U.S. patent application number 13/678489 was filed with the patent office on 2014-04-24 for variable flow resistance for use with a subterranean well.
This patent application is currently assigned to HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.. Invention is credited to Jason D. DYKSTRA, Frederic FELTEN, Michael L. FRIPP, Liang ZHAO.
Application Number | 20140110128 13/678489 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 50484299 |
Filed Date | 2014-04-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140110128 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DYKSTRA; Jason D. ; et
al. |
April 24, 2014 |
VARIABLE FLOW RESISTANCE FOR USE WITH A SUBTERRANEAN WELL
Abstract
A variable flow resistance system for use with a subterranean
well can include a structure which displaces in response to a flow
of a fluid composition, whereby 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 composition. Another 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 method of
variably resisting flow in a subterranean well 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 ratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid
composition changing. Swellable materials and airfoils may be used
in variable flow resistance systems.
Inventors: |
DYKSTRA; Jason D.;
(Carrollton, TX) ; FRIPP; Michael L.; (Carrollton,
TX) ; ZHAO; Liang; (Carrollton, TX) ; FELTEN;
Frederic; (Corinth, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC. |
Houston |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES,
INC.
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
50484299 |
Appl. No.: |
13/678489 |
Filed: |
November 15, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13659323 |
Oct 24, 2012 |
|
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13678489 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
166/373 ;
166/316 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 43/12 20130101;
E21B 34/08 20130101; E21B 43/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/373 ;
166/316 |
International
Class: |
E21B 34/06 20060101
E21B034/06 |
Claims
1. A variable flow resistance system for use with a subterranean
well, the system comprising: a structure which displaces in
response to a flow of a fluid composition, whereby 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
composition.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the structure is exposed to the
flow of the fluid composition in at least first and second
directions, and wherein the resistance to the flow changes in
response to a change in a proportion of the fluid composition which
flows in the first and second directions.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the structure is more biased in a
first direction by the flow of the fluid composition more in the
first direction, and wherein the structure is more biased in a
second direction by the flow of the fluid composition more in the
second direction.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the first direction is opposite
to the second direction.
5. The system of claim 3, wherein the first and second directions
comprise at least one of the group including circumferential,
axial, longitudinal, lateral, and radial directions.
6. The system of claim 1, further comprising a fluid switch which
directs the flow of the fluid composition to at least first and
second flow paths.
7. The system of claim 6, wherein the structure is more biased in a
first direction by the flow of the fluid composition more through
the first flow path, and wherein the structure is more biased in a
second direction by the flow of the fluid composition more through
the second flow path.
8. The system of claim 6, wherein the structure pivots, and thereby
varies the resistance to flow, in response to a change in a
proportion of the fluid composition which flows through the first
and second flow paths.
9. The system of claim 6, wherein the structure rotates, and
thereby varies the resistance to flow, in response to a change in a
proportion of the fluid composition which flows through the first
and second flow paths.
10. The system of claim 6, wherein the structure rotates, and
thereby varies the resistance to flow, in response to the change in
the ratio of desired to undesired fluids.
11. The system of claim 6, wherein the fluid switch comprises a
blocking device which at least partially blocks the flow of the
fluid composition through at least one of the first and second flow
paths.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the blocking device
increasingly blocks one of the first and second flow paths, in
response to the flow of the fluid composition toward the other of
the first and second flow paths.
13. The system of claim 11, wherein the fluid switch directs the
flow of the fluid composition toward one of the first and second
flow paths in response to the blocking device increasingly blocking
the other of the first and second flow paths.
14. The system of claim 1, further comprising an airfoil which
deflects the flow of the fluid composition in response to the
change in the ratio of desired to undesired fluid.
15. The system of claim 1, further comprising a material which
swells in response to a decrease in the ratio of desired to
undesired fluid, whereby the resistance to flow is increased.
16. The system of claim 1, wherein the resistance to flow decreases
in response to an increase in the ratio of desired to undesired
fluid.
17. The system of claim 1, wherein the resistance to flow increases
in response to a decrease in the ratio of desired to undesired
fluid.
