• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    An assembly for restricting fluid flow into a completion string o f a well and restricting fluids based on one or more fluid characteristics is presented. The assembly includes an adjustable inflow control device. The adjustable inflow control device is for restricting flow of production fluids into the completion string. The assembly also includes a first autonomous inflow control device fluidly coupled to the inflow control device for restricting fluids based on one or more fluid characteristics. Others systems and methods are presented.
    公开号:DK201500812A1
    申请号:DK201500812
    申请日:2015-12-17
    公开日:2016-01-11
    发明作者:Stephen Michael Greci；Jena-Marc Lopez；James Jun Kang
    申请人:Halliburton Energy Services Inc；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    ADJUSTABLE FLOW CONTROL ASSEMBLIES, SYSTEMS, AND METHODS
    FIELD
    [0001] The present disclosure relates generally to flow control in oil wells and moreparticularly, but not by way of limitation, to adjustable flow control assemblies, systems, andmethods.
    BACKGROUND
    [0002] Hydrocarbons, e.g., crude Oil and natural gas, occur naturally in subsurfacedeposits. After such deposits are located in commercial amounts, an oil well is drilled to developthe resources. Once the drilling process is finished, the well is completed to facilitateproduction. During production it is desirable to control the flow in production zones of the well.
    BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [0003] FIGURE 1 is a schematic diagram of a w ell system including an illustrativeembodiment of a plurality of assemblies for restricting fluid flow into a completion string andrestricting fluids based on one or more fluid characteristics;
    [0004] FIGURE 2 is a schematic diagram presenting, inter alia, an illustrativeembodiment of an assembly for restricting fluid flow into a completion string and restrictingfluids based on one or more fluid characteristics;
    [0005] FIGURE 3 is a schematic longitudinal cross section of a portion of a completionstring showing an illustrative embodiment of assembly for restricting fluid flow into acompletion string and restricting fluids based on one or more fluid characteristics;
    [0006] FIGURE 4 is a schematic diagram of an autonomous inflow control device takenalong 4-4 and circumferentially in FIGURE 3 and “unrolled”;
    [0007] FIGURE 5 is a schematic diagram showing an illustrative embodiment of aplurality of assemblies for restricting fluid flow into a completion string and restricting fluidsbased on one or more fluid characteristics;
    [0008] FIGURE 6 is another illustrative embodiment of an assembly for restricting fluidflow into a completion string and restricting fluids based on one or more fluid characteristics;and
    [0009] FIGURE 7 is a cross section taken along line 7-7 in FIGURE 6 and including thefull circumference.
    DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
    [0010] In the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments, reference ismade to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof. These embodiments are describedin sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is understoodthat other embodiments may be utilized and that logical structural, mechanical, electrical, andchemical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Toavoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments describedherein, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. Thefollowing detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope ofthe illustrative embodiments are defined only by the appended claims.
    [0011] In the drawings and description that follow, like parts are typically markedthroughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals, respectively. Thedrawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certain features of the invention may be shownexaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form and some details of conventional elementsmay not be shown in the interest of clarity and conciseness.
    [0012] Unless otherwise specified, any use of any form of the terms "connect," "engage,""couple," "attach," or any other term describing an interaction between elements is not meant tolimit the interaction to direct interaction between the elements and may also include indirectinteraction between the elements described. In the following discussion and in the claims, theterms "including" and "comprising" are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should beinterpreted to mean "including, but not limited to . . .The term "zone" or "pay zone" as usedherein refers to separate parts of the wellbore designated for treatment or production and mayrefer to an entire hydrocarbon formation or separate portions of a single formation such ashorizontally or vertically spaced portions of the same formation. Unless otherwise indicated, asused throughout this document, “or” does not require mutual exclusivity.
    [0013] As used herein, the term "zonal isolation tool" will be used to identify any type ofdevice operable to control the flow of fluids or isolate pressure zones within a wellbore,including but not limited to a bridge plug, a fracture plug, and a packer. The term zonal isolationtool may be used to refer to a permanent device or a retrievable device.
    [0014] As used herein, the terms "seal", "sealing", "sealing engagement" or "hydraulicseal" are intended to include a "perfect seal", and an "imperfect seal. A "perfect seal" may refer to a flow restriction (seal) that prevents all fluid flow across or through the flow restriction andforces all fluid to be redirected or stopped. An "imperfect seal" may refer to a flow restriction(seal) that substantially prevents fluid flow across or through the flow restriction and forces asubstantial portion of the fluid to be redirected or stopped.
    [0015] Referring now to the drawings and initially to FIGURE 1, a well system 100including a plurality of flow control assemblies 102 for receiving desired fluids, such as heavyhydrocarbons, from a wellbore 104 while restricting undesired fluids, such as gas or water ispresented. The assembly 102 restricts fluid flow into a completion string and restricts fluidsbased on one or more fluid characteristics.
    [0016] The wellbore 104 extends through various earth strata. In this embodiment, thewellbore 104 includes a substantially vertical portion 106 and a substantially horizontal portion108. An upper portion of the vertical portion 106 includes a casing or casing string 110 withcement 112 disposed between the wellbore 104 and the casing 110. A tubing string or tubing 114 is disposed within the wellbore 104 and extends from the surface 116. The tubing string 114provides a conduit for moving production fluids to the surface 116, near derrick 117. A distalportion, or lower end, of the tubing string 114 is a fluidly coupled to a completion string 118 or aspecialized portion of the tubing string 114. A plurality of zonal isolation tools 120, e.g., a swellpacker, is used to form a plurality of production zones. The production zones or intervals arepositioned adjacent to the target formation 122.
    [0017] At this point, it should be noted that the well system 100 is illustrated in thedrawings and is described herein as merely one example of a wide variety of well systems inwhich the principles of this disclosure can be utilized. It should be clearly understood that theprinciples of this disclosure are not limited at all to any of the details of the well system 100, orcomponents thereof, depicted in the drawings or described herein.
