certain characteristics of the fluids.
  • the wellbore 12 it is not necessary in keeping with the principles of this disclosure for the wellbore 12 to include a generally vertical wellbore section 14 or a generally horizontal wellbore section 18. It is not necessary for fluids 30 to be only produced from the formation 20 since, in other examples, fluids could be injected into a
  • fluids could be both injected into and produced from a formation, etc.
  • variable flow resistance system 25 It is not necessary for one each of the well screen 24 and variable flow resistance system 25 to be positioned between each adjacent pair of the packers 26. It is not necessary for a single variable flow resistance system 25 to be used in conjunction with a single well screen 24. Any number, arrangement and/or combination of these components may be used.
  • variable flow resistance system 25 it is not necessary for any variable flow resistance system 25 to be used with a well screen 24.
  • the injected fluid could be flowed through a variable flow resistance system 25, without also flowing through a well screen 24.
  • tubular string 22 components of the tubular string 22 to be positioned in uncased sections 14, 18 of the wellbore 12. Any section of the wellbore 12 may be cased or uncased, and any portion of the tubular string 22 may be positioned in an uncased or cased section of the wellbore, in keeping with the
  • resistance to flow through the flow resistance systems 25 can be selectively varied, on demand and/or in response to a particular condition.
  • flow through the systems 25 could be relatively restricted while the tubular string 22 is installed, and during a gravel packing operation, but flow through the systems could be relatively unrestricted when producing the fluid 30 from the formation 20.
  • flow through the systems 25 could be relatively restricted at elevated temperature indicative of steam breakthrough in a steam flooding operation, but flow through the systems could be relatively unrestricted at reduced temperatures.
  • variable flow resistance systems 25 can also increase resistance to flow if a fluid velocity or density increases (e.g., to thereby balance flow among zones, prevent water or gas coning, etc.), or increase resistance to flow if a fluid viscosity decreases (e.g., to thereby restrict flow of an undesired fluid, such as water or gas, in an oil producing well). Conversely, these variable flow resistance systems 25 can decrease resistance to flow if fluid velocity or density decreases, or if fluid viscosity increases.
  • Whether a fluid is a desired or an undesired fluid depends on the purpose of the production or injection operation being conducted. For example, if it is desired to produce oil from a well, but not to produce water or gas, then oil is a desired fluid and water and gas are undesired fluids. If it is desired to inject steam instead of water, then steam is a desired fluid and water is an undesired fluid. If it is desired to produce hydrocarbon gas and not water, then hydrocarbon gas is a desired fluid and water is an undesired fluid.
  • a fluid composition 36 (which can include one or more fluids, such as oil and water, liquid water and steam, oil and gas, gas and water, oil, water and gas, etc.) flows into the well screen 24 , is thereby filtered, and then flows into an inlet 38 of the variable flow resistance system 25 .
  • a fluid composition can include one or more undesired or desired fluids. Both steam and liquid water can be combined in a fluid composition. As another example, oil, water and/or gas can be combined in a fluid composition.
  • variable flow resistance system 25 Flow of the fluid composition 36 through the variable flow resistance system 25 is resisted based on one or more characteristics (such as viscosity, velocity, density, etc.) of the fluid composition.
  • the fluid composition 36 is then discharged from the variable flow resistance system 25 to an interior of the tubular string 22 via an outlet 40 .
  • the well screen 24 may not be used in conjunction with the variable flow resistance system 25 (e.g., in injection operations), the fluid composition 36 could flow in an opposite direction through the various elements of the well system 10 (e.g., in injection
  • variable flow resistance system could be used in conjunction with multiple well screens, multiple variable flow resistance systems could be used with one or more well screens, the fluid composition could be received from or discharged into regions of a well other than an annulus or a tubular string, the fluid composition could flow through the variable flow resistance system prior to flowing through the well screen, any other components could be interconnected upstream or downstream of the well screen and/or variable flow resistance system, etc.
  • well screen 24 depicted in FIG. 2 is of the type known to those skilled in the art as a wire-wrapped well screen, any other types or combinations of well screens (such as sintered, expanded, pre-packed, wire mesh, etc.) may be used in other examples. Additional components (such as shrouds, shunt tubes, lines, instrumentation, sensors, inflow control devices, etc.) may also be used, if desired.
  • variable flow resistance system 25 is depicted in simplified form in FIG. 2, but in a preferred example, the system can include various passages and devices for
  • system 25 preferably at least partially extends circumferentially about the tubular string 22, or the system may be formed in a wall of a tubular structure interconnected as part of the tubular string.
  • system 25 may not extend
  • variable flow resistance system 25 may be used in the well system 10 of FIGS. 1 & 2, or it may be used in other well systems in keeping with the principles of this disclosure.
  • the fluid composition 36 flows from the inlet 38 to the outlet 40 via passage 44, inlet flow paths 46, 48 and a flow chamber 50.
