WO2013074113A1 - Autonomous fluid control system having a fluid diode - Google Patents
Autonomous fluid control system having a fluid diode Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2013074113A1 WO2013074113A1 PCT/US2011/061331 US2011061331W WO2013074113A1 WO 2013074113 A1 WO2013074113 A1 WO 2013074113A1 US 2011061331 W US2011061331 W US 2011061331W WO 2013074113 A1 WO2013074113 A1 WO 2013074113A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- fluid
- diode
- entry
- high resistance
- flowing
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP 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 DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP 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 DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP 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
Definitions
- the invention relates to apparatus and methods for autonomously controlling fluid flow through a system using a fluid diode. More specifically, the invention relates to using a fluid diode defined by an orifice having a high resistance side and a low resistance side.
- Some wellbore servicing tools provide a plurality of fluid flow paths between the interior of the wellbore servicing tool and the wellbore.
- 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.
- the invention provides 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.
- the high resistance entry has a concave, annular surface surrounding an orifice and the low resistance entry has a substantially conical surface.
- the entries can have a common orifice.
- 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.
- the apparatus and method can be used in conjunction with other autonomous flow control systems, including those having flow control assemblies and vortex assemblies.
- the invention can be used in production, injection and other servicing operations of a subterranean wellbore.
- the invention can be positioned to provide relatively higher resistance to fluid flow as it moves towards or away from the surface.
- 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
- Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of a fluid diode of a preferred embodiment of the invention
- Figure 3 is a flow diagram representative of a fluid flowing into the fluid diode through the high resistance entry
- Figure 4 is a flow diagram representative of a fluid flowing into the fluid diode through the low resistance entry
- Figures 5A-C are exemplary embodiments of fluid diodes according to the invention.
- Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a fluid diode according to an aspect of the invention.
- Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary fluid control system 59 having a fluid diode according to aspects of the invention.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a well system, indicated generally 10, including a plurality of autonomous flow control systems embodying principles of the present invention.
- 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.
- substantially horizontal section 18 of wellbore 12 is open hole. While shown here in an open hole, horizontal section of a wellbore, the invention will work in any orientation, and in open or cased hole. The invention will also work equally well with injection systems.
- tubing string 22 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.
- a plurality of autonomous fluid control systems 25 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.
- a packer 26 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.
- 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 particulate matter of sufficient size from flowing therethrough.
- 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.
- the invention provides 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.
- fluid typically flows from the wellbore, into the tubing string, and thence uphole towards the surface.
- 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.
- Figure 2 is a cross- sectional view of a fluid diode of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
- 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.
- the fluid diode 100 has a high resistance entry 104 and a low resistance entry 106.
- the low resistance entry 104 in the preferred embodiment shown, 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 is preferably 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 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 the preferred embodiment shown, the orifice 114 for the high and low resistance ends is coincident.
- the orifices can be separate.
- the orifice 114, high resistance entry 106 and low resistance entry 104 are preferably centered on the longitudinal axis 103 of the passageway 102.
- the orifice 114 lies in a plane 115.
- the plane 115 is normal to the longitudinal axis 103.
- the high resistance entry 106 preferably includes a concave surface 120.
- the concave surface 120 is annular, extending around the orifice 114. In a preferred embodiment, as seen in Figure 2, the concave surface 120 curves along an arc through more than 90 degrees.
- "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.
- 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.
- the longitudinal extent of the conical surface 108 overlaps with the longitudinal extent of the concave surface 120.
- the diode When fluid flows into the diode through the low resistance entry 104, as indicated by the 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.
- 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.
- 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 a preferred embodiment, 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.
- Figures 5A-C are exemplary embodiments of fluid diodes according to the invention.
- Figures 5A-C show alternate profiles for the concave, annular surface 120 of the fluid diode 100.
- 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.
- 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.
- the pressure drops across the diodes in Figures 5A-C were 4200Pa, 3980Pa and 3208Pa, respectively.
- 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.
- the passageway can have round, rectangular, or other cross-sectional shape.
- Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of a fluid diode according to an aspect of the invention.
- 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.
- FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary fluid control system 59 having a fluid diode according to aspects of the invention.
- 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.
- fluid diodes 100 can be employed at locations along the system, upstream or downstream from the system.
- fluid diodes 100 are arranged in series, such that the fluid flow passes through a plurality of diodes.
- two diodes 100 are seen downstream of the vortex assembly 80 in Figure 7.
- a plurality of diodes in series 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.