    [0018] For example, it is not necessary in keeping with the principles of this disclosurefor the wellbore 104 to include a generally vertical wellbore section 106 or a generally horizontalwellbore section 104. It is not necessary for fluids to be only produced from the formation 122since, in other examples, fluids could be injected into a formation, fluids could be both injectedinto and produced from a formation, etc.
    [0019] Referring now primarily to FIGURES 1 and 2, the horizontal portion 108 of thewellbore 104 allows operators to exploit narrow, oil-bearing formations. Yet without more, the horizontal portion 108 can cause unwanted gas or water to migrate into the wellbore 104 becauseof heel-toe effect or other circumstances such as formation heterogeneities and or verticalfractions. Pressure restrictions are used control the flow in the production zones. Theproduction zones are the spaces formed between adjacent isolation tools 120.
    [0020] The completion string 118 includes the plurality of flow control assemblies 102.At least one flow control assembly 102 is typically disposed within each production zone orinterval between isolation tools 120. Each flow control assembly 102 includes at least oneinflow control device (ICD) 124 and at least one autonomous inflow control device (AICD) 126.The user can select the number of inflow control devices 124 and autonomous inflow controldevice 126 included with each joint or positioned within each production zone. The flow controlassembly 102 may be placed downstream of a filter unit and upstream of inlet flow ports in asand-screen base pipe or elsewhere.
    [0021] The inflow control devices 124 help provide uniformity to the inflow byrestricting high specific inflow segments or zones while increasing inflow from otherwise lowproductivity segments on zones. The inflow control devices 124 delay breakthrough of gas orwater by typically creating a pressure drop along the completion string 118. For example, in ahorizontal well, the inflow control devices are used to create an effective pressure drop or flowrestriction in the heel that is greater than in the toe. The inflow control devices 124 may beselected from one or more of the following: orifice/nozzle (restrictive), helical-channel/labyrinthpathway (frictional), and hybrids (restrictive and frictional). The orifice/nozzle type inflowcontrol devices use fluid constriction to produce differential pressure across the tool. Thehelical/labyrinth type inflow control devices use surface friction to produce a pressure drop. Forexample, a helical-channel design may include one or more flow channels wrapped around abase pipe of a screen. The hybrid design may use a series of flow passages (restrictive) but alsoinclude a series of bulkheads with slots.
    [0022] The inflow control devices 124 that are controllable or able to be adjusted at thewell site, which includes anywhere outside the manufacturing site, are referenced herein asadjustable inflow control devices. For example, the inflow control devices 124 may include aplurality of tubes that can be opened or plugged any time prior to running in the wellbore. Asanother alternative, the inflow control devices 124 may be adjustable by including a plurality of nozzles that can be intentionally opened or plugged any time prior to running in the wellbore.Other techniques may be used to adjust the inflow control devices 124.
    [0023] The adjustable inflow control device 124 may be a tube-type that may be adjustedon-site by allowing tubes to be intentionally opened or plugged and can be adjusted any timeprior to running in hole. In one illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, the adjustable tube inflowcontrol device includes of six tubes with the following quantities and sizes: 3 x 0.125 inches(0.318 centimeters); 2 X 0.100 inches (0.254 centimeters); and 1 x 0.075 inches (0.191centimeters). The user has a choice of how many of the six tubes will be open. Numerous typesof inflow control devices may be used.
    [0024] The adjustable tube inflow control device 124 may be the adjustable nozzle type.In one illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, the adjustable nozzle type inflow control deviceforces fluid through a long, square edged tungsten carbide nozzle to create a pressure restriction.This is an on-site adjustable device that allows nozzles to be intentionally opened or plugged andcan be adjusted any time prior to running in hole. Again, numerous types of inflow controldevices may be used.
    [0025] As suggested in FIGURE 2, fluid flows from the formation 122 through anoptional screen 128 into the inflow control device 124. The fluid flows from the inflow controldevice 124 to the autonomous inflow control device 126 and then into the tubing of thecompletion string 118. One or more inflow control devices 124 may be included with each flowassembly 102, and one or more autonomous inflow control devices 126 may be included witheach flow assembly 102. The screen 128 may be a swell screen, a wrap, a mesh, sintered,expanded, pre-packed, treat, or other screen type. In other embodiments, valves may be includedfor adjusting flow.
    [0026] The autonomous inflow control devices 126 function like an inflow control deviceduring production by creating or helping to create a pressure restriction, but at breakthrough theautonomous inflow control devices 126 also minimize the flow of water or gas. This additionalfunctionality may be accomplished in a number of ways.
    [0027] In one illustrative embodiment, the autonomous inflow control devices 126 usedynamic fluid technology to differentiate between fluid flowing in the device in order tomaximize oil production. In this embodiment, the autonomous inflow control devices 126 workby directing fluid through different flow paths within the tool. Higher viscosity oil takes a short, direct path through the tool with a lower pressure differential, and water and gas spin at highvelocities before flowing through an assembly, thereby experiencing a large pressure differential.
    [0028] In one illustrative embodiment, the autonomous inflow control device 126 mayinclude a viscosity selector, a flow switch, and a flow restrictor. The viscosity selector utilizes asystem of flow paths which, based on fluid viscosity, density and velocity, directs the fluid that isflowing and divides the total flow among two flow paths. Based off the fluid selector’s outputthe flow switch, or “fluid cross road” directs the majority of the selected fluid down one of twoseparate paths based on the fluid’s characteristics. The fluid restrictor restricts the flow ofunwanted fluid - gas or water - from entering the wellbore yet keeps the desired productionflowing.
    [0029] Referring now primarily to FIGURES 3 and 4, an illustrative, non-limitingembodiment of a flow control assembly 202 for restricting fluid flow into an interior of thecompletion string 218 and restricting fluids based on one or more fluid characteristics ispresented. The assembly 202 is coupled to a base pipe 231, which is a portion of the completionstring 218. The assembly 202 may include or be associated with a screen 228 that receives fluid232 from the target formation 222. The flow control assembly 202 includes at least one inflowcontrol device 224 and at least one autonomous inflow control device 226.