  • the flow paths 46, 48 are branches of the passage 44 and intersect the chamber 50 at inlets 52, 54.
  • the flow paths 46, 48 diverge from the inlet passage 44 by approximately the same angle
  • the flow paths 46, 48 may not be symmetrical with respect to the passage 44.
  • the flow path 48 could diverge from the inlet passage 44 by a smaller angle as compared to the flow path 46, so that more of the fluid composition 36 will flow through the flow path 48 to the chamber 50, and vice versa.
  • a resistance to flow of the fluid composition 36 through the system 25 depends on proportions of the fluid composition which flow into the chamber via the respective flow paths 46, 48 and inlets 52, 54. As depicted in FIG. 3, approximately half of the fluid composition 36 flows into the chamber 50 via the flow path 46 and inlet 52, and about half of the fluid composition flows into the chamber via the flow path 48 and inlet 54.
  • FIG. 4 the system 25 is representatively illustrated in another configuration, in which flow resistance through the system is increased, as compared to the configuration of FIG. 3. This increase in flow resistance of the system 25 can be due to a change in a property of the fluid composition 36, due to a change in the configuration of the system 25, etc.
  • a greater proportion of the fluid composition 36 flows through the flow path 46 and into the chamber 50 via the inlet 52, as compared to the proportion which flows into the chamber via the inlet 54.
  • the fluid composition tends to rotate counter-clockwise in the chamber (as viewed in FIG. 4).
  • the structures 56 are designed to promote such relationships
  • variable flow resistance system 25 Another configuration of the variable flow resistance system 25 is representatively illustrated in FIGS. 5 & 6. In this configuration, flow resistance through the system 25 can be varied due to a change in a property of the fluid composition 36 .
  • the fluid composition 36 has a relatively high velocity. As the fluid composition 36 flows through the passage 44 , it passes multiple chambers 64 formed in a side of the passage. Each of the chambers 64 is in communication with a pressure-operated fluid switch 66 .
  • structures 56 could be otherwise configured (e.g., reversed from their FIGS. 5 & 6 configuration, as in the FIGS. 3 & 4 configuration), so that flow of a majority of the fluid composition 36 through the flow path 46 is more restricted as compared to flow of a majority of the fluid composition through the flow path 48.
  • An increased ratio of desired to undesired fluid can result in greater or lesser restriction to flow through the system 25, depending on its
  • composition 36 through the system 25, and variably resisting the flow of the fluid composition are described. These techniques may be used in combination with the
  • FIGS. 3-6 configurations of FIGS. 3-6, or they may be used with other types of variable flow resistance systems.
  • FIGS. 7-9 another configuration of the variable flow resistance system 25 is representatively illustrated. This configuration is similar in some respects to the configuration of FIGS. 3-6, however, instead of the flow chamber 50, the configuration of FIGS. 7-9 uses a structure 58 which displaces in response to a change in a proportion of the fluid composition 36 which flows through the flow paths 46, 48 (that is, a ratio of the fluid composition which flows through one flow path and the fluid composition which flows through the other flow path) .
  • composition 36 flows via the flow path 48, and this flow impinging on the structure 58 causes the structure to displace to a position in which such flow is increasingly restricted. Note that, in FIG. 8, the structure 58 itself almost completely blocks the fluid composition 36 from flowing to the outlet 40.
  • FIG. 9 a majority of the fluid composition 36 flows via the flow path 46 and, in response, the structure 58 displaces to a position in which flow restriction in the system 25 is reduced.
  • the structure 58 does not block the flow of the fluid composition 36 to the outlet 40 in FIG. 9 as much as it does in FIG. 8 .
  • the structure 58 itself may not block the flow of the fluid composition 36 .
  • the structure could be biased toward the FIG. 8 and/or FIG. 9 position (e.g., using springs, compressed gas, other biasing devices, etc.), thereby changing the proportion of the fluid composition 36 which must flow through a particular flow path 46 , 48 , in order to displace the structure.
  • the fluid composition 36 does not have to exclusively flow through only one of the flow paths 46 , 48 in order to displace the structure 58 to a particular position, but such a design could be implemented, if desired.
  • the structure 58 is mounted via a connection 60 .
  • connection 60 serves to secure the structure 58 , and also to resist a pressure differential applied across the structure from the flow paths 46 , 48 to the outlet 40 .
  • this pressure differential can exist, and the connection 60 can resist the resulting forces applied to the structure 58 , while still permitting the structure to displace freely in response to a change in the proportion of the flow via the flow paths 46 , 48 .
  • connection 60 is depicted as a pivoting or rotational connection.
  • connection 60 could be a rigid, sliding, translating, or other type of connection, thereby allowing for displacement of the structure 58 in any of
  • connection 60 could be a rigid connection, with a flexible beam 62 extending between the connection and the structure 58.
