WO2021091557A1

WO2021091557A1 - Conductivity based autonomous inflow control device

Info

Publication number: WO2021091557A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/060191
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ibrahim EL MALLAWANY; Stephen Michael Greci
Original assignee: Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.
Priority date: 2019-11-07
Filing date: 2019-11-07
Publication date: 2021-05-14
Also published as: US20210140283A1; BR112022004323A2

Abstract

ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Introduced herein are a flow control system and a method for operating the flow control system that autonomously controls an inflow of fluid into production tubing in a wellbore based on conductivity or resistivity of the fluid that tries to enter the production tubing. By letting the conductivity of the fluid to open and close the control circuit that controls the operation of the actuator, the introduced flow control system is able to automate the inflow control of the fluid and minimize a number of electric components required. With a reduced number of electronics, the introduced system is more robust, reliable and stable in the extreme conditions inside a wellbore than other conventional flow control system.

Description

CONDUCTIVITY BASED AUTONOMOUS INFUOW CONTROU DEVICE

CROSS-REFERENCE TO REUATED APPUICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Application Serial No. 16/676,605, filed on November 7, 2019, entitled “CONDUCTIVITY BASED AUTONOMOUS INFLOW CONTROL DEVICE,” which is commonly assigned with this application and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Inflow control devices (ICDs) can be used in a downhole tool to receive a flow of wellbore fluid, and for overall flux balance. The wellbore fluid can flow into the production pipe through perforation holes in the production pipe. In some instances, water and/or other conductive fluids overtake the production of oil into the production pipe, thereby limiting the productivity of the oil producing well. What is needed in the art is an improved ICD that is able to differentiate between the water and the oil, and open and close accordingly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0003] Reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0004] FIG. 1 illustrates a well system that includes a plurality of flow control systems embodying principles of the disclosure;

[0005] FIGs. 2A and 2B illustrate an embodiment of a flow control system designed and manufactured according to the principles of the disclosure;

[0006] FIGs. 3A and 3B illustrate circuit diagrams of an embodiment of an actuator assembly circuit designed and implemented according to the principles of the disclosure;

[0007] FIGs. 4A and 4B illustrate an embodiment of an actuator assembly designed and manufactured according to the principles of the disclosure; and

[0008] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method for controlling an inflow of fluid into production tubing in a wellbore. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] In the drawings and description that follow, like parts are typically marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals, respectively. In addition, similar reference numerals may refer to similar components in different embodiments disclosed herein. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features of the embodiment may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form and some details of conventional elements may not be shown in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The present disclosure is susceptible to embodiments of different forms. Specific embodiments are described in detail and are shown in the drawings, with the understanding that the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments illustrated and described herein. It is to be fully recognized that the different teachings of the embodiments discussed herein may be employed separately or in any suitable combination to produce desired results.

[0010] Unless otherwise specified, use of the terms “connect,” “engage,” “couple,” “attach,” or any other like term describing an interaction between elements is not meant to limit the interaction to direct interaction between the elements and may also include indirect interaction between the elements described. Unless otherwise specified, use of the terms “up,” “upper,” “upward,” “up-hole,” or other like terms shall be construed as generally from the formation toward the surface or toward the surface of a body of water; likewise, use of “down,” “lower,” “downward,” “down-hole,” or other like terms shall be construed as generally into the formation away from the surface or away from the surface of a body of water, regardless of the wellbore orientation. Use of any one or more of the foregoing terms shall not be construed as denoting positions along a perfectly vertical axis. Unless otherwise specified, use of the term “subterranean formation” shall be construed as encompassing both areas below exposed earth and areas below earth covered by water such as ocean or fresh water.