    [0030] The fluid 232 flows through the screen 228 and into the inflow control device224. The inflow control device 224 in this embodiment is an adjustable tube-type inflow controldevice 234. The tube-type inflow control device 234 includes a flow tube housing 236 coupledto a base pipe 231. The flow tube housing 236 includes a channel or aperture 238 that receives aflow tube or tube 240.
    [0031] Each flow tube 240 has an inlet 242 and an outlet 244. The tube 240 restrictsfluid flow and may be sized as appropriate for the desired pressure restriction. While only oneportion of the flow tube housing 236 is shown and only one flow tube 240, it should beunderstood that additional tubes 240 may be placed circumferentially around the base pipe 231.In one illustrative, non-limiting embodiment, six tubes 240 are included ranging from .075 to.125 inches (0.191 to 0.318 centimeters) in diameter. Of course, other dimensions arecontemplated and these dimensions are mentioned for illustration purposes only. The one ormore of the tubes 240 may be plugged initially. The user may unplug as many of the tubes 240as desired onsite to adjust the desired pressure restriction. In other embodiments, an eccentric design may be used with the inflow control devices primarily on one side or portion of the basepipe. This may be particularly advantageous in workover situations.
    [0032] Fluid 232 exiting the ICD outlet 244 is delivered through a fluid chamber 248 tothe autonomous inflow control device 226 and enters AICD inlet 250. In this example, the fluidcomposition 232 (which can include one or more fluids, such as oil and water, liquid water andsteam, oil and gas, gas and water, oil, water and gas, etc.) flows initially into the well screen 228,is thereby filtered, flows through the inflow control devices 224, and then flows eventually intothe AICD inlet 250 of the autonomous inflow control device 226, or variable flow resistancesystem. A fluid composition can include one or more undesired or desired fluids. Both steamand water can be combined in a fluid composition. As another example, oil, water or gas can becombined in a fluid composition.
    [0033] Flow of the fluid composition 232 through the autonomous inflow control device226 is resisted based on one or more characteristics (such as density, viscosity, velocity, etc.) ofthe fluid composition. This is important at breakthrough in order to maximize production. Thefluid 252 is then discharged from the autonomous inflow control device 226 to an interior of thetubular string or completion string 218 via an AICD outlet 254 that is fluidly coupled toproduction port 255 in the base pipe 231.
    [0034] In other examples, the well screen 228 may not be used in conjunction with theautonomous inflow control device 226 (e.g., in injection operations). The fluid composition 232could also flow in an opposite direction through the various elements of the well system 100(e.g., in injection operations). In some embodiments, a single autonomous inflow control device226 could be used in conjunction with multiple well screens 228. In some embodiments, theautonomous inflow control devices 226 could be used with one or more well screens and thefluid composition could be received from or discharged into regions of a well other than anannulus or a tubular string. The fluid composition could flow through the autonomous inflowcontrol device 226 prior to flowing through the well screen 228. Any components could beinterconnected upstream or downstream of the well screen 228 or autonomous inflow controldevice 226, etc. Thus, it will be appreciated that the principles of this disclosure are not limited atall to the details of the example depicted in FIGURE 3 and described herein.
    [0035] Although the well screen 228 depicted in FIGURE 3 is of the type known to thoseskilled 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, inflowcontrol devices, etc.) may also be used, if desired.
    [0036] The autonomous inflow control device 226 is depicted in simplified form inFIGURE 3, but in another example, the device can include various passages and devices forperforming various functions. In addition, the device 226 may at least partially extendcircumferentially about the string 218, or the device 226 may be formed in a wall of a tubularstructure interconnected as part of the tubular string.
    [0037] In other examples, the autonomous inflow control device 226 may not extendcircumferentially about a tubular string or be formed in a wall of a tubular structure. Forexample, the autonomous inflow control device 226 could be formed in a flat stmcture, etc. Thedevice 226 could be in a separate housing that is attached to the tubular string 218, or it could beoriented so that the axis of the outlet 254 is parallel to the axis of the tubular string. The device226 could be attached to a device that is not tubular in shape. Any orientation or configuration ofthe system 25 may be used in keeping with the principles of this disclosure.
    [0038] Referring additionally now to FIGURE 4, a more detailed diagram of oneexample of the autonomous inflow control device 226 is representatively illustrated. The device226 is depicted in FIGURE 4 as if a cross section along the circumference was taken and is"unrolled" from its circumferentially extending configuration to a generally planar configuration.
    [0039] As described above, the fluid composition 232 eventually enters the autonomousinflow control device 226 via the inlet 250, and exits the system via the outlet 254. A resistanceto flow of the fluid composition 232 through the device 226 varies based on one or morecharacteristics of the fluid composition.
    [0040] In the illustrative example of FIGURE 4, the fluid composition 232 initially flowsinto multiple flow passages 256, 258, and 262. The flow passages 256, 258, and 262 direct thefluid composition 232 to two flow path selection devices 264 and 266. The flow path selectiondevice 264 selects which of two flow paths 268, 270 a majority of the flow from the passages258, 260, 262 will enter, and the other flow path selection device 266 selects which of two flowpaths 272 and 274 a majority of the flow from the passages 256, 258, 260, 262 will enter.
    [0041] The flow passage 258 is configured to be more restrictive to flow of fluids havinghigher viscosity. Flow of increased viscosity fluids will be increasingly restricted through the flow passage 258. As used herein, the term "viscosity" is used to encompass both Newtonianand non-Newtonian rheological behaviors. Related rheological properties include kinematicviscosity, yield strength, viscoplasticity, surface tension, wettability, etc. For example, a desiredfluid can have a desired range of kinematic viscosity, yield strength, viscoplasticity, surfacetension, wettability, etc.