18-49. (canceled)
50. A method of variably resisting flow in a subterranean well, the
method comprising: 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 ratio of desired to undesired
fluid in the fluid composition changing.
51. The method of claim 50, further comprising exposing the
structure to the flow of the fluid composition in at least first
and second directions, and wherein the resistance to the flow
changing further comprises the resistance to the flow changing
further in response to a change in a proportion of the fluid
composition which flows in the first and second directions.
52. The method of claim 50, further comprising the structure being
increasingly biased in a first direction by the flow of the fluid
composition increasingly in the first direction, and the structure
being increasingly biased in a second direction by the flow of the
fluid composition increasingly in the second direction.
53. The method of claim 52, wherein the first direction is opposite
to the second direction.
54. The method of claim 52, wherein the first and second directions
comprise at least one of the group including circumferential,
axial, longitudinal, lateral, and radial directions.
55. The method of claim 50, further comprising a fluid switch
directing the flow of the fluid composition toward at least first
and second flow paths.
56. The method of claim 55, further comprising the structure being
increasingly biased in a first direction by the flow of the fluid
composition increasingly through the first flow path, and the
structure being increasingly biased in a second direction by the
flow of the fluid composition increasingly through the second flow
path.
57. The method of claim 55, wherein the structure displacing
further comprises the structure pivoting, and thereby varying the
resistance to flow, in response to a change in a proportion of the
fluid composition which flows through the first and second flow
paths.
58. The method of claim 55, wherein the structure displacing
further comprises the structure rotating, and thereby varying the
resistance to flow, in response to a change in a proportion of the
fluid composition which flows through the first and second flow
paths.
59. The method of claim 55, wherein the structure displacing
further comprises the structure rotating, and thereby varying the
resistance to flow, in response to the change in the ratio of
desired to undesired fluids.
60. The method of claim 55, further comprising a blocking device of
the fluid switch at least partially blocking the flow of the fluid
composition through at least one of the first and second flow
paths.
61. The method of claim 60, wherein the blocking device
increasingly blocks one of the first and second flow paths, in
response to the flow of the fluid composition toward the other of
the first and second flow paths.
62. The method of claim 60, wherein the fluid switch directs the
flow of the fluid composition toward one of the first and second
flow paths in response to the blocking device increasingly blocking
the other of the first and second flow paths.
63. The method of claim 60, further comprising an airfoil
deflecting the flow of the fluid composition in response to the
ratio of desired to undesired fluid changing.
64. The method of claim 50, further comprising a material swelling
in response to the ratio of desired to undesired fluid decreasing,
and wherein the resistance to the flow changing further comprises
the resistance to the flow increasing in response to the material
swelling.
65. The method of claim 50, wherein the resistance to the flow
changing further comprises the resistance to the flow decreasing in
response to the ratio of desired to undesired fluid increasing.
66. The method of claim 50, wherein the resistance to the flow
changing further comprises the resistance to the flow increasing in
response to the ratio of desired to undesired fluid decreasing.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 USC .sctn.119
of the filing date of International Application Serial No.
PCT/US11/59530, filed 7 Nov. 2011. The entire disclosure of this
prior application is incorporated herein by this reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 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.
[0003] Among the many reasons for variably resisting flow are
included: a) control of produced fluids, b) control over the origin
of produced fluids, c) prevention of formation damage, d)
conformance, e) control of injected fluids, f) control over which
zones receive injected fluids, g) prevention of gas or water
coning, h) stimulation, etc. Therefore, it will be appreciated that
improvements in the art are continually needed.
SUMMARY
[0004] In this disclosure, systems and methods are provided which
bring improvements to the art of variably resisting flow of fluids
in conjunction with well operations. One example is described below
in which a change in direction of flow of fluids through a variable
flow resistance system changes a resistance to the flow. Another
example is described below in which a change in a structure changes
the flow resistance of the system.
[0005] In one described example, 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 composition.
[0006] In another example, 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. In this example
also, 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.
[0007] In a further example, 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.