[0011] Turning to FIG. 1, illustrated is a schematic illustration of a well system, indicated generally 100, including a plurality of flow control systems (e.g., inflow control devices (“ICDs”)) embodying principles of the disclosure. A wellbore 105 extends through various earth strata. The wellbore 105 has a substantially vertical section 110, the upper portion of which has installed therein a casing string 120. The wellbore 105 also has a substantially horizontal section 125, which extends through a hydrocarbon bearing subterranean formation 130. As illustrated, the substantially horizontal section 125 of the wellbore 105 is open hole. While shown as an open hole, an inflow control device manufactured and designed according to the disclosure will work in any orientation, whether open hole, cased hole, or a combination of the two.

[0012] Positioned within wellbore 105 and extending from the surface is a tubing string 140. Tubing string 140 provides a conduit for fluids to travel from formation 130 upstream to the surface. Positioned within tubing string 140 in the various production intervals adjacent to formation 130 are a plurality of flow control systems 150 and a plurality of production tubing sections 160. At either end of each production tubing section 160, in the illustrated embodiment, is a packer 170 that provides a fluid seal between tubing string 140 and the wall of the wellbore 105. The space in-between each pair of adjacent packers 170 defines a production interval.

[0013] Each of the production tubing sections 160 may optionally include sand control capability. Sand control screen elements or filter media associated with production tubing sections 160 are designed to allow fluids to flow therethrough but prevent particulate matter of sufficient size from flowing therethrough. In an embodiment, the filter media is of the type known as “wire-wrapped,” since it is made up of a wire closely wrapped helically about a wellbore tubular, with a spacing between the wire wraps being chosen to allow fluid flow through the filter media while keeping particulates that are greater than a selected size from passing between the wire wraps. It should be understood that the generic term “filter media” as used herein is intended to include and cover all types of similar structures which are commonly used in gravel and non-gravel pack well completions which permit the flow of fluids through the filter or screen while limiting and/or blocking the flow of particulates (e.g. other commercially- available screens, slotted or perforated liners or pipes; sintered-metal screens; sintered-sized, mesh screens; screened pipes; prepacked screens and/or liners; or combinations thereof). Also, a protective outer shroud having a plurality of perforations there through may be positioned around the exterior of any such filter medium.

[0014] By including one or more of the flow control systems 150 manufactured and designed according to the disclosure in one or more production intervals, some control over the volume and composition of the produced fluids is enabled. For example, in an oil production operation, if an undesired fluid component, such as water or another conductive fluid, is entering one of the production intervals, the flow control system 150 in that interval will autonomously, e.g., without outside control, restrict or resist production of the undesired fluid from that interval. [0015] Although FIG. 1 depicts one flow control system 150 in each production interval, it should be understood that any number of systems of the present disclosure can be deployed within a production interval without departing from the principles herein. Likewise, the inventive flow control systems do not have to be associated with every production interval. They may only be present in some of the production intervals of the wellbore or may be in the wellbore interior to address multiple production intervals.

[0016] Turning to FIGs. 2A and 2B, illustrated is one embodiment of a flow control system 200 designed and manufactured according to the principles of the disclosure. As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the flow control system 200 includes a housing 202, an actuator assembly 210, and a blocking member 215. The housing 202 is located between an inside wall of a wellbore (not shown) and an outside wall of production tubing 290, and includes a first fluid pathway 205 that allows the fluid to enter into the housing 202 and a second fluid pathway 295 that allows the fluid to enter into the production tubing 290. The actuator assembly 210 includes an actuator 220, a power source 230 and an actuator assembly circuit (AAC) 240, and is connected to the blocking member 215. Both the assembly 210 and the blocking member 215 are positioned inside the housing 202, between the first and second fluid pathways 205, 295.

[0017] In an unactuated position, the blocking member 215 may at least partially allow fluid flow between the housing 202 and the production tubing 290, and in an actuated position, blocking member 215 may reduce the amount of fluid flow between the housing 202 and the production tubing 290. In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, blocking member 215 comprises a plug; however, those skilled in the art will appreciate that blocking member 215 may comprise any type of member configured to restrict or prevent fluid flow through the fluid pathway, including, but not limited to, mesh, plugs, valves, pistons, sliding sleeves, and the like.