    [0042] The flow passage 258 may have a relatively small flow area. The flow passagemay require the fluid flowing therethrough to follow a tortuous path. Surface roughness or flowimpeding structures may be used to provide an increased resistance to flow of higher viscosityfluid, etc. Relatively low viscosity fluid, however, can flow through the flow passage 258 withrelatively low resistance to such flow.
    [0043] A control passage 278 of the flow path selection device 264 receives the fluidwhich flows through the flow passage 258. A control port 280 at an end of the control passage278 has a reduced flow area to thereby increase a velocity of the fluid exiting the controlpassage.
    [0044] The flow passage 262 is configured to have a flow resistance which is relativelyinsensitive to viscosity of fluids flowing therethrough, but which may be increasingly resistant toflow of higher velocity or higher density fluids. Flow of increased viscosity fluids may beincreasingly resisted through the flow passage 262, but not to as great an extent as flow of suchfluids would be resisted through the flow passage 258.
    [0045] In the illustrative example depicted in FIGURE 4, fluid flowing through the flowpassage 262 flows through a "vortex" chamber 276 prior to being discharged into a controlpassage 282 of the flow path selection device 264. Since the chamber 276 in this example has acylindrical shape with a central outlet, and the fluid composition 232 spirals about the chamber,increasing in velocity as it nears the outlet, driven by a pressure differential from the inlet to theoutlet, the chamber is referred to as a "vortex" chamber. In other examples, one or more orifices,venturis, nozzles, etc. may be used. The control passage 282 terminates at a control port 284.The control port 284 has a reduced flow area, in order to increase the velocity of the fluid exitingthe control passage 282.
    [0046] It will be appreciated that, as a viscosity of the fluid composition 232 increases, agreater proportion of the fluid composition will flow through the flow passage 262, controlpassage 282 and control port 284 (due to the flow passage 258 resisting flow of higher viscosity fluid more than the flow passage 262 and vortex chamber 276). Conversely, as a viscosity of thefluid composition 232 decreases, a greater proportion of the fluid composition will flow throughthe flow passage 258, control passage 278, and control port 280.
    [0047] Fluid which flows through the flow passage 260 also flows through a vortexchamber 286, which may be similar to the vortex chamber 276 (although the vortex chamber 286in a this example provides less resistance to flow therethrough than the vortex chamber 276), andis discharged into a central passage 288. The vortex chamber 286 is used for "resistancematching" to achieve a desired balance of flows through the flow passages 258, 260, and 262.
    [0048] Note that dimensions and other characteristics of the various components of theautonomous inflow control device 226 will need to be selected appropriately, so that desiredoutcomes are achieved. In the illustrative example of FIGURE 4, one desired outcome of theflow path selection device 264 is that flow of a majority of the fluid composition 232 whichflows through the flow passages 258, 260, 262 is directed into the flow path 268 when the fluidcomposition has a sufficiently high ratio of desired fluid to undesired fluid therein.
    [0049] In this example, the desired fluid is oil, which has a higher viscosity than water orgas, and so when a sufficiently high proportion of the fluid composition 36 is oil, a majority (orat least a greater proportion) of the fluid composition 232 which enters the flow path selectiondevice 264 will be directed to flow into the flow path 268, instead of into the flow path 270. Thisresult is achieved due to the fluid exiting the control port 284 at a greater rate, higher velocity orgreater momentum than fluid exiting the other control port 280, thereby influencing the fluidflowing from the passages 278, 282,288 to flow more toward the flow path 268.
    [0050] Tf the viscosity of the fluid composition 232 is not sufficiently high (and thus aratio of desired fluid to undesired fluid is below a selected level), a majority (or at least a greaterproportion) of the fluid composition which enters the flow path selection device 264 will bedirected to flow into the flow path 270, instead of into the flow path 268. This will be due to thefluid exiting the control port 280 at a greater rate, higher velocity or greater momentum thanfluid exiting the other control port 284, thereby influencing the fluid flowing from the passages278, 282, 288 to flow more toward the flow path 270.
    [0051] It will be appreciated that, by appropriately configuring the flow passages 258,260, 262, control passages 278, 282, control ports 280, 284, vortex chambers 276, 286, etc., theratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid composition 232 at which the device 264 selects either the flow passage 268 or 270 for flow of a majority of fluid from the device can be set tovarious different levels. The flow paths 268,270 direct fluid to respective control passages 290,292 of the other flow path selection device 266. The control passages 290, 292 terminate atrespective control ports 294,296. A central passage 289 receives fluid from the flow passage256.
    [0052] The flow path selection device 266 operates similar to the flow path selectiondevice 264, in that a majority of fluid which flows into the device 266 via the passages 289, 290,292 is directed toward one of the flow paths 272, 274, and the flow path selection depends on aratio of fluid discharged from the control ports 294, 296. If fluid flows through the control port294 at a greater rate, velocity or momentum as compared to fluid flowing through the controlport 296, then a majority (or at least a greater proportion) of the fluid composition 232 will bedirected to flow through the flow path 274. If fluid flows through the control port 296 at a greaterrate, velocity or momentum as compared to fluid flowing through the control port 294, then amajority (or at least a greater proportion) of the fluid composition 232 will be directed to flowthrough the flow path 272.
    [0053] Although two of the flow path selection devices 264, 266 are depicted in theexample of the autonomous flow control device 226 in FIGURE 4, it will be appreciated that anynumber (including one) of flow path selection devices may be used in keeping with theprinciples of this disclosure. The devices 264, 266 illustrated in FIGURE 4 are of the type knownto those skilled in the art as jet-type fluid ratio amplifiers, but other types of flow path selectiondevices (e.g., pressure-type fluid ratio amplifiers, bi-stable fluid switches, proportional fluid ratioamplifiers, etc.) may be used in keeping with the principles of this disclosure.