  • the beam 62 could flex, instead of the connection 60 rotating, in order to allow the structure 58 to displace, and to provide a biasing force toward the more restricting position of FIG. 8, toward the less restricting position of FIG. 9, or toward any other position (e.g., a position between the more restricting and less restricting positions, etc.).
  • FIGS. 7-9 configuration utilizes the fluid switch 66 with multiple control passages 68, 70.
  • FIGS. 3 & 4 configuration does not have a controlled fluid switch
  • the FIGS. 5 & 6 configuration utilizes the fluid switch 66 with a single control passage 68.
  • any fluid switch and any number of control passages can be used with any variable flow resistance system 25 configuration, in keeping with the scope of this disclosure.
  • the fluid switch 66 directs the fluid composition 36 flow toward the flow path 46 when flow 72 through the control passage 68 is toward the fluid switch, and/or when flow 74 in the control passage 70 is away from the fluid switch.
  • the fluid switch 66 directs the fluid composition 36 flow toward the flow path 48 when flow 72 through the control passage 68 is away from the fluid switch, and/or when flow 74 in the control passage 70 is toward the fluid switch.
  • control passages 68, 70 may be connected to any of a variety of devices for influencing the flows 72, 74 through the control passages.
  • control passage 68 or 70 could be connected to the control passage 68 or 70, and another set of chambers, or another device could be connected to the other control passage.
  • the flows 72, 74 through the control passages 68, 70 could be automatically changed (e.g., using the chambers 64, etc.) in response to changes in one or more properties (such as density,
  • the flows could be controlled locally (e.g., in response to sensor measurements, etc.), or the flows could be controlled remotely (e.g., from the earth's surface, another remote location, etc.). Any technique for controlling the flows 72, 74 through the control passages 68, 70 may be used, in keeping with the scope of this disclosure.
  • the flow 72 is toward the fluid switch 66, and/or the flow 74 is away from the fluid switch, when the fluid composition 36 has an increased ratio of desired to undesired fluids, so that more of the fluid composition will be directed by the fluid switch to flow toward the flow path 46, thereby reducing the resistance to flow through the system 25.
  • the flow 72 is preferably away from the fluid switch 66, and/or the flow 74 is preferably toward the fluid switch, when the fluid composition 36 has a decreased ratio of desired to undesired fluids, so that more of the fluid composition will be directed by the fluid switch to flow toward the flow path 48, thereby increasing the resistance to flow through the system 25.
  • FIGS. 10 & 11 another configuration of the variable flow resistance system 25 is representatively illustrated. In this configuration, the structure 58 rotates about the connection 60, in order to change between a less restricted flow position (FIG. 10) and a more restricted flow position (FIG. 11).
  • FIGS. 10 & 11 has the structure 58 exposed to flow in both of the flow paths 46, 48. Depending on a proportion of these flows, the structure 58 can displace to either of the FIGS. 10 & 11 positions (or to any position in-between those positions).
  • configurations can be biased toward any position, or
  • variable flow resistance system 25 another configuration of the variable flow resistance system 25 is representatively illustrated.
  • the structure 58 is positioned in the flow chamber 50 connected to the flow paths 46, 48.
  • variable flow resistance system 25 configuration of the variable flow resistance system 25 is representatively illustrated.
  • the flow path 46 connects to the chamber 50 in more of a radial, rather than a tangential) direction, as compared to the
  • FIGS. 12 & 13 configuration of FIGS. 12 & 13.
  • the structures 56, 58 are spaced to allow relatively direct flow of the fluid composition 36 from the inlet 54 to the outlet 40. This configuration can be
  • an increased proportion of the fluid composition 36 flowing through the flow path 48 will cause the flow to be more rotational in the chamber 50, thereby dissipating more energy and increasingly restricting the flow, and will cause the structure 58 to rotate to a
  • This situation preferably occurs when the ratio of desired to undesired fluids in the fluid composition 36 decreases .
  • the fluid switch 66 in these configurations has a blocking device 76 which rotates about a connection 78 to increasingly block flow through one of the flow paths 46, 48 when the fluid switch directs the flow toward the other flow path.
  • These fluid switch 66 configurations may be used in any system 25 configuration.
  • either or both of the control passage flows 72, 74 influence the fluid composition 36 to flow toward the flow path 46. Due to this flow toward the flow path 46 impinging on the blocking device 76, the blocking device rotates to a position in which the other flow path 48 is completely or partially blocked, thereby influencing an even greater proportion of the fluid
  • either or both of the control passage flows 72, 74 influence the blocking device 76 to increasingly block one of the flow paths 46, 48.
  • an increased proportion of the fluid composition 36 will flow through the flow path 46, 48 which is less blocked by the device 76.