[0018] The blocking member 215 may be coupled to the actuator 220, for example via a retracting member 225. In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIGs. 2A and 2B, the retracting member 225 comprises a rod; however, those skilled in the art will recognize that the retracting member 225 may comprise any type of member configured to couple or connect the blocking member 215 to the actuator 220, including a linking member, a screw gear, a translating rod, a rotating rod, or the like. The actuator 220, via the retracting member 225, may move the blocking member 215 in order to alter the flow through one or more second fluid pathways 295 separating the first fluid pathway 205 and the production tubing 290. For example, the actuator 220 may move the retracting member 225 to displace the blocking member 215 from a first open position (shown in FIG. 2A), which allows fluid flow through the second fluid pathway 295, to a second less open position (shown in FIG. 2B), which prevents fluid flow through the second fluid pathway 295. The second less open position, as described herein, may include a partially closed position or a fully closed position, so long as the second less open position allows less fluid to flow between the fluid pathway 205 and the production tubing 290 than the first open position.

[0019] In some embodiments, the blocking member 215 may block a plurality of ports, each of which may provide a different flow path through the second fluid pathway 295. For example, the actuator 220 may move the retracting member 225 to displace the blocking member 215 from allowing fluid flow through the first flow path to blocking the first port. The actuator 220 may further be configured to move the retracting member 225 to displace the blocking member 215 to a second more closed, which blocks fluid flow through a second port, in combination with the first port. In yet another embodiment, the actuator 220 is configured to move the retracting member 225 to displace the blocking member 215 to a fully closed position, which blocks all fluid flow through the second fluid pathway 295.

[0020] In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the actuator 220 may include a solenoid (not shown) and may cause the retracting member 225 to move linearly to reposition the blocking member 215. In such an embodiment, a difference between annulus pressure and production tubing pressure may be used to move the blocking member 215. For example, the annulus pressure is applied to one side of the blocking member 215 and move the blocking member 215 to a position similar to FIG. 2A, and the annulus pressure is applied to the other side of the blocking member 215 and move the blocking member 215 to a position similar to FIG. 2B. Those skilled in the art understand the mechanisms necessary to use the difference between the annulus pressure and production tubing pressure to move the blocking member 215, e.g., a piston.

[0021] In other embodiments, the actuator 220 can also cause the retracting member 225 to move in a different manner besides linearly. In one of such embodiments, the actuator may include a motor (not shown), e.g., a direct current motor, and cause the retracting member 225 to rotate and reposition the blocking member 215. For example, the retracting member 225 may be rotated in one direction to move the blocking member 215 to an open position similar to FIG. 2 A and rotated in the opposite direction to move the blocking member 215 to a less-open position similar to FIG. 2B. Those skilled in the art understand the mechanisms necessary to use the rotational movement to open and close a valve.

[0022] As illustrated in FIGS. 2 A and 2B, the power source 230 may be coupled to the actuator 220 for providing power thereto. In an embodiment, the power source 230 may comprise a battery, may be coupled to a power generation device (e.g., such as turbine configured to rotate based upon fluid flow), may be coupled to a power source within the wellbore, may be coupled to a power source outside the wellbore, or any combination thereof. A current source (such as a capacitor) (not shown) could be used in conjunction with one or more batteries in the power supply. In an embodiment, the power source 230 may comprise an electrical coupling with the surface of the wellbore, where power is provided from a power source at the surface of the wellbore. In this embodiment, the casing and/or wellbore tubular string may form a portion of an electrical pathway to the flow control system 200. In an embodiment, the power source 230 and/or power generation device may be sufficient to power the actuator 220, a sensor, or combinations thereof. The power source 230 may be coupled to a single actuator 220 and/or sensor, which may result in a plurality of power sources 230 being coupled to a plurality of actuators 220. In another embodiment, the power source 230 may be coupled to a plurality of actuators 220, and in some embodiments, a single power source 230 may be coupled to all of the actuators 220 in a production sleeve assembly and/or the wellbore.