    [0054] Fluid which flows through the flow path 272 enters a flow chamber 298 via aninlet 299 which directs the fluid to enter the chamber generally tangentially (e.g., the chamber298 is shaped similar to a cylinder, and the inlet 299 is aligned with a tangent to a circumferenceof the cylinder). As a result, the fluid will spiral about the chamber 298, until it eventually exitsvia the outlet, as indicated schematically by arrow 297 in FIGURE 4.
    [0055] Fluid which flows through the flow path 274 enters the flow chamber 298 via aninlet 295 which directs the fluid to flow more directly toward the outlet 254 (e.g., in a radialdirection, as indicated schematically by arrow 293 in FIGURE 4). As will be readily appreciated, much less energy is consumed at the same flow rate when the fluid flows more directly towardthe outlet 254 as compared to when the fluid flows less directly toward the outlet.
    [0056] Thus, less resistance to flow is experienced when the fluid composition 232 flowsmore directly toward the outlet 254 and, conversely, more resistance to flow is experienced whenthe fluid composition flows less directly toward the outlet. Accordingly, working upstream fromthe outlet 254, less resistance to flow is experienced when a majority of the fluid composition232 flows into the chamber 298 from the inlet 295, and through the flow path 274.
    [0057] A majority of the fluid composition 232 flows through the flow path 274 whenfluid exits the control port 294 at a greater rate, velocity or momentum as compared to fluidexiting the control port 296. More fluid exits the control port 294 when a majority of the fluidflowing from the passages 278, 282,288 flows through the flow path 268. A majority of thefluid flowing from the passages 278, 282, 288 flows through the flow path 268 when fluid exitsthe control port 284 at a greater rate, velocity or momentum as compared to fluid exiting thecontrol port 280. More fluid exits the control port 284 when a viscosity of the fluid composition232 is above a selected level.
    [0058] Thus, flow through the autonomous inflow control device 226 is resisted lesswhen the fluid composition 232 has an increased viscosity (and a greater ratio of desired toundesired fluid therein). Flow through the autonomous inflow control device 226 is resisted morewhen the fluid composition 232 has a decreased viscosity.
    [0059] More resistance to flow is experienced when the fluid composition 232 flows lessdirectly toward the outlet 254 (e.g., as indicated by arrow 297). Thus, more resistance to flow isexperienced when a majority of the fluid composition 232 flows into the chamber 298 from theinlet 299, and through the flow path 272.
    [0060] A majority of the fluid composition 232 flows through the flow path 272 whenfluid exits the control port 296 at a greater rate, velocity or momentum as compared to fluidexiting the control port 294. More fluid exits the control port 296 when a majority of the fluidflowing from the passages 278, 282, 288 flows through the flow path 270, instead of through theflow path 268. A majority of the fluid flowing from the passages 278, 282,288 flows throughthe flow path 270 when fluid exits the control port 280 at a greater rate, velocity or momentumas compared to fluid exiting the control port 284. More fluid exits the control port 280 when aviscosity of the fluid composition 232 is below a selected level.
    [0061] As described above, the autonomous inflow control device 226 is configured toprovide less resistance to flow when the fluid composition 232 has an increased viscosity, andmore resistance to flow when the fluid composition has a decreased viscosity. This is beneficialwhen it is desired to flow more of a higher viscosity fluid, and less of a lower viscosity fluid(e.g., in order to produce more oil and less water or gas).
    [0062] If it is desired to flow more of a lower viscosity fluid, and less of a higherviscosity fluid (e.g., in order to produce more gas and less water, or to inject more steam and lesswater), then the autonomous inflow control device 226 may be readily reconfigured for thispurpose. For example, the inlets 299, 295 could conveniently be reversed, so that fluid whichflows through the flow path 272 is directed to the inlet 88, and fluid which flows through theflow path 274 is directed to the inlet 299.
    [0063] The autonomous inflow control device 226 presented is an illustrative, non¬limiting embodiment, and other embodiments and variation may utilized with the flow controlassembly. In other embodiments, an autonomous inflow control device with valves may be used.
    [0064] With respect to each flow control assembly, numerous permutations are possiblewith respect to the number and order of the inflow control devices and the autonomous flowcontrol devices. For example, without limitation, the flow control assembly may have oneinflow control device and two autonomous inflow control devices. The autonomous inflowcontrol devices may be standalone, separately-housed units or may be in a commoncompartment.
    [0065] For example, without limitation, referring now primarily to FIGURE 5, a flowcontrol assemblies 302 is shown having a first autonomous inflow control device 304, a secondautonomous inflow control device 306, and a third autonomous inflow control device 308.Alternatively, each of the autonomous inflow control devices or some sub-combination mayform the flow control assembly. As shown, each of the autonomous inflow control devices 304,306, and 308 has a separate housing 310, 312, and 314. Each of the autonomous inflow controldevices 304, 306, and 308 has inlet tubes 316, 318, 320 and outlet tubes 322, 324, 326. Theoutlet tubes 322, 324, and 326 are fluidly coupled to an interior of a completion string. The inlettubes 316, 318, 320 may all include inflow control devices 328, 330, 332. In other embodiments,the inflow control device may be omitted for one or more of the inlet tubes 316, 318, 320. Inanother embodiment, the length of the inlet tubes 316, 318, 320 may be varied to act as an inflow control device. In other words, similar to a helix-type ICD, the length of the tube can be used tocause the pressure restriction using friction. The embodiment of FIGURE 5 allows one toreadily select exactly the number of autonomous inflow control devices desired since they are indifferent compartments.
    [0066] Referring now primarily to FIGURE 6, another illustrative, non-limitingembodiment of a flow control assembly 402 is presented. The flow control assembly 402 isshown on an exterior 403 of a base pipe 404 of a completion string 406. Production fluid 408enters optional screen 410 from the wellbore and flows into an inflow control device 412 havinga restriction 414 in a body 416. The restriction 414 may be an aperture or channel or mayinclude a tube. Numerous tubes may be included circumferentially. The fluid exits the inflowcontrol device 412 into a common fluid compartment 418 and into an autonomous inflow controldevice 420. The autonomous inflow control device 420 has outlet 422 that is fluidly coupled to aproduction port 424 into the interior of the completion string 406.