[0008] In yet another example, 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. In this example, 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.
[0009] 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.
[0010] These and other features, advantages and benefits will
become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art upon careful
consideration of the detailed description of representative
embodiments of the disclosure hereinbelow and the accompanying
drawings, in which similar elements are indicated in the various
figures using the same reference numbers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a representative partially cross-sectional view of
a well system and associated method which can embody principles of
this disclosure.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a representative cross-sectional view of a
variable flow resistance system which can embody the principles of
this disclosure.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a representative cross-sectional view of the
variable flow resistance system, taken along line 3-3 of FIG.
2.
[0014] FIG. 4 is a representative cross-sectional view of the
variable flow resistance system, with rotational flow in a chamber
of the system.
[0015] 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.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a representative cross-sectional view of another
configuration of the variable flow resistance system.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a representative cross-sectional view of the FIG.
7 configuration, taken along line 8-8.
[0018] 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.
[0019] 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.
[0020] FIG. 12 is a representative cross-sectional view of another
configuration of the variable flow resistance system.
[0021] FIG. 13 is a representative cross-sectional view of the FIG.
12 configuration, taken along line 13-13.
[0022] FIG. 14 is a representative cross-sectional view of another
configuration of the variable flow resistance system.
[0023] FIGS. 15 & 16 are representative cross-sectional views
of a fluid switch configuration which may be used with the variable
flow resistance system.
[0024] 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.
[0025] FIG. 19 is a representative cross-sectional view of a flow
chamber which may be used with the variable flow resistance
system.
[0026] FIGS. 20-27 are representative cross-sectional views of
additional fluid switch configurations which may be used with the
variable flow resistance system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] Representatively illustrated in FIG. 1 is a system 10 for
use with a well, which system can embody principles of this
disclosure. As depicted in FIG. 1, 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.
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] Positioned between each adjacent pair 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.
[0031] At this point, it should be noted that the system 10 is
illustrated in the drawings and is described herein as merely one
example of a wide variety of systems in which the principles of
this disclosure can be utilized. It should be clearly understood
that the principles of this disclosure are not limited at all to
any of the details of the system 10, or components thereof,
depicted in the drawings or described herein.
[0032] For example, 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 formation, fluids could be both injected
into and produced from a formation, etc.
[0033] 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.
[0034] It is not necessary for any variable flow resistance system
25 to be used with a well screen 24. For example, in injection
operations, the injected fluid could be flowed through a variable
flow resistance system 25, without also flowing through a well
screen 24.
[0035] It is not necessary for the well screens 24, variable flow
resistance systems 25, packers 26 or any other 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
principles of this disclosure.
[0036] It should be clearly understood, therefore, that this
disclosure describes how to make and use certain examples, but the
principles of the disclosure are not limited to any details of
those examples. Instead, those principles can be applied to a
variety of other examples using the knowledge obtained from this
disclosure.
[0037] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it
would be beneficial to be able to regulate flow of the fluids 30
into the tubular string 22 from each zone of the formation 20, for
example, to prevent water coning 32 or gas coning 34 in the
formation. Other uses for flow regulation in a well include, but
are not limited to, balancing production from (or injection into)
multiple zones, minimizing production or injection of undesired
fluids, maximizing production or injection of desired fluids,
transmitting signals, etc.
[0038] In examples described below, resistance to flow through the
flow resistance systems 25 can be selectively varied, on demand
and/or in response to a particular condition. For example, 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. As
another example, 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.
[0039] An example of the variable flow resistance systems 25
described more fully below 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.
[0040] 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.
[0041] Note that, at downhole temperatures and pressures,
hydrocarbon gas can actually be completely or partially in liquid
phase. Thus, it should be understood that when the term "gas" is
used herein, supercritical, liquid and/or gaseous phases are
included within the scope of that term.
[0042] Referring additionally now to FIG. 2, an enlarged scale
cross-sectional view of one of the variable flow resistance systems
25 and a portion of one of the well screens 24 is representatively
illustrated. In this example, 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.
[0043] 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.