[0023] The AAC 240 autonomously controls the operation of the actuator 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the AAC 240 includes a control circuit (shown in FIGs. 3A and 3B) that is located across the first fluid pathway 205 and receives the fluid that moves through the first fluid pathway 205, and an actuator circuit (shown in FIGs. 3A and 3B) that is connected to the control circuit and operates the actuator 220 based on conductivity of the fluid received by the control circuit.

[0024] Employing the passing fluid as a medium that connects the terminal, the control circuit of the AAC 240 becomes an open or closed circuit based on the conductivity of the fluid. For example, when the received fluid is non-conductive, e.g., oil or mostly oil, the control circuit remains open, and when the received fluid is conductive, e.g., mostly water, the control circuit becomes completed. When the control circuit is open, i.e., powered off, the actuator circuit allows the actuator 220 to operate in the default mode, and when the control circuit is closed, i.e. powered on, the actuator circuit allows the actuator 220 to operate in a different mode.

[0025] FIGs. 3A and 3B illustrate an embodiment of an AAC 300 designed and manufactured according to the principles of the disclosure. The AAC 300 represents an AAC, such as 240 in FIGs. 2A and 2B, that is a part of a flow control system and coupled to other components of the flow control system such as a retracting member and a blocking member. In the illustrated embodiment, the AAC 300 includes a control circuit 310 and an actuator circuit 320.

[0026] The control circuit 310 is connected to the actuator circuit 320 and configured to set an operation for the actuator based on conductivity/resistivity of the received fluid. The illustrated control circuit 310 includes a pair of fluid terminals 312, such as 240 in FIGs. 2A and 2B, that receive fluid from the annulus, a pair of power terminal 314 that receives power from a power source, such as 230 in FIGs. 2A and 2B, and a relay switch 316, e.g., a double pole double throw switch, that controls an operation mode switches 322 of the actuator circuit 320.

[0027] The actuator circuit 320 is connected to the control circuit 310 and configured to operate the actuator based on the operation set by the control circuit 310. The illustrated actuator circuit 320 operates the actuator using a set of operation mode switches 322 that switches between two operation modes based on the outputs of the relay switch 316, a set of limit switches 324 that opens the actuator circuit 320 once the blocking member completes its move from one position to another, and a pair of power terminals 326 that receives power from a power source, such as 230 in FIGs. 2A and 2B. Although illustrated separately, both the control circuit 310 and the actuator circuit 320 may be a part of the same AAC 300.

[0028] The particular embodiment illustrated in FIGs. 3A and 3B show an AAC 300 that is coupled to an actuator, i.e. a motor, that operates a blocking member, i.e. a valve. FIG. 3A shows an exemplary operation of the AAC 300 when the fluid received by the fluid terminals 312 is non-conductive, e.g., oil, and FIG. 3B show an exemplary operation when the fluid is conductive, e.g., water. It is understood in the disclosure that the received fluid is considered as “non-conductive” when the fluid does not provide an electrical path between the terminals 312, e.g., when the fluid does not contain a sufficient concentration of ions to conduct electricity therethrough. It is also understood the received fluid is considered as “conductive” when the fluid does provide an electrical path between the terminals 312, e.g., when the fluid contains a sufficient concentration of ions to conduct electricity therethrough. [0029] In FIG. 3A, due to the non-conductivity of the fluid, the fluid terminals 312 remain disconnected and the control circuit 310 becomes an open circuit. As an open circuit, no current is provided to the relay switch 316 and the relay switch does not provide any output to the operation mode switches 322. As there is no input, the operation mode switches 322 remains in the default position, i.e. the normally closed (NC) position, and power with unreversed polarity is provided to the motor, rotating the shaft of the motor in one direction that opens the valve. Opening the valve increases an inflow of the fluid, in this case oil, from the annulus into the wellbore tubular interior and maximizes the oil production.