  • the blocking device rotates to a position in which the other flow path 48 is not blocked, thereby influencing a greater proportion of the fluid composition to flow via the flow path 48, and not via the flow path 46.
  • FIGS. 17 & 18 another configuration of the system 25 is representatively
  • This configuration is similar in some respects to the configuration of FIGS. 12 & 13, in that the structure 58 rotates in the chamber 50 in order to change the
  • structure 58 depends on through which of the flow paths 46 or 48 a greater proportion of the fluid composition 36 flows.
  • the structure 58 includes vanes 80 on which the fluid composition 36 impinges.
  • rotational flow in the chamber 50 impinges on the vanes 80 and biases the structure 58 to rotate in the chamber.
  • openings 82 align with openings 84, and the structure does not substantially block flow from the chamber 50. However, if the structure 58 rotates to a position in which the openings 82, 84 are misaligned, then the structure will increasingly block flow from the chamber 50 and
  • the structure 58 displaces by pivoting or rotating, it will be appreciated that the structure could be suitably designed to displace in any direction to thereby change the flow
  • the structure 58 could displace in circumferential, axial, longitudinal, lateral and/or radial directions.
  • FIG. 19 chamber 50 may be used with any configuration of the system 25.
  • FIG. 19 chamber 50 One difference between the FIG. 19 chamber 50 and the other chambers described herein is that a swellable material 86 is provided at the inlets 52, 54 to the chamber, and a swellable material 88 is provided about the outlet 40.
  • the swellable materials 86, 88 swell in response to contact with an undesirable fluids (such as water or gas, etc.) and do not swell in response to contact with desirable fluids (such as liquid hydrocarbons, gas, etc.).
  • an undesirable fluids such as water or gas, etc.
  • desirable fluids such as liquid hydrocarbons, gas, etc.
  • the materials 86, 88 could swell in response to contact with desirable fluids.
  • the swellable materials 86 at the inlets 52, 54 are shaped like vanes or airfoils, so that the fluid composition 36 is influenced to flow more
  • the swellable material 88 is positioned about the outlet 40 so that, as the ratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid composition 36 decreases, the material will swell and thereby increasingly restrict flow through the outlet. Thus, the swellable material 88 can increasingly block flow through the system 25, in response to contact with the undesired fluid. It will be appreciated that the swellable materials 86 change the direction of flow of the fluid composition 36 through the chamber 50 to thereby change the flow
  • the swellable material 88 selectively blocks flow through the system to thereby change the flow
  • the swellable materials 86 could change the direction of flow at locations other than the inlets 52 , 54 , and the swellable material 88 can block flow at locations other than the outlet 40 , in keeping with the scope of this disclosure.
  • the swellable materials 86 , 88 in the FIG. 19 example allow for flow resistance to be increased as the ratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid composition 36 decreases.
  • the swellable materials 86 , 88 in the FIG. 19 example allow for flow resistance to be increased as the ratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid composition 36 decreases.
  • the swellable materials 86 , 88 in the FIG. 19 example allow for flow resistance to be increased as the ratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid composition 36 decreases.
  • the swellable materials 86 , 88 in the FIG. 19 example allow for flow resistance to be increased as the ratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid composition 36 decreases.
  • swelling are used herein to indicate an increase in volume of a swellable material. Typically, this increase in volume is due to incorporation of molecular components of an activating agent into the swellable material itself, but other swelling mechanisms or techniques may be used, if desired. Note that swelling is not the same as expanding, although a material may expand as a result of swelling.
  • the activating agent which causes swelling of the swellable material can be a hydrocarbon fluid (such as oil or gas, etc.), or a non-hydrocarbon fluid (such as water or steam, etc.).
  • the swellable material may swell when the fluid composition 36 comprises the activating agent (e.g., when the activating agent enters the wellbore 12 from the formation 20 surrounding the wellbore, when the activating agent is circulated to the system 25, or when the activating agent is released downhole, etc.).
  • the swellable materials 86, 88 swell and thereby change the flow resistance through the system 25.
  • the activating agent which causes swelling of the swellable material could be comprised in any type of fluid.
  • the activating agent could be naturally present in the well, or it could be conveyed with the system 25, conveyed
  • the swellable material may have a substantial portion of cavities therein which are
  • the swellable material used in the system 25 may swell by diffusion of hydrocarbons into the swellable material, or in the case of a water swellable material, by the water being absorbed by a super-absorbent material (such as cellulose, clay, etc.) and/or through osmotic activity with a salt-like material. Hydrocarbon-, water- and gas- swellable materials may be combined, if desired.
  • the swellable material could swell due to the presence of ions in a fluid.
  • polymer hydrogels will swell due to changes in the pH of a fluid, which is a measure of the hydrogen ions in the fluid (or, equivalently, the concentration of hydroxide, OH, ions in the fluid) .
  • Swelling as a result of the salt ions in the fluid is also possible.