- Patent Application Serial No. 61/473,700 entitled “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
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
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (8)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
MYPI2014001570A MY179312A (en) | 2011-11-18 | 2011-11-18 | Autonomous fluid control system having a fluid diode |
PCT/US2011/061331 WO2013074113A1 (en) | 2011-11-18 | 2011-11-18 | Autonomous fluid control system having a fluid diode |
CA2844928A CA2844928C (en) | 2011-11-18 | 2011-11-18 | Autonomous fluid control system having a fluid diode |
SG2014008791A SG2014008791A (en) | 2011-11-18 | 2011-11-18 | Autonomous fluid control system having a fluid diode |
EP11875961.2A EP2780540B1 (en) | 2011-11-18 | 2011-11-18 | Autonomous fluid control system having a fluid diode |
CN201180074888.8A CN104040109B (en) | 2011-11-18 | 2011-11-18 | autonomous fluid control system having a fluid diode |
AU2011381058A AU2011381058B2 (en) | 2011-11-18 | 2011-11-18 | Autonomous fluid control system having a fluid diode |
BR112014011842-6A BR112014011842B1 (en) | 2011-11-18 | 2011-11-18 | DEVICE TO CONTROL FLUID FLOW AUTONOMY IN AN UNDERGROUND WELL AND METHOD OF MAINTAINING A WELL HOLE |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2011/061331 WO2013074113A1 (en) | 2011-11-18 | 2011-11-18 | Autonomous fluid control system having a fluid diode |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2013074113A1 true WO2013074113A1 (en) | 2013-05-23 |
Family
ID=48430013
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2011/061331 WO2013074113A1 (en) | 2011-11-18 | 2011-11-18 | Autonomous fluid control system having a fluid diode |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
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 (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110042091A1 (en) * | 2009-08-18 | 2011-02-24 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Flow path control based on fluid characteristics to thereby variably resist flow in a subterranean well |
US20110139453A1 (en) | 2009-12-10 | 2011-06-16 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Fluid flow control device |
US20110186300A1 (en) * | 2009-08-18 | 2011-08-04 | Dykstra Jason D | Method and apparatus for autonomous downhole fluid selection with pathway dependent resistance system |
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US4108721A (en) * | 1977-06-14 | 1978-08-22 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | Axisymmetric fluidic throttling flow controller |
US4276943A (en) * | 1979-09-25 | 1981-07-07 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Army | Fluidic pulser |
DE3613857A1 (en) * | 1986-04-24 | 1987-10-29 | Kuehnle Kopp Kausch Ag | AXIAL SWIRL CONTROLLER FOR EXHAUST GAS TURBOCHARGER FOR COMBUSTION ENGINES |
US4817863A (en) * | 1987-09-10 | 1989-04-04 | Honeywell Limited-Honeywell Limitee | Vortex valve flow controller in VAV systems |
JPH09105360A (en) * | 1995-10-11 | 1997-04-22 | Osamu Yamazaki | Intake air passage for four-cycle gasoline engine |
JP3823215B2 (en) * | 1997-09-29 | 2006-09-20 | バブコック日立株式会社 | Sootblower |
US7367393B2 (en) * | 2004-06-01 | 2008-05-06 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Pressure monitoring of control lines for tool position feedback |
AT502016B1 (en) * | 2005-08-24 | 2007-01-15 | Diehl Hans Juergen | SWIRL CHAMBER |
US20080041580A1 (en) * | 2006-08-21 | 2008-02-21 | Rune Freyer | Autonomous inflow restrictors for use in a subterranean well |
US7494319B1 (en) * | 2006-08-25 | 2009-02-24 | Florida Turbine Technologies, Inc. | Turbine blade tip configuration |
FR2938637B1 (en) * | 2008-11-18 | 2013-01-04 | Cie Mediterraneenne Des Cafes | CIRCULATING CONDUIT OF A FLUID |
GB2469320A (en) * | 2009-04-08 | 2010-10-13 | Krystallon Ltd | A marine vessel having a fluid discharge pipe and means for promoting mixing of discharge |
CN201959728U (en) * | 2010-12-17 | 2011-09-07 | 厦门市天泉鑫膜科技股份有限公司 | Structure of inorganic membrane element runner |
-
2011
- 2011-11-18 WO PCT/US2011/061331 patent/WO2013074113A1/en active Application Filing
- 2011-11-18 SG SG2014008791A patent/SG2014008791A/en unknown
- 2011-11-18 CN CN201180074888.8A patent/CN104040109B/en active Active
- 2011-11-18 CA CA2844928A patent/CA2844928C/en active Active
- 2011-11-18 AU AU2011381058A patent/AU2011381058B2/en active Active
- 2011-11-18 EP EP11875961.2A patent/EP2780540B1/en active Active
- 2011-11-18 BR BR112014011842-6A patent/BR112014011842B1/en active IP Right Grant
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110042091A1 (en) * | 2009-08-18 | 2011-02-24 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Flow path control based on fluid characteristics to thereby variably resist flow in a subterranean well |
US20110186300A1 (en) * | 2009-08-18 | 2011-08-04 | Dykstra Jason D | Method and apparatus for autonomous downhole fluid selection with pathway dependent resistance system |
US20110214876A1 (en) * | 2009-08-18 | 2011-09-08 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Flow path control based on fluid characteristics to thereby variably resist flow in a subterranean well |
US20110139453A1 (en) | 2009-12-10 | 2011-06-16 | Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. | Fluid flow control device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
CA2844928C (en) | 2016-08-23 |
EP2780540A4 (en) | 2016-03-02 |
BR112014011842B1 (en) | 2020-06-23 |
CN104040109A (en) | 2014-09-10 |
BR112014011842A2 (en) | 2017-05-02 |
EP2780540A1 (en) | 2014-09-24 |
CA2844928A1 (en) | 2013-05-23 |
SG2014008791A (en) | 2014-04-28 |
CN104040109B (en) | 2017-01-18 |
AU2011381058B2 (en) | 2016-05-19 |
EP2780540B1 (en) | 2017-09-06 |
AU2011381058A1 (en) | 2014-05-22 |
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