[0030] Once the valve reaches the open position from the less-open position, e.g., the valve is fully open, the limit switches 324 open and disconnect current from the power terminals 326 to the motor. As the current cannot keep running through and damage the motor, the motor is better protected. It is understood in the disclosure that control circuit 310 is considered as “closed” or a “closed circuit” when an electrical current can flow continuously through the fluid and across the fluid terminals 312, and a circuit is considered as “open” or an “open circuit” when an electric current flow is interrupted due to the electrical current not being able to pass through the fluid and across the terminals 312.

[0031] In FIG. 3B, the conductivity of the fluid allows the fluid terminals 312 to be connected and the control circuit 310 to become a closed circuit. As a closed circuit, current is provided to the relay switch 316, and the relay switch 316 provides an output to the operation mode switches 322. The provided output changes the operation mode of the switches 322 to the second position, i.e. the normally open (NO) position, and as a result, power with the reversed polarity is provided to the motor. The reversed polarity rotates the shaft of the motor in the opposite direction from FIG. 3A and closes the valve. Closing the valve decreases the inflow of the conductive fluid, in this case water, from the annulus into the wellbore tubular interior and prevents the contamination.

[0032] Once the valve reaches the less-open position from the open position, e.g., the valve is fully closed, the limit switches 324 open and disconnect current to the motor. Similar to FIG. 3A, as the current cannot keep running through and damage the motor, the motor is better protected.

[0033] In the particular embodiment illustrated in FIGs. 3 A and 3B, the AAC 300 does not include any active electronic components that introduce net energy into the AAC 300, and is implemented using a minimum number of the electronic components. For example, the AAC 300 does not include any integrated circuits, such as a microcontroller, and is implemented using a minimum number of passive components. These characteristics allow the AAC 300 to be more robust, reliable and stable device, especially under the extreme downhole conditions, than other conventional actuator circuits.

[0034] FIGs. 4A and 4B illustrate another embodiment of a flow control system 400 designed and manufactured according to the principles of the disclosure. The system 400 includes an actuator assembly 410 coupled between a blocking member 420 and a retracting member 430. Although not shown, the assembly 410 includes an AAC, such as 300 in FIGs. 3A and 3B, that sets up and operates the connected actuator based on conductivity of the received fluid.

[0035] The particular embodiment illustrated in FIGs. 4A and 4B shows the system 400 that is configured to move the blocking member 420, i.e. a piston, using the actuator assembly 410, i.e. a latching solenoid valve (LSV) 410, and the retracting member, i.e. annulus and tubing pressure. FIG. 4A shows an exemplary operation of the system 400 when the fluid received by the fluid terminals in the AAC is non-conductive, e.g., oil, and FIG. 4B show an exemplary operation when the fluid is conductive, e.g., water.

[0036] As discussed above with respect to FIG. 3A, when the fluid is non-conductive, the control circuit of the AAC remains an open circuit and the power with unreserved polarity is provided to the LSV 410. This allows the LSV 410 to stay in the default position and connect the annulus and tubing pressure 430 to the top and the bottom sides of the piston 420, respectively. As the annulus pressure is greater than the tubing pressure, the piston 420 moves to the bottom side, i.e. an open position, and increases an inflow of the fluid, in this case oil, from the annulus into the wellbore tubular interior. Once the piston 420 reaches the open position from the less-open position, a limit switch of the actuator circuit, such as 324 in FIGs. 3A and 3B, opens and unpowers the LSV 410.

[0037] As discussed above with respect to FIG. 3B, when the fluid is conductive, the control circuit becomes a closed circuit and provides power with reversed polarity to the LSV 410. This moves the LSV 410 to connect the annulus and tubing pressure 430 to the bottom and the top sides of the piston 420, respectively. As the annulus pressure is greater than the tubing pressure, the piston 420 moves up and decreases an inflow of the fluid, i.e. water, from the annulus into the wellbore tubular interior. Once the piston reaches the less-open position, e.g., the top side, from the open position, the limit switch opens and unpowers the LSV 410.