  • Such a swellable material could swell depending on a concentration of chloride, sodium, calcium, and/or
  • the swellable material could also swell in response to contact with any of multiple activating agents.
  • the swellable material could swell when contacted by hydrocarbon fluid and/or when contacted by water and/or when contacted by certain ions.
  • fluid switch 66 additional configurations of the fluid switch 66 are representatively illustrated. These fluid switch 66 configurations may be used with any configuration of the system 25.
  • the fluid switch 66 includes an airfoil 90.
  • the airfoil 90 rotates about a pivot connection 92.
  • the airfoil 90 is biased (for example, using a torsion spring, magnetic biasing devices, actuator, etc.), so that it initially directs flow of the fluid composition 36 toward one of the flow paths 46 , 48 .
  • the airfoil 90 is positioned to direct the fluid composition 36 toward the flow path 48 .
  • a lift produced by the airfoil 90 also increases, and eventually can overcome the biasing force applied to the airfoil, allowing the airfoil to pivot about the connection 92 to a position in which the airfoil directs the fluid composition 36 toward the other flow path 46 .
  • the lift produced by the airfoil 90 can also vary depending on other properties of the fluid composition 36 (e.g., density, viscosity, etc.).
  • the airfoil 90 allows the fluid switch 66 to be operated automatically, in response to changes in the properties of the fluid composition 36 .
  • the airfoil 90 itself could be made of a magnetic material.
  • the magnetic biasing devices 94 , 96 , 98 can be used to bias the airfoil 90 toward either or both of the positions in which the airfoil directs the fluid composition 36 toward the flow paths 46 , 48 .
  • the magnetic biasing devices 96 , 98 could be positioned further upstream or downstream from their illustrated positions, and they can extend into the flow paths 46 , 48 , if desired.
  • the magnetic biasing devices 94 , 96 , 98 (or other types of biasing devices) may be used to bias the airfoil 90 toward any position, in keeping with the scope of this disclosure.
  • multiple airfoils 90 are used. As illustrated, two of the airfoils 90 are used, but it will be appreciated that any number of airfoils could be used in other examples.
  • the airfoils 90 may be constrained to pivot together (e.g., with a mechanical linkage, synchronized stepper motors, etc.), or the airfoils may be permitted to pivot independently of each other.
  • a torsional biasing force 100 is applied to each of the airfoils 90 .
  • This biasing force 100 could be applied by any suitable means, such as, one or more rotary actuators, torsion springs, biasing devices 96 , 98 , etc.).
  • the multiple airfoils 90 are both laterally and longitudinally spaced apart from each other.
  • the airfoils 90 can be displaced in both lateral and longitudinal directions 102 , 104 (e.g., using linear actuators, etc.), in order to position the airfoils as desired.
  • the airfoils 90 are longitudinally spaced apart. In some examples, the airfoils 90 could be directly inline with each other.
  • the upstream airfoil 90 directs the flow of the fluid composition 36 , so that it is
  • airfoil-like surfaces are formed on the walls of the fluid switch 66 .
  • the fluid composition 36 is preferentially directed toward the flow path 48 at certain conditions (e.g., high flow velocity, low viscosity, etc.). However, at other conditions (e.g., low flow velocity, high viscosity, etc.), the fluid composition 36 is able to flow relatively equally to the flow paths 46 , 48 .
  • a wedge-shaped blockage 106 is positioned upstream of the airfoil 90. The blockage 106 serves to influence the flow of the fluid composition 36 over the airfoil 90.
  • the blockage 106 could also be a magnetic device for applying a biasing force to the airfoil 90.
  • cylindrical projections 108 are positioned on opposite lateral sides of the fluid switch 66.
  • the cylindrical projections 108 serve to influence the flow of the fluid composition 36 over the airfoil 90.
  • cylindrical projections 108 could also be magnetic devices (such as, magnetic biasing devices 96, 98) for applying a biasing force to the airfoil 90.
  • a cylindrical blockage 110 is positioned upstream of the airfoil 90.
  • the blockage 110 serves to influence the flow of the fluid composition 36 over the airfoil 90.
  • the blockage 110 could also be a magnetic device for applying a biasing force to the airfoil 90.
  • variable flow resistance system 25 for use with a subterranean well is described above.
  • the system 25 includes a structure 58 which displaces in
  • the structure 58 may be exposed to the flow of the fluid composition 36 in multiple directions, and the
  • resistance to the flow can change in response to a change in a proportion of the fluid composition 36 which flows in those directions.
  • the structure 58 can be more biased in one direction by the flow of the fluid composition 36 more in one direction, and the structure 58 can be more biased in another direction by the flow of the fluid composition 36 more in the second direction .
  • the first and second directions may be opposite
  • the directions can comprise at least one of the group including circumferential, axial, longitudinal, lateral, and radial directions.
