U.S. patent application number 17/027828 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-24 for inflow control device with preferential fluid restriction.
This patent application is currently assigned to Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Matthew J. Krueger. Invention is credited to Matthew J. Krueger.
Application Number | 20220090466 17/027828 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | |
Filed Date | 2022-03-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220090466 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Krueger; Matthew J. |
March 24, 2022 |
INFLOW CONTROL DEVICE WITH PREFERENTIAL FLUID RESTRICTION
Abstract
An inflow control device (ICD) includes an inlet, an outlet
spaced from the inlet, and a flapping member arranged between the
inlet and the outlet. The flapping member is responsive to vortex
induced vibrations to selectively exclude at least one fluid from
passing through the outlet.
Inventors: |
Krueger; Matthew J.;
(Cypress, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Krueger; Matthew J. |
Cypress |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Baker Hughes Oilfield Operations
LLC
Houston
TX
|
Appl. No.: |
17/027828 |
Filed: |
September 22, 2020 |
International
Class: |
E21B 34/08 20060101
E21B034/08 |
Claims
1. An inflow control device (ICD) comprising: an inlet; an outlet
spaced from the inlet; and a flapping member arranged between the
inlet and the outlet, the flapping member being responsive to
vortex induced vibrations to selectively exclude at least one fluid
from passing through the outlet.
2. The ICD according to claim 1, further comprising: a flow channel
having a first side wall, a second side wall, and a base wall
joining the first side wall and the second side wall, the flapping
member being pivotally suspended between the first and second side
walls.
3. The ICD according to claim 2, wherein the flapping member
includes a first side, an opposing second side, a rounded leading
edge extending between the first side and the second side and a
valve portion extending from the rounded leading edge.
4. The ICD according to claim 3, wherein the flapping member
includes a first pin extending from the first side into the first
side wall and a second pin extending from the second side into the
second side wall, the first and second pins pivotally supporting
the flapping member between the first and second side walls.
5. The ICD according to claim 4, further comprising: a spring
member mounted to one of the first pin and the second pin, the
spring member biasing the flapping member to a neutral
position.
6. The ICD according to claim 5, wherein the spring member is
positioned between the one of the first side wall and the second
side wall and the corresponding one of the first side and the
second side.
7. The ICD according to claim 3, wherein the inlet is defined
between the first side wall and the second side wall and the outlet
is defined in the base wall.
8. The ICD according to claim 1, wherein the flapping member
includes an airfoil-shaped cross-section.
9. A resource exploration and recovery system comprising: a surface
system; and a sub-surface system including a tubular string
fluidically connected to the surface system, the tubular string
including an inflow control device (ICD) that restricts inflow of
one fluid in preference for another fluid, the ICD including: an
inlet; an outlet spaced from the inlet; and a flapping member
arranged between the inlet and the outlet, the flapping member
being responsive to vortex induced vibrations to selectively
exclude at least one fluid from passing through the outlet.
10. The resource exploration and recovery system according to claim
9, further comprising: a flow channel having a first side wall, a
second side wall, and a base wall joining the first side wall and
the second side wall, the flapping member being pivotally suspended
between the first and second side walls.
11. The resource exploration and recovery system according to claim
10, wherein the flapping member includes a first side, an opposing
second side, a rounded leading edge extending between the first
side and the second side, and a valve portion extending from the
rounded leading edge.
12. The resource exploration and recovery system according to claim
11, wherein the flapping member includes a first pin extending from
the first side into the first side wall and a second pin extending
from the second side into the second side wall, the first and
second pins pivotally supporting the flapping member between the
first and second side walls.
13. The resource exploration and recovery system according to claim
12, further comprising: a spring member mounted to one of the first
pin and the second pin, the spring member biasing the flapping
member to a neutral position.
14. The resource exploration and recovery system according to claim
13, wherein the spring member is positioned between the one of the
first side wall and the second side wall and the corresponding one
of the first side and the second side.
15. The resource exploration and recovery system according to claim
11, wherein the inlet is defined between the first side wall and
the second side wall and the outlet is defined in the base
wall.
16. The resource exploration and recovery system according to claim
9, wherein the flapping member includes an airfoil-shaped
cross-section.
17. A method of passing a selected fluid from an inlet to an outlet
of an inflow control device (ICD) comprising: passing a
non-selected fluid into the inlet of the ICD; flowing the
non-selected fluid over a flapping member positioned downstream of
the inlet; inducing a vortex induced vibration of the flapping
member with the non-selected fluid; and pivoting the flapping
member at a selected frequency to inhibit the non-selected fluid
passing to the outlet of the ICD.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: biasing the
flapping member to a neutral position with a spring.