[0038] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a method 500 for controlling an inflow of fluid into production tubing in a wellbore. The illustrated method 500 may be performed by a flow control system, such as 200 in FIGs. 2A and 2B or 400 in FIGs. 4 A and 4B, that includes an AAC in FIGs. 3 A and 3B. As the flow control system is located downhole in a wellbore, the method 500 is performed downhole in the wellbore. The method 500 starts at step 505.

[0039] At Step 510, fluid is received by terminals of a control circuit of the flow control system. The terminals may be located across a fluid pathway that allows fluid from the annulus to flow, such as 205 in FIGs. 2 A and 2B. When the received fluid is oil and hence non-conductive, the control circuit remains open and unpowered, and when the received fluid is water and conductive, the control circuit becomes a closed circuit.

[0040] When the control circuit remains open, an inflow of the fluid into the production tubing is increased at Step 520. More specifically, when the control circuit remains open, an actuator circuit provides power, e.g., voltage, with an unreversed polarity that causes the actuator to move its blocking member from a less-open position to an open position. For example, a motor may be provided with a voltage with an unreversed polarity that causes it to rotate in a direction that opens an inflow controlling valve, and a latching solenoid valve may be provided with a voltage with an unreversed that causes it to extend and connect a stronger pressure to a side of the piston that moves the piston away from the fluid pathway. As the fluid flowing in is mostly oil, the increased inflow maximizes the oil production.

[0041] When the blocking member arrives at the open position, the actuator is powered off at Step 530. More specifically, when the blocking member arrives at the open position, the actuator circuit stop providing power to the actuator by opening its limit switch. This stops the current from running through and damaging the actuator. When the actuator is powered off, the method 500 ends at Step 545.

[0042] Referring back to Step 525, when the control circuit becomes a closed circuit, an inflow of the fluid into the production tubing is decreased. More specifically, when the control circuit closes, a relay switch of the control circuit changes the position of an operation mode switch in the actuator circuit and reverses the polarity of the power provided to the actuator. As the polarity is reversed, the actuator performs the opposite operation, which moves the blocking member from the open position to the less-open position. For example, a motor may be provided with a voltage with the reversed polarity that causes it to rotate in a direction that closes an inflow controlling valve, and a latching solenoid valve may be provided with a voltage with the reversed polarity that causes it to retract and connect a stronger pressure to a side of the piston that moves the piston to block the fluid pathway. As the blocked fluid is mostly water, the decreased inflow minimizes the water contamination.

[0043] When the blocking member arrives at the less-open position, the actuator is powered off at Step 535. More specifically, when the blocking member arrives at the less-open position, the actuator circuit stop providing power to the actuator by opening its limit switch. This stops the current from keep running through and damage the actuator. When the actuator is powered off, the method 500 ends at Step 545.

[0044] In interpreting the disclosure, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced.

[0045] Those skilled in the art to which this application relates will appreciate that other and further additions, deletions, substitutions and modifications may be made to the described embodiments. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present disclosure will be limited only by the claims. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice or testing of the present disclosure, a limited number of the exemplary methods and materials are described herein.

[0046] Aspects disclosed herein includes:

A. A method for controlling an inflow of fluid into production tubing in a wellbore, comprising: receiving fluid between terminals of a control circuit; decreasing an inflow of the fluid into the production tubing using an actuator when the control circuit is closed; increasing the inflow of the fluid into the production tubing using the actuator when the control circuit is open; wherein the control circuit is closed when the fluid is conductive, and the control circuit is open when the fluid is non-conductive.

B. An actuator assembly for controlling an inflow of fluid into production tubing in a wellbore, comprising: a control circuit including a pair of terminals positioned in the wellbore to receive fluid between the terminals; an actuator configured to decrease an inflow of the fluid into the production tubing when the control circuit is closed and increase the inflow of the fluid into the production tubing when the control circuit is open; wherein the control circuit is closed when the fluid is conductive, and the control circuit is open when the fluid is non-conductive.