[0044] 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.
[0045] In other examples, 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 operations), a single 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. Thus, it will be appreciated
that the principles of this disclosure are not limited at all to
the details of the example depicted in FIG. 2 and described
herein.
[0046] Although the 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.
[0047] The 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 performing various
functions, as described more fully below. In addition, the 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.
[0048] In other examples, the system 25 may not extend
circumferentially about a tubular string or be formed in a wall of
a tubular structure. For example, the system 25 could be formed in
a flat structure, etc. The system 25 could be in a separate housing
that is attached to the tubular string 22, or it could be oriented
so that the axis of the outlet 40 is parallel to the axis of the
tubular string. The system 25 could be on a logging string or
attached to a device that is not tubular in shape. Any orientation
or configuration of the system 25 may be used in keeping with the
principles of this disclosure.
[0049] Referring additionally now to FIG. 3, a cross-sectional view
of the variable flow resistance system 25, taken along line 3-3 of
FIG. 2, is representatively illustrated. The variable flow
resistance system 25 example depicted in FIG. 3 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.
[0050] In FIG. 3, it may be seen that 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.
[0051] Although in FIG. 3 the flow paths 46, 48 diverge from the
inlet passage 44 by approximately the same angle, in other examples
the flow paths 46, 48 may not be symmetrical with respect to the
passage 44. For example, 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.
[0052] 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.
[0053] In this situation, flow through the system 25 is relatively
unrestricted. The fluid composition 36 can readily flow between
various vane-type structures 56 in the chamber 50 en route to the
outlet 40.
[0054] Referring additionally now to 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.
[0055] 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. When a majority of the fluid composition 36 flows into
the chamber 50 via the inlet 52, the fluid composition tends to
rotate counter-clockwise in the chamber (as viewed in FIG. 4).
[0056] The structures 56 are designed to promote such rotational
flow in the chamber 50, and as a result, more energy in the fluid
composition 36 flow is dissipated. Thus, resistance to flow through
the system 25 is increased in the FIG. 4 configuration as compared
to the FIG. 3 configuration.
[0057] Although in FIGS. 3 & 4 the flow chamber 50 has multiple
inlets 52, 54, any number (including one) of inlets may be used in
keeping with the scope of this disclosure. For example, in U.S.
application Ser. No. 12/792117, filed on 2 Jun. 2010, a flow
chamber is described which has only a single inlet, but resistance
to flow through the chamber varies depending on via which flow path
a majority of a fluid composition enters the chamber.
[0058] 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.
[0059] In FIG. 5, 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.
[0060] At elevated velocities of the fluid composition 36 in the
passage 44, a reduced pressure will be applied to the fluid switch
66 as a result of the fluid composition flowing past the chambers
64, and the fluid composition will be influenced to flow toward the
branch flow path 48, as depicted in FIG. 5. A majority of the fluid
composition 36 flows into the chamber 50 via the inlet 54, and flow
resistance through the system 25 is increased. At lower velocities
and increased viscosities, more of the fluid composition 36 will
flow into the chamber 50 via the inlet 52, and flow resistance
through the system 25 is decreased due to less rotational flow in
the chamber.
[0061] In FIG. 6, rotational flow of the fluid composition 36 in
the chamber 50 is reduced, and the resistance to flow through the
system 25 is, thus, also reduced. Note that, if the velocity of the
fluid composition 36 in the passage 44 is reduced, or if the
viscosity of the fluid composition is increased, a portion of the
fluid composition can flow into the chambers 64 and to the fluid
switch 66, which influences the fluid composition to flow more
toward the flow path 46.
[0062] At relatively high velocities, low viscosity and/or high
density of the fluid composition 36, a majority of the fluid
composition will flow via the flow path 48 to the chamber 50, as
depicted in FIG. 5, and such flow will be more restricted. At
relatively low velocity, high viscosity and/or low density of the
fluid composition 36, a majority of the fluid composition will flow
via the flow path 46 to the chamber 50, as depicted in FIG. 6, and
such flow will be less restricted.