19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: passing a selected
fluid over the flapping member; and maintaining the flapping member
in the neutral position thereby allowing the selected fluid to flow
to the outlet.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein passing the non-selected fluid
includes flowing a water-based fluid over the flapping member.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] In the resource recovery industry inflow control devices
(ICD's) are employed to allow formation fluids to pass from a
wellbore into a production tubular. Typically, the ICD is arranged
in or near a screen system which traps particles that may be
entrained in the formation fluids. Many inflow control devices
include choking systems that are controlled by operators. The
choking systems are designed to reduce an inflow of non-selected
fluids, such as water, with selected fluids, such as oil. Manually
controlling chokes is a complicated process requiring a
communication link that is coupled to each inflow control device,
sensors to detect parameters of the fluid and may be slow to
respond. Accordingly, companies would welcome an autonomous system
for choking fluids passing into an ICD.
SUMMARY
[0002] Disclosed is an inflow control device (ICD) including an
inlet, an outlet spaced from the inlet, and a flapping member
arranged between the inlet and the outlet. The flapping member is
responsive to vortex induced vibrations to selectively exclude at
least one fluid from passing through the outlet.
[0003] Also disclosed is a resource exploration and recovery system
including a surface system, and a sub-surface system including a
tubular string fluidically connected to the surface system. The
tubular string includes an inflow control device (ICD) that
restricts inflow of one fluid in preference for another fluid. The
ICD includes an inlet, an outlet spaced from the inlet, and a
flapping member arranged between the inlet and the outlet. The
flapping member is responsive to vortex induced vibrations to
selectively exclude at least one fluid from passing through the
outlet.
[0004] Further disclosed is a method of passing a selected fluid
from an inlet to an outlet of an inflow control device (ICD)
including passing a non-selected fluid into the inlet of the ICD,
flowing the non-selected fluid over a flapping member positioned
downstream of the inlet, inducing a vortex induced vibration of the
flapping member with the non-selected fluid, and pivoting the
flapping member at a selected frequency to inhibit the non-selected
fluid passing to the outlet of the ICD.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The following descriptions should not be considered limiting
in any way. With reference to the accompanying drawings, like
elements are numbered alike:
[0006] FIG. 1 depicts a resource exploration and recovery system
including an inflow control device (ICD), in accordance with an
exemplary embodiment;
[0007] FIG. 2 depicts a tubular supporting a screen system having
the ICD, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0008] FIG. 3 depicts a partial cross-sectional view of the ICD, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment;
[0009] FIG. 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of the ICD, in
accordance with an exemplary embodiment; and
[0010] FIG. 5 depicts a partial view of the ICD, in accordance with
an exemplary embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the
disclosed apparatus and method are presented herein by way of
exemplification and not limitation with reference to the
Figures.
[0012] A resource exploration and recovery system, in accordance
with an exemplary embodiment, is indicated generally at 10, in FIG.
1. Resource exploration and recovery system 10 should be understood
to include well drilling operations, completions, resource
extraction and recovery, CO.sub.2 sequestration, and the like.
Resource exploration and recovery system 10 may include a first
system 14 which, in some environments, may take the form of a
surface system 16 operatively and fluidically connected to a second
system 18 which, in some environments, may take the form of a
subsurface or downhole system (not separately labeled).
[0013] First system 14 may include a control system 23 that may
provide power to, monitor, communicate with, and/or activate one or
more downhole operations as will be discussed herein. Surface
system 16 may include additional systems such as pumps, fluid
storage systems, cranes and the like (not shown). Second system 18
includes a work string 30 which may be formed from one or a system
of interconnected tubulars such as indicated at 32. Work string 30
extends into a wellbore 34 formed in a formation 36. Wellbore 34
includes an annular wall 42 which may be defined by a casing
tubular 44 that may be spaced from a surface (not separately
labeled) of formation 36 by an amount of cement (not shown).
[0014] A packer 50 is positioned in wellbore 34. Packer 50 defines
a resource recovery zone 52. Another packer (not shown) may be
positioned downhole of packer 50. A production tubular 54 may
extend from packer 50 downhole through resource recovery zone 52.
Production tubular 54 may include one or more screen systems such
as indicated at 58 that capture debris or other particulate that
may be entrained in fluids passing into production tubular 54.
Screen system 58 includes an inflow control device (ICD) 60 that
provides a passage that is allows passage of a selected fluid into
production tubular 54. At this point, it should be understood that
the number of packers positioned along wellbore 34 may vary.
Further, the number of screen systems in each resource recovery
zone may vary.
[0015] Referring to FIG. 2 and with continued reference to FIG. 1,
production tubular 54 includes an outer surface 70 and an inner
surface 72 that defines a flow bore 74. A screen 78 is provided at
outer surface 70. Screen 78 is connected to production tubular 54
through a shroud 80. Screen 78 and shroud 80 are spaced from outer
surface 70 by a flow channel 82 having an opening 84. With this
arrangement, screen 78 defines an inlet (not separately labeled)
into flow channel 82 while opening 84 defines an outlet (also not
separately labeled) that leads to flow bore 74. As shown in FIG. 3,
flow channel 82 includes a first side wall 86, a second side wall
88, a base wall 90 which may be defined by outer surface 70 of
production tubular 54 and an outer wall 92 which may be defined by
an inner surface (not separately labeled) of shroud 80.