  • the system 25 can include a fluid switch 66 which directs the flow of the fluid composition 36 to at least two flow paths 46, 48.
  • the structure 58 may be more biased in one direction by the flow of the fluid composition 36 more through the first flow path 46, and the structure may be more biased in a another direction by the flow of the fluid composition 36 more through the second flow path 48.
  • the structure 58 may pivot or rotate, and thereby vary the resistance to flow, in response to a change in a
  • the structure 58 may rotate, and thereby vary the resistance to flow, in response to the change in the ratio of desired to undesired fluids.
  • the fluid switch 66 can comprise a blocking device 76 which at least partially blocks the flow of the fluid composition 36 through at least one of the first and second flow paths 46, 48.
  • the blocking device 76 may increasingly block one of the first and second flow paths 46, 48, in response to the flow of the fluid composition 36 toward the other of the first and second flow paths 46, 48.
  • the fluid switch 66 may direct the flow of the fluid composition 36 toward one of the first and second flow paths 46, 48 in response to the blocking device 76 increasingly blocking the other of the first and second flow paths 46, 48.
  • the system 25 can include an airfoil 90 which deflects the flow of the fluid composition 36 in response to the change in the ratio of desired to undesired fluid.
  • the system 25 can include a material 86, 88 which swells in response to a decrease in the ratio of desired to undesired fluid, whereby the resistance to flow is
  • the resistance to flow decreases in response to an increase in the ratio of desired to undesired fluid. In some examples, the resistance to flow increases in response to a decrease in the ratio of desired to undesired fluid.
  • resistance system 25 example in which a structure 58 rotates in response to flow of a fluid composition 36, and a fluid switch 66 deflects the fluid composition 36 relative to at least first and second flow paths 46, 48, and a resistance to the flow of the fluid composition 36 through the system 25 changes in response to a change in a ratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid composition 36.
  • the structure 58 may be exposed to the flow of the fluid composition 36 through the first and second flow paths 46, 48, and the resistance to the flow can change in
  • composition 36 which flows through the first and second flow paths 46, 48.
  • a variable flow resistance system 25 can include a chamber 50 through which a fluid
  • composition 36 flows, whereby a resistance to a flow of the fluid composition 36 through the chamber 50 varies in response to a change in a direction of the flow through the chamber 50.
  • a material 86, 88 swells in response to a decrease in a ratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid composition 36.
  • the resistance to the flow can increase or decrease when the material 86, 88 swells.
  • the material 86, 88 may increasingly influence the fluid composition 36 to flow spirally through the chamber 50 when the material 86, 88 swells.
  • the material 88 may increasingly block the flow of the fluid composition 36 through the system 25 when the material 88 swells.
  • the material 86 may increasingly deflect the flow of the fluid composition 36 when the material 36 swells.
  • the system 25 can also include a structure 25 which displaces in response to the flow of the fluid composition 36, whereby the resistance to the flow of the fluid composition 36 increases in response to a decrease in the ratio of desired to undesired fluid.
  • the structure 58 may rotate in response to the change in the ratio of desired to undesired fluid.
  • Another variable flow resistance system 25 example described above can include at least first and second flow paths 46, 48, whereby a resistance to a flow of a fluid composition 36 through the system 25 changes in response to a change in a proportion of the fluid composition 36 which flows through the first and second flow paths 46, 48.
  • One or more airfoils 90 may change a deflection of the flow of the fluid composition 36 relative to the first and second flow paths 46, 48 in response to a change in a ratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid composition 36.
  • the airfoil 90 may rotate in response to the change in the ratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid
  • the airfoil 90 may change the deflection in response to a change in viscosity, velocity and/or density of the fluid composition 36.
  • the system 25 can include a magnetic biasing device 94, 96 or 98 which exerts a magnetic force on the airfoil 90, whereby the airfoil 90 deflects the fluid composition 36 toward a corresponding one of the first and second flow paths 46, 48.
  • the system 25 can include first and second magnetic biasing devices 94, 96 which exert magnetic forces on the airfoil 90, whereby the airfoil 90 deflects the fluid composition 36 toward respective ones of the first and second flow paths 46, 48.
  • the system 25 can include a structure 58 which
  • the system 25 may include a structure 58 which rotates in response to the change in the ratio of desired to undesired fluid.
  • the system 25 can comprise multiple airfoils 90.
  • the airfoils 90 may be constrained to rotate together, or they may be allowed to displace independently of each other.
  • the airfoils 90 may be displaceable laterally and longitudinally relative to the first and second flow paths 46, 48.
  • the airfoils 90 may be laterally and/or longitudinally spaced apart .
  • the method can include a structure 58 displacing in response to a flow of a fluid composition 36, and a resistance to the flow of the fluid composition 36 changing in response to a ratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid composition
  • the method may include exposing the structure 58 to the flow of the fluid composition 36 in at least first and second directions.