[0063] If oil is a desired fluid and water is an undesired fluid,
then it will be appreciated that the system 25 of FIGS. 5 & 6
will result in less resistance to flow of the fluid composition 36
through the system when a ratio of desired to undesired fluid is
increased, and greater resistance to flow when the ratio of desired
to undesired fluid is decreased. This is due to oil having higher
viscosity and less density as compared to water. Due to its higher
viscosity, oil also generally flows at a slower velocity as
compared to water, for a given pressure differential across the
system 25.
[0064] However, in other examples, the chamber 50 and 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
configuration. Thus, the scope of this disclosure is not limited at
all to the details of the specific flow resistance systems 25
described herein.
[0065] In the FIGS. 3 & 4 configuration, a majority of the
fluid composition 36 will continue to flow via one of the flow
paths 46, 48 (due to the Coanda effect), or will flow relatively
equally via both flow paths 46, 48, unless the direction of the
flow from the passage 44 is changed. In the FIGS. 5 & 6
configuration, the direction of the flow from the passage 44 can be
changed by means of the fluid switch 66, which influences the fluid
composition 36 to flow toward one of the two flow paths 46, 48. In
other examples, greater or fewer numbers of flow paths may be used,
if desired.
[0066] In the further description below, additional techniques for
influencing the direction of flow of the fluid 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 configurations of FIGS. 3-6, or they may be
used with other types of variable flow resistance systems.
[0067] Referring additionally now to 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).
[0068] For example, in FIG. 8, a majority of the fluid 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.
[0069] In 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.
[0070] In other examples, the structure 58 itself may not block the
flow of the fluid composition 36, and 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.
Preferably, 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.
[0071] The structure 58 is mounted via a connection 60. Preferably,
the 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. When the fluid composition
36 is flowing through the system 25, 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.
[0072] In the FIGS. 8 & 9 example, the connection 60 is
depicted as a pivoting or rotational connection. However, in other
examples, the connection 60 could be a rigid, sliding, translating,
or other type of connection, thereby allowing for displacement of
the structure 58 in any of circumferential, axial, longitudinal,
lateral, radial, etc., directions.
[0073] In one example, the 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.).
[0074] Another difference of the FIGS. 7-9 configuration and the
configurations of FIGS. 3-6 is that the FIGS. 7-9 configuration
utilizes the fluid switch 66 with multiple control passages 68, 70.
In comparison, the FIGS. 3 & 4 configuration does not have a
controlled fluid switch, and the FIGS. 5 & 6 configuration
utilizes the fluid switch 66 with a single control passage 68.
However, it should be understood that 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.
[0075] As depicted in FIG. 7, 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.
[0076] Thus, since the proportion of the fluid composition 36 which
flows through the flow paths 46, 48 can be changed by the fluid
switch 66, in response to the flows 72, 74 through the control
passages 68, 70, it follows that the resistance to flow of the
fluid composition 36 through the system 25 can be changed by
changing the flows through the control passages. For this purpose,
the control passages 68, 70 may be connected to any of a variety of
devices for influencing the flows 72, 74 through the control
passages.
[0077] For example, the chambers 64 of the FIGS. 5 & 6
configuration 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, viscosity, velocity, etc.) of the fluid
composition 36, 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.
[0078] Preferably, 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. Conversely, 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.
[0079] Referring additionally now to 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).
[0080] As in the configuration of FIGS. 7-9, the configuration of
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). The
structure 58 in the FIGS. 7-11 configurations can be biased toward
any position, or releasably retained at any position, in order to
adjust the proportion of flows through the flow paths 46, 48 needed
to displace the structure to another position.
[0081] Referring additionally now to FIGS. 12 & 13, another
configuration of the variable flow resistance system 25 is
representatively illustrated. In this configuration, the structure
58 is positioned in the flow chamber 50 connected to the flow paths
46, 48.