[0016] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment, a flapping
member 100 is pivotally mounted in flow channel 82 between screen
78 and opening 84. Flapping member 100 is supported between first
side wall 86 and second side wall 88. In an embodiment, flapping
member 100 includes a first side 106, a second side 108 and an
outer surface 112. Flapping member 100 includes a rounded leading
edge 114 that is exposed to a fluid flow and a valve portion 116
that may selectively block or shield opening 84 so as to choke
fluid flow into flow bore 74. A first pin 120 projects outwardly
relative to first side 106 and extends into first side wall 86. A
second pin 122 projects outwardly relative to second side 108 and
extends into second side wall 88. Flapping member 100 may pivot
about an axis that extends through first pin 120 and second pin
122.
[0017] In an embodiment, flapping member 100 may be supported
between first side wall 86 and second side wall 88 through a
corresponding first spring member 128 and a second spring member
130. First and second spring members 128 and 130 bias flapping
member to a neutral position that provides a generally unobstructed
flow path between screen 78 and opening 84. The term "generally
unobstructed" should be understood to describe that while flapping
member 100 extends across flow channel 82, selected production
fluids readily pass into opening 84.
[0018] In accordance with an exemplary aspect, flapping member 100
is designed to respond to fluids passing through flow channel 82.
Selected fluids, such as oil, flow into rounded leading edge 114
across valve portion 116 and through opening 84. Non-selected
fluids, such as water, cause flapping member 100 to oscillate at a
selected frequency thereby acting as a choke. More specifically,
vortex induced vibrations (VIV) caused by the non-selected fluid
contacting founded leading edge 114 cause flapping member to pivot
at the selected frequency. Valve portion 116 covers opening 84 at
the selected frequency creating an impediment in flow channel 82
that blocks or chokes the flow of the non-selected fluid.
[0019] VIV are affected by fluid density (viscosity). That is fluid
with a first density flowing onto rounded leading edge 114 may
cause VIV of flapping member 100 while fluids at a second density
flowing onto rounded leading edge 114, will produce little if any
VIV allowing spring members 128 and 130 to maintain flapping member
100 in the neutral position. Thus, in an embodiment, flapping
member 100 is designed to respond to water having a known density
by inducing VIV flapping member. Further, flapping member 100 is
designed to have little or no response to a flow of oil, having a
density different than the known density of water, hitting rounded
leading edge 114. In this manner, flapping member 100 allows oil to
flow toward opening 84 while choking water flow.
[0020] In another embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, spring member 128
may include a first tang 133 that engages first side wall 86 and a
second tang 135 that engages with first side 106. With this
arrangement spring member 128 both supports and defines the pivot
axis for flapping member 100. It should be understood, that with
such an arrangement, second spring member 130 would be similarly
constructed. Further, while each spring member 128, 130 is shown to
be exposed to flow, another arrangement may house spring members in
the side walls of the flow channel of the sides of the flapping
member. Still further flapping member 100 may be additively
manufactured with the spring members 128, 130 to form a
uni-body/integral construction that enhances manufacturability and
fatigue resistance.
[0021] Set forth below are some embodiments of the foregoing
disclosure:
[0022] Embodiment 1. An inflow control device (ICD) comprising: an
inlet; an outlet spaced from the inlet; and a flapping member
arranged between the inlet and the outlet, the flapping member
being responsive to vortex induced vibrations to selectively
exclude at least one fluid from passing through the outlet.
[0023] Embodiment 2. The ICD according to any prior embodiment,
further comprising: a flow channel having a first side wall, a
second side wall, and a base wall joining the first side wall and
the second side wall, the flapping member being pivotally suspended
between the first and second side walls.
[0024] Embodiment 3. The ICD according to any prior embodiment,
wherein the flapping member includes a first side, an opposing
second side, a rounded leading edge extending between the first
side and the second side and a valve portion extending from the
rounded leading edge.
[0025] Embodiment 4. The ICD according to any prior embodiment,
wherein the flapping member includes a first pin extending from the
first side into the first side wall and a second pin extending from
the second side into the second side wall, the first and second
pins pivotally supporting the flapping member between the first and
second side walls.
[0026] Embodiment 5. The ICD according to any prior embodiment,
further comprising: a spring member mounted to one of the first pin
and the second pin, the spring member biasing the flapping member
to a neutral position.
[0027] Embodiment 6. The ICD according to any prior embodiment,
wherein the spring member is positioned between the one of the
first side wall and the second side wall and the corresponding one
of the first side and the second side.