  • the resistance to the flow changing can be further in response to a change in a proportion of the fluid composition 36 which flows in the first and second directions .
  • the structure 58 may be increasingly biased in a first direction by the flow of the fluid composition 36
  • the structure 58 may be increasingly biased in a second direction by the flow of the fluid composition 36 increasingly in the second direction.
  • the first direction may be opposite to the second direction.
  • the first and second directions may comprise any of circumferential, axial, longitudinal, lateral, and radial directions .
  • the method can include a fluid switch 66 directing the flow of the fluid composition 36 toward at least first and second flow paths 46, 48.
  • the structure 58 may be
  • the structure 58 may be increasingly biased in a second direction by the flow of the fluid composition 36 increasingly through the second flow path 48.
  • the structure 58 displacing may include the structure 58 pivoting or rotating, and thereby varying the resistance to flow, in response to a change in a proportion of the fluid composition 36 which flows through the first and second flow paths 46, 48.
  • the structure 58 displacing may include the structure 58 rotating, and thereby varying the resistance to flow, in response to the change in the ratio of desired to undesired fluids .
  • the method may include a blocking device 76 of the fluid switch 66 at least partially blocking the flow of the fluid composition 36 through at least one of the first and second flow paths 46, 48.
  • the blocking device 76 can be any blocking device 76 of the fluid switch 66 at least partially blocking the flow of the fluid composition 36 through at least one of the first and second flow paths 46, 48.
  • the blocking device 76 can be any blocking device 76 of the fluid switch 66 at least partially blocking the flow of the fluid composition 36 through at least one of the first and second flow paths 46, 48.
  • the fluid switch 66 can direct the flow of the fluid composition 36 toward one of the first and second flow paths 46, 48 in response to the blocking device 76 increasingly blocking the other of the first and second flow paths 46, 48.
  • the method may include an airfoil 90 deflecting the flow of the fluid composition 36 in response to the ratio of desired to undesired fluid changing.
  • the method may include a material 86, 88 swelling in response to the ratio of desired to undesired fluid
  • the resistance to the flow changing can include the resistance to the flow increasing in response to the material 86, 88 swelling.
  • the resistance to the flow changing can include the resistance to the flow increasing or decreasing in response to the ratio of desired to undesired fluid increasing.
  • any of the features described above and/or depicted in the drawings can be combined with any of the examples, in addition to or in substitution for any of the other features of those examples.
  • One example's features are not mutually exclusive to another example's features. Instead, the scope of this disclosure encompasses any combination of any of the features .

Landscapes

  • Geology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Physical Or Chemical Processes And Apparatus (AREA)
  • Flow Control (AREA)
  • Measuring Volume Flow (AREA)
  • Heat Sensitive Colour Forming Recording (AREA)
  • Pipeline Systems (AREA)
  • Fluid-Damping Devices (AREA)
  • Consolidation Of Soil By Introduction Of Solidifying Substances Into Soil (AREA)
  • Geophysics And Detection Of Objects (AREA)
  • Other Liquid Machine Or Engine Such As Wave Power Use (AREA)
  • Taps Or Cocks (AREA)

Abstract

Cette invention concerne un système de résistance variable à l'écoulement à mettre en œuvre dans un puits sous-marin, comprenant optionnellement une structure qui se déplace en réaction à l'écoulement d'une composition fluide. Ainsi, une résistance à l'écoulement de la composition fluide change en réaction à un changement d'un rapport du fluide désirable au fluide indésirable dans la composition fluide. Un autre système selon l'invention comprend optionnellement une structure qui est entraînée en rotation en réaction à un écoulement d'une composition fluide, et un robinet directionnel qui fait dévier la composition fluide par rapport à au moins deux voies de passage. L'invention concerne en outre un procédé de résistance variable à l'écoulement dans un puits souterrain, comprenant optionnellement une structure qui se déplace en réaction à un écoulement d'une composition fluide, une résistance à l'écoulement de la composition fluide étant modifiée en réaction au changement d'un rapport du fluide désirable au fluide indésirable dans la composition fluide. Optionnellement, des matériaux expansibles et des profils déflecteurs peuvent être mis en œuvre dans lesdits systèmes de résistance variable à l'écoulement.