[0082] In the FIGS. 12 & 13 example, a majority of the flow of
the fluid composition 36 through the flow path 46 results in the
structure 58 rotating about the connection 60 to a position in
which flow between the structures 56 (the structures comprising
circumferentially extending vanes in this example) is not blocked
by the structure 58. However, if a majority of the flow is through
the flow path 48 to the flow chamber 50, the structure 58 will
rotate to a position in which the structure 58 does substantially
block the flow between the structures 56, thereby increasing the
flow resistance.
[0083] Referring additionally now to FIG. 14, another configuration
of the variable flow resistance system 25 is representatively
illustrated. In this example, the flow path 46 connects to the
chamber 50 in more of a radial, rather than a tangential)
direction, as compared to the configuration of FIGS. 12 &
13.
[0084] In addition, 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 especially
beneficial where the fluid composition 36 is directed by the fluid
switch 66 toward the flow path 46 when the fluid composition has an
increased ratio of desired to undesired fluids therein.
[0085] In this example, 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 position in which flow between the
structures 56 is more restricted. This situation preferably occurs
when the ratio of desired to undesired fluids in the fluid
composition 36 decreases.
[0086] Referring additionally now to FIGS. 15 & 16, additional
configurations of the fluid switch 66 are representatively
illustrated. 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.
[0087] In the FIG. 15 example, 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 composition to flow via the flow path 46, and not via
the flow path 48. However, if either or both of the control passage
flows 72, 74 influence the fluid composition 36 to flow toward the
flow path 48, this flow impinging on the blocking device 76 will
rotate the blocking device to a position in which the other flow
path 46 is completely or partially blocked, thereby influencing an
even greater proportion of the fluid composition to flow via the
flow path 48, and not via the flow path 46.
[0088] In the FIG. 16 example, 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. Thus, an increased
proportion of the fluid composition 36 will flow through the flow
path 46, 48 which is less blocked by the device 76. When either or
both of the flows 72, 74 influence the blocking device 76 to
increasingly block the flow path 46, 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. However, if
either or both of the control passage flows 72, 74 influence the
blocking device 76 to rotate toward the flow path 48, the other
flow path 46 will not be blocked, and a greater proportion of the
fluid composition 36 will flow via the flow path 46, and not via
the flow path 48.
[0089] By increasing the proportion of the fluid composition 36
which flows through the flow path 46 or 48, operation of the system
25 is made more efficient. For example, resistance to flow through
the system 25 can be readily increased when an unacceptably low
ratio of desired to undesired fluids exists in the fluid
composition 36, and resistance to flow through the system can be
readily decreased when the fluid composition has a relatively high
ratio of desired to undesired fluids.
[0090] Referring additionally now to FIGS. 17 & 18, another
configuration of the system 25 is representatively illustrated.
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 resistance to flow. The direction
of rotation of the structure 58 depends on through which of the
flow paths 46 or 48 a greater proportion of the fluid composition
36 flows.
[0091] In the FIGS. 17 & 18 example, the structure 58 includes
vanes 80 on which the fluid composition 36 impinges. Thus,
rotational flow in the chamber 50 impinges on the vanes 80 and
biases the structure 58 to rotate in the chamber.
[0092] When the structure 58 is in the position depicted in FIGS.
17 & 18, 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 resistance to flow will be increased.
[0093] Although in certain examples described above, 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 resistance through the system
25. In various examples, the structure 58 could displace in
circumferential, axial, longitudinal, lateral and/or radial
directions.
[0094] Referring additionally now to FIG. 19, another configuration
of the chamber 50 is representatively illustrated. The FIG. 19
chamber 50 may be used with any configuration of the system 25.
[0095] 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. Preferably, 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.). However, in other examples, the materials
86, 88 could swell in response to contact with desirable
fluids.
[0096] In the FIG. 19 example, 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 rotationally (as
indicated by arrows 36a) through the chamber 50, instead of more
radially (as indicated by arrows 36b), when the material swells.
Since more energy is dissipated when there is more rotational flow
in the chamber 50, this results in more resistance to flow through
the system 25.
[0097] 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.
[0098] 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 resistance, and the
swellable material 88 selectively blocks flow through the system to
thereby change the flow resistance. In other examples, 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.