C. A flow control system for controlling an inflow of fluid into production tubing in a wellbore, comprising: a housing located between an inside wall of the wellbore and an outside wall of the production tubing and including a first fluid pathway that allows the fluid to enter into the housing and a second fluid pathway that allows the fluid to enter into the production tubing; a control circuit located inside the housing, the control circuit including terminals positioned across the first fluid pathway to receive fluid between the terminals; and an actuator located inside the housing, the actuator configured to decrease an inflow of the fluid into production tubing when the control circuit is closed and increase the inflow of the fluid into the production tubing when the control circuit is open; wherein the control circuit is closed when the fluid is conductive, and the control circuit is open when the fluid is non-conductive.

[0047] Each of aspects A, B, and C may have one or more of the following additional elements in combination: Element 1: wherein the using the actuator includes moving a blocking member from an open position to a less-open position. Element 2: further comprising powering the actuator off when the blocking member arrives at the less-open position. Element 3: wherein the powering the actuator off includes opening an actuator circuit that provides power to the actuator when the blocking member arrives at the less-open position. Element 4: when the fluid is conductive, the fluid is water. Element 5: wherein the using the actuator includes moving a blocking member from a less-open position to an open position. Element 6: further comprising powering the actuator off when the blocking member arrives at the open position. Element 7: the powering the actuator off includes opening an actuator circuit that provides power to the actuator when the blocking member arrives at the open position. Element 8: when the fluid is non- conductive, the fluid is oil. Element 9: wherein the actuator is configured to decrease the inflow by moving the blocking member from an open position to a less-open position. Element 10: further comprising an actuator circuit configured to power the actuator off when the blocking member arrives at the less-open position from the open position. Element 11: wherein the actuator circuit includes a limit switch configured to open the actuator circuit when the blocking member arrives at the less-open position from the open position. Element 12: wherein the actuator is configured to increase the inflow by moving the blocking member from a less-open position to an open position. Element 13: further comprising an actuator circuit configured to power the actuator off when the blocking member arrives at the open position from the less-open position. Element 14: wherein the actuator circuit includes a limit switch configured to open the actuator circuit when the blocking member arrives at the open position from the less-open position. Element 15: wherein the control circuit and the actuator circuit do not include an integrated circuit. Element 16: further comprising a blocking member, and wherein the actuator is configured to decrease the inflow by moving the blocking member from an open position to a less-open position that blocks the second fluid pathway and increase the inflow by moving the blocking member from the less-open position to the open position that exposes the second fluid pathway. Element 17: wherein the actuator includes a motor and the blocking member includes a valve that is rotatably coupled to the motor. Element 18: wherein the actuator is configured to move the blocking member from the open position to the less-open position by rotating the valve in one direction and move the blocking member from the less-open position to the open position by rotating the value in other direction. Element 19: wherein the actuator includes a solenoid and the blocking member includes a piston that is retractably coupled to the solenoid. Element 20: wherein the actuator is configured to move the blocking member from the open position to the less-open position by applying an annulus pressure to one side of the blocking member and a tubing pressure to other side of the blocking member and move the blocking member from the less-open position to the open position by applying the annulus pressure to the other side and the tubing pressure to the one side.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method for controlling an inflow of fluid into production tubing in a wellbore, comprising: receiving fluid between terminals of a control circuit; decreasing an inflow of the fluid into the production tubing using an actuator when the control circuit is closed; and increasing the inflow of the fluid into the production tubing using the actuator when the control circuit is open; wherein the control circuit is closed when the fluid is conductive, and the control circuit is open when the fluid is non-conductive.

2. The method of Claim 1, wherein the using the actuator includes moving a blocking member from an open position to a less-open position.

3. The method of Claim 2 further comprising powering the actuator off when the blocking member arrives at the less-open position.