EP11875323.5A 2011-11-07 2011-11-07 Système de résistance variable à l'écoulement à mettre en oeuvre dans un puits souterrain Active EP2776660B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP18169405.0A EP3375975B1 (fr) 2011-11-07 2011-11-07 Système de résistance variable à l'écoulement à mettre en oeuvre dans un puits souterrain

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2011/059530 WO2013070181A1 (fr) 2011-11-07 2011-11-07 Système de résistance variable à l'écoulement à mettre en œuvre dans un puits souterrain

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP18169405.0A Division EP3375975B1 (fr) 2011-11-07 2011-11-07 Système de résistance variable à l'écoulement à mettre en oeuvre dans un puits souterrain

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2776660A1 true EP2776660A1 (fr) 2014-09-17
EP2776660A4 EP2776660A4 (fr) 2016-01-06
EP2776660B1 EP2776660B1 (fr) 2018-05-02

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EP18169405.0A Active EP3375975B1 (fr) 2011-11-07 2011-11-07 Système de résistance variable à l'écoulement à mettre en oeuvre dans un puits souterrain
EP11875323.5A Active EP2776660B1 (fr) 2011-11-07 2011-11-07 Système de résistance variable à l'écoulement à mettre en oeuvre dans un puits souterrain

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Country Status (13)

Country Link
EP (2) EP3375975B1 (fr)
CN (1) CN103917741B (fr)
AU (5) AU2011380934A1 (fr)
BR (1) BR112014010881B8 (fr)
CA (3) CA2851559C (fr)
CO (1) CO6940395A2 (fr)
IN (1) IN2014DN03064A (fr)
MX (2) MX360719B (fr)
MY (1) MY167754A (fr)
NO (1) NO2776660T3 (fr)
RU (1) RU2594409C2 (fr)
SG (1) SG11201400693WA (fr)
WO (1) WO2013070181A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN105626003A (zh) * 2014-11-06 2016-06-01 中国石油化工股份有限公司 一种用于调节地层流体的控制装置

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SU840820A1 (ru) * 1979-09-20 1981-06-23 Специальное Проектно-Конструкторскоебюро Всесоюзного Объединения"Союзнефтеавтоматика" Регул тор расхода пр мого действи
US4276943A (en) * 1979-09-25 1981-07-07 The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army Fluidic pulser
NO312478B1 (no) 2000-09-08 2002-05-13 Freyer Rune Fremgangsmåte for å tette ringrom ved oljeproduksjon
US6622794B2 (en) * 2001-01-26 2003-09-23 Baker Hughes Incorporated Sand screen with active flow control and associated method of use
NO313895B1 (no) * 2001-05-08 2002-12-16 Freyer Rune Anordning og fremgangsmÕte for begrensning av innströmning av formasjonsvann i en brönn
MY135121A (en) 2001-07-18 2008-02-29 Shell Int Research Wellbore system with annular seal member
NO321438B1 (no) * 2004-02-20 2006-05-08 Norsk Hydro As Fremgangsmate og anordning ved en aktuator
NO325434B1 (no) 2004-05-25 2008-05-05 Easy Well Solutions As Fremgangsmate og anordning for a ekspandere et legeme under overtrykk
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NO330585B1 (no) 2009-01-30 2011-05-23 Statoil Asa Fremgangsmate og stromningsstyreinnretning for forbedring av stromningsstabilitet for flerfasefluid som strommer gjennom et rorformet element, og anvendelse av slik stromningsinnretning
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US8276669B2 (en) * 2010-06-02 2012-10-02 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Variable flow resistance system with circulation inducing structure therein to variably resist flow in a subterranean well
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2018223000A1 (en) 2018-09-20
AU2018222999B2 (en) 2020-01-16
BR112014010881A2 (pt) 2017-04-18
MX2014005512A (es) 2014-06-05
CA2851559C (fr) 2017-06-20
EP2776660B1 (fr) 2018-05-02
MX347694B (es) 2017-05-09
NO2776660T3 (fr) 2018-09-29
BR112014010881B8 (pt) 2021-03-30
RU2014121076A (ru) 2015-12-20
AU2016203869A1 (en) 2016-06-30
CA2966002C (fr) 2018-09-11
SG11201400693WA (en) 2014-04-28
AU2018223000B2 (en) 2020-03-19
CA3012944A1 (fr) 2013-05-16
MY167754A (en) 2018-09-24
CN103917741A (zh) 2014-07-09
CA3012944C (fr) 2020-07-21
CA2966002A1 (fr) 2013-05-16
WO2013070181A1 (fr) 2013-05-16
CA2851559A1 (fr) 2013-05-16
CN103917741B (zh) 2017-12-15
AU2011380934A1 (en) 2014-03-27
AU2018202886A1 (en) 2018-05-17
CO6940395A2 (es) 2014-05-09
MX360719B (es) 2018-11-14
AU2018222999A1 (en) 2018-09-20
BR112014010881B1 (pt) 2021-02-09
EP3375975B1 (fr) 2020-07-29
AU2018202886B2 (en) 2019-12-12
IN2014DN03064A (fr) 2015-05-15
EP3375975A1 (fr) 2018-09-19
RU2594409C2 (ru) 2016-08-20
EP2776660A4 (fr) 2016-01-06
AU2016203869B2 (en) 2018-05-31

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