[0099] 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. However, in
other examples, the swellable materials 86, 88 could swell in
response to contact with a desired fluid, or the flow resistance
through the system 25 could be decreased as the ratio of desired to
undesired fluid in the fluid composition 36 decreases.
[0100] The term "swell" and similar terms (such as "swellable") 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.
[0101] 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.). In the well
system 10, 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.). In response, the swellable materials 86, 88 swell
and thereby change the flow resistance through the system 25.
[0102] 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 separately or flowed into
contact with the swellable material in the well when desired. Any
manner of contacting the activating agent with the swellable
material may be used in keeping with the scope of this
disclosure.
[0103] Various swellable materials are known to those skilled in
the art, which materials swell when contacted with water and/or
hydrocarbon fluid, so a comprehensive list of these materials will
not be presented here. Partial lists of swellable materials may be
found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,385,367 and 7,059,415, and in U.S.
Published Application No. 2004-0020662, the entire disclosures of
which are incorporated herein by this reference.
[0104] As another alternative, the swellable material may have a
substantial portion of cavities therein which are compressed or
collapsed at surface conditions. Then, after being placed in the
well at a higher pressure, the material swells by the cavities
filling with fluid.
[0105] This type of apparatus and method might be used where it is
desired to expand the swellable material in the presence of gas
rather than oil or water. A suitable swellable material is
described in U.S. Published Application No. 2007-0257405, the
entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by this
reference.
[0106] 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.
[0107] The swellable material could swell due to the presence of
ions in a fluid. For example, 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 potassium ions in the fluid.
[0108] It should, thus, be clearly understood that any swellable
material which swells when contacted by a predetermined activating
agent may be used in keeping with the scope of this disclosure. The
swellable material could also swell in response to contact with any
of multiple activating agents. For example, the swellable material
could swell when contacted by hydrocarbon fluid and/or when
contacted by water and/or when contacted by certain ions.
[0109] Referring additionally now to FIGS. 20-27, 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.
[0110] In the FIG. 20 example, the fluid switch 66 includes an
airfoil 90. The airfoil 90 rotates about a pivot connection 92.
Preferably, 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. In FIG. 20, the airfoil 90 is positioned to
direct the fluid composition 36 toward the flow path 48.
[0111] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, as
the velocity of the flow increases, 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.).
[0112] Thus, the airfoil 90 allows the fluid switch 66 to be
operated automatically, in response to changes in the properties of
the fluid composition 36. Instead of the magnetic biasing device
94, the airfoil 90 itself could be made of a magnetic material.
[0113] 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.
[0114] In the configuration of FIG. 21, 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.
[0115] 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.
As depicted in FIG. 21, 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.).
[0116] In the configuration of FIG. 22, the multiple airfoils 90
are both laterally and longitudinally spaced apart from each other.
In addition, 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.
[0117] In the configuration of FIG. 23, the multiple airfoils 90
are longitudinally spaced apart. In some examples, the airfoils 90
could be directly inline with each other.
[0118] In the FIG. 23 example, the upstream airfoil 90 directs the
flow of the fluid composition 36, so that it is advantageously
directed toward the downstream airfoil. However, other purposes
could be served by longitudinally spacing apart the airfoils 90, in
keeping with the scope of this disclosure.
[0119] In the configuration of FIG. 24, airfoil-like surfaces are
formed on the walls of the fluid switch 66. In this manner, 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.
[0120] In the FIG. 25 example, 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.
[0121] In the FIG. 26 example, 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. The cylindrical
projections 108 could also be magnetic devices (such as, magnetic
biasing devices 96, 98) for applying a biasing force to the airfoil
90.
[0122] In the FIG. 27 example, 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.
[0123] It may now be fully appreciated that this disclosure
provides significant advancements to the art of variably resisting
flow in conjunction with well operations. In multiple examples
described above, flow resistance can be reliably and efficiently
increased when there is a relatively large ratio of desired to
undesired fluid in the fluid composition 36, and/or flow resistance
can be decreased when there is a reduced ratio of desired to
undesired fluid in the fluid composition.