[0028] Embodiment 7. The ICD according to any prior embodiment,
wherein the inlet is defined between the first side wall and the
second side wall and the outlet is defined in the base wall.
[0029] Embodiment 8. The ICD according to any prior embodiment,
wherein the flapping member includes an airfoil-shaped
cross-section.
[0030] Embodiment 9. A resource exploration and recovery system
comprising: a surface system; and a sub-surface system including a
tubular string fluidically connected to the surface system, the
tubular string including an inflow control device (ICD) that
restricts inflow of one fluid in preference for another fluid, the
ICD including: an inlet; an outlet spaced from the inlet; and a
flapping member arranged between the inlet and the outlet, the
flapping member being responsive to vortex induced vibrations to
selectively exclude at least one fluid from passing through the
outlet.
[0031] Embodiment 10. The resource exploration and recovery system
according to any prior embodiment, further comprising: a flow
channel having a first side wall, a second side wall, and a base
wall joining the first side wall and the second side wall, the
flapping member being pivotally suspended between the first and
second side walls.
[0032] Embodiment 11. The resource exploration and recovery system
according to any prior embodiment, wherein the flapping member
includes a first side, an opposing second side, a rounded leading
edge extending between the first side and the second side, and a
valve portion extending from the rounded leading edge.
[0033] Embodiment 12. The resource exploration and recovery system
according to any prior embodiment, wherein the flapping member
includes a first pin extending from the first side into the first
side wall and a second pin extending from the second side into the
second side wall, the first and second pins pivotally supporting
the flapping member between the first and second side walls.
[0034] Embodiment 13. The resource exploration and recovery system
according to any prior embodiment, further comprising: a spring
member mounted to one of the first pin and the second pin, the
spring member biasing the flapping member to a neutral
position.
[0035] Embodiment 14. The resource exploration and recovery system
according to any prior embodiment, wherein the spring member is
positioned between the one of the first side wall and the second
side wall and the corresponding one of the first side and the
second side.
[0036] Embodiment 15. The resource exploration and recovery system
according to any prior embodiment, wherein the inlet is defined
between the first side wall and the second side wall and the outlet
is defined in the base wall.
[0037] Embodiment 16. The resource exploration and recovery system
according to any prior embodiment, wherein the flapping member
includes an airfoil-shaped cross-section.
[0038] Embodiment 17. A method of passing a selected fluid from an
inlet to an outlet of an inflow control device (ICD) comprising:
passing a non-selected fluid into the inlet of the ICD; flowing the
non-selected fluid over a flapping member positioned downstream of
the inlet; inducing a vortex induced vibration of the flapping
member with the non-selected fluid; and pivoting the flapping
member at a selected frequency to inhibit the non-selected fluid
passing to the outlet of the ICD.
[0039] Embodiment 18. The method according to any prior embodiment,
further comprising: biasing the flapping member to a neutral
position with a spring.
[0040] Embodiment 19. The method according to any prior embodiment,
further comprising: passing a selected fluid over the flapping
member; and maintaining the flapping member in the neutral position
thereby allowing the selected fluid to flow to the outlet.
[0041] Embodiment 20. The method according to any prior embodiment,
wherein passing the non-selected fluid includes flowing a
water-based fluid over the flapping member.
[0042] The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar
referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in
the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover
both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein
or clearly contradicted by context. Further, it should be noted
that the terms "first," "second," and the like herein do not denote
any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to
distinguish one element from another.
[0043] The terms "about" and "substantially" are intended to
include the degree of error associated with measurement of the
particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time
of filing the application. For example, "about" and/or
"substantially" can include a range of .+-.8% or 5%, or 2% of a
given value.
[0044] The teachings of the present disclosure may be used in a
variety of well operations. These operations may involve using one
or more treatment agents to treat a formation, the fluids resident
in a formation, a wellbore, and/or equipment in the wellbore, such
as production tubing. The treatment agents may be in the form of
liquids, gases, solids, semi-solids, and mixtures thereof.
Illustrative treatment agents include, but are not limited to,
fracturing fluids, acids, steam, water, brine, anti-corrosion
agents, cement, permeability modifiers, drilling muds, emulsifiers,
demulsifiers, tracers, flow improvers etc. Illustrative well
operations include, but are not limited to, hydraulic fracturing,
stimulation, tracer injection, cleaning, acidizing, steam
injection, water flooding, cementing, etc.
[0045] While the invention has been described with reference to an
exemplary embodiment or embodiments, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents
may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the
scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made
to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include
all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims. Also, in
the drawings and the description, there have been disclosed
exemplary embodiments of the invention and, although specific terms
may have been employed, they are unless otherwise stated used in a
generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of
limitation, the scope of the invention therefore not being so
limited.
* * * * *