    [0067] The flow control assembly 402 includes a sliding sleeve or cover 426. A threadedring 427 forms an aspect of the inflow control device 412. The threaded ring 427, which hasexterior threads 429 for mating with the sliding sleeve or cover 426, includes a plurality ofrestrictions 414, e.g.., channels or apertrues, installed into the flow path directly before theautonomous inflow control device 420. The restrictions 414 may be at least partially threaded toreceive and mate with a cap 431. Each of the restrictions 414 may be capped (block all flowthrough that particular restriction 414) with threaded screws or caps 431 to restrict the flowentering the autonomous inflow control device 420. For illustrations purposes, FIGURE 7 showsonly one restriction 414 capped by the cap 431. The amount of flow entering the autonomousinflow control device 420 can be controlled by the number of restrictions 414 capped. The capinstallation can be done at the surface by unthreading the sliding sleeve 426 to gain access to thethreaded ring 427 and removing or installing as many caps 431 as desired. The inflow controldevice 412 may arrive at the worksite with any number of the restrictions 414 capped.
    [0068] One advantage of the flow control assemblies herein is that potentially moreefficient supply services for wells may be provided. When only an autonomous inflow controldevice has been used for flow control before and after breakthrough, the autonomous inflowcontrol device had to be custom made or stocked in great numbers to accommodate differentflow characteristics desired for a particular formation or region. If manufacturing of the autonomous inflow control device was behind, this became a significant issue. With the flowcontrol assemblies herein, autonomous inflow control devices may be manufactured with astandard setting for the formations in a region of the world and the adjustable inflow controldevices may then be used onsite to adjust the overall flow characteristics or pressure restrictionsfor the particular formation being developed. This approach also allows for more fined tunedpressure restrictions.
    [0069] For example, according to one non-limiting embodiment, completion of a well ina specific formation in a production region of the world could include providing a plurality ofadjustable inflow control devices that can be adjusted onsite. Any of the types of inflow controldevices referenced earlier may be used provided that the user may adjust them in some fashiononsite. The approach also includes providing a plurality of autonomous inflow control deviceshaving a flow characteristics adjusted for a typical maximum condition for formations in thespecific region of the world. The formation and typical viscosity of the production fluid of aregion impact the degree of pressure restriction needed on average.
    [0070] If the average or typical well in a region, say the North Sea, has historicallyrequired or based on analysis will likely require a flow characteristic that typically is satisfiedwith two tubes in an autonomous flow control device, then the autonomous inflow controldevices sent for stock in the region would have that setting or some average initial setting.Similarly, other types of autonomous inflow control may be in other ways for the region. Thenwhen the flow characteristics desired for a specific formation are determined through experienceor modeling, the inflow control device(s) that will be associated with the autonomous inflowcontrol device(s) is adjusted to achieve the specific flow characteristics or pressure restrictiondesired. Thus, the overall flow control assembly will have the desired results and was able to beadjusted onsite.
    [0071] As the well is completed, a plurality of production zones are established usingisolation tools, and at least one of the flow control assemblies is disposed within a productionzone. Often, although not required, there would be one flow control assembly in each of theproduction zones.
    [0072] According one illustrative embodiment, a system for producing hydrocarbonsfrom a formation includes a tubing string extending from a surface location into a wellbore and acompletion string fluidly coupled to the tubing string for extending into a target formation and producing fluids from the target formation. The completion string includes a plurality ofisolation tools forming a plurality of production zones; at least one adjustable inflow controldevice disposed within a first production zone of the plurality of production zones; and at leastone autonomous inflow control device serially and fluidly coupled to the at least one adjustableinflow control device and disposed within the first production zone.
    [0073] Numerous variations of the system of the preceding paragraph are possible. Forexample, the at least one inflow control device may be an adjustable nozzle inflow controldevice, an adjustable tube inflow control device, an adjustable helix inflow control device, orother flow restricting device. As another example, the completion string comprises at least twoautonomous inflow control devices disposed in a production zone of the plurality of productionzones. As another example, the completion string may include at least two autonomous inflowcontrol devices disposed in a production zone of the plurality of production zones, and the atleast two autonomous inflow control devices may share a common fluid compartment or mayhave separate fluid compartments. The isolation tool may be any of the previously mentionedtypes. One or more sand screens may be included.
    [0074] In the illustrative embodiments of the preceding two paragraphs, the at least oneinflow control device may include a flow tube housing coupled to a base pipe of the completionstring, and at least one flow tube positioned within the flow tube housing having a flow tube inletand a flow tube outlet. In addition, the at least one autonomous inflow control device mayinclude a first flow passage fluidly coupled to the flow tube outlet; a first set of one or morebranch passages which intersect the first flow passage, whereby a proportion of the fluidcomposition diverted from the first flow passage to the first set of branch passages varies basedon at least one of a) viscosity of the fluid composition in the first flow passage, and b) velocity ofthe fluid composition in the first flow passage. The first set of branch passages directs the fluidcomposition to a first control passage of a flow path selection device. The flow path selectiondevice selects which of multiple flow paths a majority of fluid flows through from the device,based at least partially on the proportion of the fluid composition diverted to the first controlpassage. The flow path selection device variably resists flow of the fluid composition in at leastone direction between an interior of the completion string and the wellbore.
    [0075] According to another illustrative embodiment, an assembly for restricting fluidflow into a completion string and restricting fluids based on one or more fluid characteristics includes an adjustable inflow control device, the adjustable inflow control device for restrictingflow of production fluids into the completion string; and a first autonomous inflow controldevice fluidly coupled to the inflow control device for restricting fluids based on one or morefluid characteristics. Numerous types of adjustable flow control devices may be used, such as anadjustable nozzle inflow control device, adjustable tube inflow control device, an adjustablehelix inflow control device, or other type.