[0124] A variable flow resistance system 25 for use with a
subterranean well is described above. In one example, the system 25
includes a structure 58 which displaces in response to a flow of a
fluid composition 36, whereby a resistance to the flow of the fluid
composition 36 changes in response to a change in a ratio of
desired to undesired fluid in the fluid composition 36.
[0125] 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.
[0126] 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.
[0127] The first and second directions may be opposite directions.
The directions can comprise at least one of the group including
circumferential, axial, longitudinal, lateral, and radial
directions.
[0128] 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.
[0129] 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.
[0130] The structure 58 may pivot or rotate, and thereby vary 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.
[0131] 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.
[0132] 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.
[0133] 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.
[0134] 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.
[0135] 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 increased.
[0136] In some examples, 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.
[0137] Also described above is another variable flow 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.
[0138] 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 response to a change in a
proportion of the fluid composition 36 which flows through the
first and second flow paths 46, 48.
[0139] In another example, 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.
[0140] The resistance to the flow can increase or decrease when the
material 86, 88 swells.
[0141] The material 86, 88 may increasingly influence the fluid
composition 36 to flow spirally through the chamber 50 when the
material 86, 88 swells.
[0142] The material 88 may increasingly block the flow of the fluid
composition 36 through the system 25 when the material 88
swells.
[0143] The material 86 may increasingly deflect the flow of the
fluid composition 36 when the material 36 swells.
[0144] 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.
[0145] 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.
[0146] The airfoil 90 may rotate in response to the change in the
ratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid composition
36.
[0147] The airfoil 90 may change the deflection in response to a
change in viscosity, velocity and/or density of the fluid
composition 36.
[0148] 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.
[0149] The system 25 can include a structure 58 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 system 25 may include a structure 58 which rotates in response
to the change in the ratio of desired to undesired fluid.
[0150] 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.
[0151] A method of variably resisting flow in a subterranean well
is also described above. In one example, 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 changing.
[0152] 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.
[0153] The structure 58 may be increasingly biased in a first
direction by the flow of the fluid composition 36 increasingly in
the first direction, and the structure 58 may be increasingly
biased in a second direction by the flow of the fluid composition
36 increasingly in the second direction.
[0154] 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.
[0155] 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 increasingly biased in a
first direction by the flow of the fluid composition 36
increasingly through the first flow path 46, and 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.
[0156] 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.
[0157] 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.
[0158] 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 increasingly block one of
the first and second flow paths 46, 48, in response to the flow of
the fluid composition toward the other of the first and second flow
paths.
[0159] 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.
[0160] 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.
[0161] The method may include a material 86, 88 swelling in
response to the ratio of desired to undesired fluid decreasing. The
resistance to the flow changing can include the resistance to the
flow increasing in response to the material 86, 88 swelling.
[0162] 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.
[0163] Although various examples have been described above, with
each example having certain features, it should be understood that
it is not necessary for a particular feature of one example to be
used exclusively with that example. Instead, 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.
[0164] It should be be understood that the various embodiments
described herein may be utilized in various orientations, such as
inclined, inverted, horizontal, vertical, etc., and in various
configurations, without departing from the principles of this
disclosure. The embodiments are described merely as examples of
useful applications of the principles of the disclosure, which is
not limited to any specific details of these embodiments.
[0165] In the above description of the representative examples,
directional terms (such as "above," "below," "upper," "lower,"
etc.) are used for convenience in referring to the accompanying
drawings. However, it should be clearly understood that the scope
of this disclosure is not limited to any particular directions
described herein.
[0166] Of course, a person skilled in the art would, upon a careful
consideration of the above description of representative
embodiments of the disclosure, readily appreciate that many
modifications, additions, substitutions, deletions, and other
changes may be made to the specific embodiments, and such changes
are contemplated by the principles of this disclosure. Accordingly,
the foregoing detailed description is to be clearly understood as
being given by way of illustration and example only, the spirit and
scope of the invention being limited solely by the appended claims
and their equivalents.
* * * * *