4. The method of Claim 3, wherein the powering the actuator off includes opening an actuator circuit that provides a current to the actuator when the blocking member arrives at the less-open position.

5. The method of Claim 1, wherein when the fluid is conductive, the fluid is water.

6. The method of Claim 1, wherein the using the actuator includes moving a blocking member from a less-open position to an open position.

7. The method of Claim 6, further comprising powering the actuator off when the blocking member arrives at the open position.

8. The method of Claim 7, the powering the actuator off includes opening an actuator circuit that provides a current to the actuator when the blocking member arrives at the open position.

9. The method of Claim 1, wherein when the fluid is non-conductive, the fluid is oil.

10. An actuator assembly for controlling an inflow of fluid into production tubing in a wellbore, comprising: a control circuit including terminals positioned in the wellbore to receive fluid between the terminals; and an actuator configured to decrease an inflow of the fluid into the production tubing when the control circuit is closed and increase the inflow of the fluid into the production tubing when the control circuit is open; wherein the control circuit is closed when the fluid is conductive, and the control circuit is open when the fluid is non-conductive.

11. The actuator assembly of Claim 10, wherein the actuator is configured to decrease the inflow by moving a blocking member from an open position to a less-open position.

12. The actuator assembly of Claim 11 further comprising an actuator circuit configured to power the actuator off when the blocking member arrives at the less-open position from the open position.

13. The actuator assembly of Claim 12, wherein the actuator circuit includes a limit switch configured to open the actuator circuit when the blocking member arrives at the less-open position from the open position.

14. The actuator assembly of Claim 10, when the fluid is conductive, the fluid is water.

15. The actuator assembly of Claim 10, wherein the actuator is configured to increase the inflow by moving a blocking member from a less-open position to an open position.

16. The actuator assembly of Claim 15, further comprising an actuator circuit configured to power the actuator off when the blocking member arrives at the open position from the less-open position.

17. The actuator assembly of Claim 16, wherein the actuator circuit includes a limit switch configured to open the actuator circuit when the blocking member arrives at the open position from the less-open position.

18. The actuator assembly of Claim 16, wherein the control circuit and the actuator circuit do not include an integrated circuit.

19. The actuator assembly of Claim 10, when the fluid is non-conductive, the fluid is oil.

20. A flow control system for controlling an inflow of fluid into production tubing in a wellbore, comprising: a housing located between an inside wall of the wellbore and an outside wall of the production tubing and including a first fluid pathway that allows fluid to enter into the housing and a second fluid pathway that allows the fluid to enter into the production tubing; a control circuit located inside the housing, the control circuit including terminals positioned across the first fluid pathway to receive fluid between the terminals; and an actuator located inside the housing, the actuator configured to decrease an inflow of the fluid into production tubing when the control circuit is closed and increase the inflow of the fluid into the production tubing when the control circuit is open; wherein the control circuit is closed when the fluid is conductive, and the control circuit is open when the fluid is non-conductive.

21. The flow control system of Claim 20, further comprising a blocking member, and wherein the actuator is configured to decrease the inflow by moving the blocking member from an open position to a less-open position that blocks the second fluid pathway and increase the inflow by moving the blocking member from the less-open position to the open position that exposes the second fluid pathway.

22. The flow control system of Claim 21, wherein the actuator includes a motor and the blocking member includes a valve that is rotatably coupled to the motor.

23. The flow control system of Claim 22, wherein the actuator is configured to move the blocking member from the open position to the less-open position by rotating the valve in one direction and move the blocking member from the less-open position to the open position by rotating the valve in other direction.

24. The flow control system of Claim 21, wherein the actuator includes a solenoid and the blocking member includes a piston that is retractably coupled to the solenoid.

25. The flow control system of Claim 24, wherein the actuator is configured to move the blocking member from the open position to the less-open position by applying an annulus pressure to one side of the piston and a tubing pressure to other side of the piston and to move the blocking member from the less-open position to the open position by applying the annulus pressure to the other side and the tubing pressure to the one side.