    [0076] Numerous variations of the assemblies of the preceding paragraph are possible.For example, the assembly may further include a second autonomous inflow control devicefluidly coupled to the inflow control device for restricting fluids based on one or more fluidcharacteristics. Again numerous inflow control devices and autonomous inflow control devicesmay be utilized; for example, the adjustable inflow control device may include a flow tubehousing coupled to a base pipe of the completion string, and at least one flow tube positionedwithin the flow tube housing having a flow tube inlet and a flow tube outlet. In addition, theautonomous inflow control device may include a first flow passage fluidly coupled to the flowtube outlet; a first set of one or more branch passages which intersect the first flow passage,whereby a proportion of the fluid composition diverted from the first flow passage to the first setof branch passages varies based on at least one of a) viscosity of the fluid composition in the firstflow passage, and b) velocity of the fluid composition in the first flow passage. The first set ofbranch passages directs the fluid composition to a first control passage of a flow path selectiondevice. The flow path selection device selects which of multiple flow paths a majority of fluidflows through from the device, based at least partially on the proportion of the fluid compositiondiverted to the first control passage. The flow path selection device variably resists flow of thefluid composition in at least one direction between an interior of the completion string and thewellbore.
    [0077] According to another illustrative embodiment, a method of providing formation-specific flow control in a wellbore located in a production region of the world includes:providing a plurality of adjustable inflow control devices that can be adjusted onsite; providing aplurality of autonomous inflow control devices having a flow characteristics adjusted for atypical condition for formations in the production region of the world; determining the flowcharacteristics desired for a specific formation in the region from which production is desired;adjusting the plurality of adjustable inflow control devices to obtain the desired flow characteristics; forming a plurality of production zones in the wellbore; and disposing at leastone of the plurality of inflow control devices and one of the plurality of autonomous inflowcontrol devices in one of the production zones.
    [0078] In the illustrative method of the previous paragraph, numerous combinations andpermutation may be realized. For example, the step of providing a plurality of adjustable inflowcontrol devices may include providing a plurality of adjustable nozzle inflow control device, aplurality of adjustable tube inflow control devices, a plurality of adjustable helix inflow controldevices, or other types.
    [0079] Although the present invention and its advantages have been disclosed in thecontext of certain illustrative, non-limiting embodiments, it should be understood that variouschanges, substitutions, permutations, and alterations can be made without departing from thescope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. It will be appreciated that any featurethat is described in connection to any one embodiment may also be applicable to any otherembodiment.
    [0080] It will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relateto one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments. It will further be understood thatreference to “an” item refers to one or more of those items.
    [0081] The steps of the methods described herein may be carried out in any suitableorder, or simultaneously where appropriate.
    [0082] Where appropriate, aspects of any of the examples described above may becombined with aspects of any of the other examples described to form further examples havingcomparable or different properties and addressing the same or different problems.
    [0083] It will be understood that the above description of preferred embodiments is givenby way of example only and that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art.The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure anduse of exemplary embodiments of the invention. Although various embodiments of theinvention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference toone or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations tothe disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.
    权利要求:
    Claims (20)
    [1] 1. A system for producing hydrocarbons from a formation, the system comprising: a tubing string extending from a surface location into a wellbore;a completion string fluidly coupled to the tubing string for extending into a targetformation and producing fluids from the target formation; andwherein the completion string comprises: a plurality of isolation tools forming a plurality of production zones,at least one adjustable inflow control device disposed within a first productionzone of the plurality of production zones, andat least one autonomous inflow control device serially and fluidly coupled to the at least one adjustable inflow control device and disposed within thefirst production zone.
    [2] 2. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one inflow control device comprises an adjustablenozzle inflow control device.
    [3] 3. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one inflow control device comprises an adjustabletube inflow control device.
    [4] 4. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one inflow control device comprises an adjustablehelix inflow control device.
    [5] 5. The system of claim 1 or any of the preceding claims, wherein the completion stringcomprises at least two autonomous inflow control devices disposed in a production zone ofthe plurality of production zones.
    [6] 6. The system of claim 1 or any of claims 2-4, wherein the completion string comprises at leasttwo autonomous inflow control devices disposed in a production zone of the plurality ofproduction zones, and wherein the at least two autonomous inflow control devices share acommon fluid compartment.
    [7] 7. The system of claim 1 or any of claims 2-4, wherein the completion string comprises at leasttwo autonomous inflow control devices disposed in a production zone of the plurality ofproduction zones, and wherein the at least two autonomous inflow control devices haveseparate fluid compartments.
    [8] 8. The system of claim 1 or any of the preceding claims, wherein the isolation tool comprises a swell packer.
    [9] 9. The system of claim 1 or any of the preceding claims, further comprising a sand screenupstream of the at least one inflow control device.
    [10] 10. The system of claim 1 or any of claims 5-9, wherein the at least one inflow control device comprises: a flow tube housing coupled to a base pipe of the completion string, andat least one flow tube positioned within the flow tube housing having a flowtube inlet and a flow tube outlet; andwherein the at least one autonomous inflow control device comprises:a first flow passage fluidly coupled to the flow tube outlet,a first set of one or more branch passages which intersect the first flow passage, whereby a proportion of the fluid composition diverted fromthe first flow passage to the first set of branch passages varies based onat least one of a) viscosity of the fluid composition in the first flowpassage, and b) velocity of the fluid composition in the first flowpassage, wherein the first set of branch passages directs the fluid composition to a firstcontrol passage of a flow path selection device,wherein the flow path selection device selects which of multiple flow paths amajority of fluid flows through from the device, based at least partiallyon the proportion of the fluid composition diverted to the first controlpassage, and wherein the flow path selection device variably resists flow of the fluidcomposition in at least one direction between an interior of thecompletion string and the wellbore.
    [11] 11. An assembly for restricting fluid flow into a completion string and restricting fluids based onone or more fluid characteristics, the assembly comprising: an adjustable inflow control device, the adjustable inflow control device for restrictingflow of production fluids into the completion string; anda first autonomous inflow control device fluidly coupled to the inflow control devicefor restricting fluids based on one or more fluid characteristics.
    [12] 12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the adjustable flow control device comprises anadjustable nozzle inflow control device.
    [13] 13. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the adjustable flow control device comprises anadjustable tube inflow control device.
    [14] 14. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the adjustable flow control device comprises anadjustable helix inflow control device.
    [15] 15. The assembly of claim 11 or any of claims 12-14, further comprising a second autonomousinflow control device fluidly coupled to the inflow control device for restricting fluids basedon one or more fluid characteristics.
    [16] 16. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the inflow control device comprises: a flow tube housing coupled to a base pipe of the completion string, andat least one flow tube positioned within the flow tube housing having a flowtube inlet and a flow tube outlet; andwherein the first autonomous inflow control device comprises: a first flow passage fluidly coupled to the flow tube outlet,a first set of one or more branch passages which intersect the first flow passage, whereby a proportion of the fluid composition diverted fromthe first flow passage to the first set of branch passages varies based onat least one of a) viscosity of the fluid composition in the first flowpassage, and b) velocity of the fluid composition in the first flowpassage, wherein the first set of branch passages directs the fluid composition to a firstcontrol passage of a flow path selection device,wherein the flow path selection device selects which of multiple flow paths a majority of fluid flows through from the device, based at least partiallyon the proportion of the fluid composition diverted to the first controlpassage, and wherein the flow path selection device variably resists flow of the fluidcomposition in at least one direction between an interior of thecompletion string and the wellbore.
    [17] 17. A method of providing formation-specific flow control in a wellbore located in a productionregion of the world, the method comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of adjustable inflow control devices that can be adjusted onsite;providing a plurality of autonomous inflow control devices having a flow characteristics adjusted for a typical condition for formations in the productionregion of the world; determining the flow characteristics desired for a specific formation in the region fromwhich production is desired; adjusting the plurality of adjustable inflow control devices to obtain the desired flowcharacteristics; forming a plurality of production zones in the wellbore; and disposing at least one of the plurality of inflow control devices and one of the pluralityof autonomous inflow control devices in one of the production zones.
    [18] 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of providing a plurality of adjustable inflowcontrol devices comprises providing a plurality of adjustable nozzle inflow control devices.
    [19] 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of adjusting the plurality of adjustable inflowcontrol devices comprises adjusting one or more nozzles to prevent flow.
    [20] 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of providing a plurality of adjustable inflowcontrol devices comprises providing a plurality of adjustable tube inflow control devices.
    类似技术:
    公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题
    RU2519240C2|2014-06-10|Fluid flow route control based on its characteristics for adjustment of underground well flow resistance
    US8893804B2|2014-11-25|Alternating flow resistance increases and decreases for propagating pressure pulses in a subterranean well
    CA2794539C|2016-02-09|Tubular embedded nozzle assembly for controlling the flow rate of fluids downhole
    US10619460B2|2020-04-14|Annular flow control devices and methods of use
    US9617836B2|2017-04-11|Passive in-flow control devices and methods for using same
    US10633956B2|2020-04-28|Dual type inflow control devices
    DK201500812A1|2016-01-11|Adjustable flow control assemblies, systems and methods
    CN103917742B|2020-04-03|Fluid discrimination for use with subterranean wells
    WO2016205017A1|2016-12-22|Velocity switch for inflow control devices and methods for using same
    US7992637B2|2011-08-09|Reverse flow in-flow control device
    AU2013200245B2|2015-01-22|Series configured variable flow restrictors for use in a subterranean well
    AU2013200047A1|2013-01-24|Flow path control based on fluid characteristics to thereby variably resist flow in a subterranean well
    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    MX2016000066A|2016-03-01|
    US20160215598A1|2016-07-28|
    MX365862B|2019-06-18|
    WO2015012846A1|2015-01-29|
    GB201519951D0|2015-12-30|
    GB2534646A8|2016-09-14|
    BR112015032417A2|2017-07-25|
    SG11201510643PA|2016-01-28|
    CA2911816A1|2015-01-29|
    NO20151572A1|2015-11-17|
    AU2013394893A1|2015-11-26|
    GB2534646A|2016-08-03|
    US9828838B2|2017-11-28|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    US8474535B2|2007-12-18|2013-07-02|Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.|Well screen inflow control device with check valve flow controls|
    GB2472152A|2008-02-14|2011-01-26|Schlumberger Holdings|Valve apparatus for inflow control|
    US9109423B2|2009-08-18|2015-08-18|Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.|Apparatus for autonomous downhole fluid selection with pathway dependent resistance system|
    US8276669B2|2010-06-02|2012-10-02|Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.|Variable flow resistance system with circulation inducing structure therein to variably resist flow in a subterranean well|
    US8356669B2|2010-09-01|2013-01-22|Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.|Downhole adjustable inflow control device for use in a subterranean well|
    US8584762B2|2011-08-25|2013-11-19|Halliburton Energy Services, Inc.|Downhole fluid flow control system having a fluidic module with a bridge network and method for use of same|
    AU2011380525B2|2011-10-31|2015-11-19|Halliburton Energy Services, Inc|Autonomus fluid control device having a movable valve plate for downhole fluid selection|WO2015016932A1|2013-08-01|2015-02-05|Landmark Graphics Corporation|Algorithm for optimal icd configuration using a coupled wellbore-reservoir model|
    RU2020123707A3|2017-12-18|2022-01-20|
    US10982507B2|2019-05-20|2021-04-20|Weatherford Technology Holdings, Llc|Outflow control device, systems and methods|
    法律状态:
    2017-06-26| PHB| Application deemed withdrawn due to non-payment or other reasons|Effective date: 20170529 |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    PCT/US2013/052088|WO2015012846A1|2013-07-25|2013-07-25|Adjustable flow control assemblies, systems, and methods|
    US2013052088|2013-07-25|
    [返回顶部]