• 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:
    device for directing the flow of a fluid a device for directing the flow of a fluid comprises: a pressure bag; a first fluid passage; a pressure source; and a pressure switch, the first fluid passage operatively connecting at least the pressure bag and the pressure source, and the pressure switch being positioned adjacent to the pressure source. according to a configuration, depending on at least one of the properties of the fluid, the fluid flowing into the pressure bag changes. in one configuration, the change is the fluid increasingly flowing into the pressure bag. in another configuration, the change is that the fluid gradually decreases into the pressure bag. according to another configuration, the flow rate regulator comprises: the device for directing the flow of a fluid; a second passage of fluid; a third passage of fluid; and a fourth fluid pass.
    公开号:BR112013013470B1
    申请号:R112013013470-4
    申请日:2011-11-07
    公开日:2021-04-13
    发明作者:Jason D. Dykstra；Michael L. Fripp
    申请人:Halliburton Energy Services, Inc；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    Technical field
    [001] A device for directing the flow of a fluid is provided. In certain configurations, the device is used in a system having at least two fluid passages with a similar back pressure. According to a configuration, the system is a flow rate regulator. According to another configuration, the flow rate regulator is used in an underground formation. summary
    [002] According to one configuration, a device for directing the flow of a fluid comprises: a pressure bag; a first fluid pass; a pressure source; and a pressure switch, the first fluid passage operatively connecting at least the pressure bag and the pressure source, and the pressure switch being positioned adjacent to the pressure source. In some configurations, depending on at least one of the fluid's properties, the fluid flowing into the pressure bag changes. According to these configurations, at least one of the fluid properties is selected from the group consisting of the flow rate of the fluid in a second fluid passage, the viscosity of the fluid, and the density of the fluid.
    [003] According to another configuration, the shape of the pressure bag is selected such that: as the rate of fluid flow in the second fluid passage decreases, the fluid increasingly flows into the pressure bag; and as the flow rate of the fluid in the second fluid passage increases, the fluid gradually decreases into the pressure pocket.
    [004] According to another configuration, a desired flow rate of a fluid is predetermined, and when the flow rate of the fluid in a second fluid passage decreases below the predetermined flow rate, the fluid increasingly it flows into the pressure bag compared to when the fluid flow rate in the second fluid passage increases above the predetermined flow rate.
    [005] According to another configuration, a flow rate regulator comprises: the device for directing the flow of a fluid; a second passage of fluid; a third passage of fluid; and a fourth fluid passage, as at least one of the fluid's properties changes, the fluid that flows into the pressure pocket changes. Brief description of the figures
    [006] The characteristics and advantages of certain configurations will be more readily appreciated when considered in conjunction with the attached figures. Figures should not be construed as limiting any of the preferred configurations.
    [007] Figure 1 is a diagram of a device to direct the flow of a fluid;
    [008] Figure 2 illustrates a fluid increasingly flowing into one of two different fluid passages;
    [009] Figure 3 is a diagram of a flow rate regulator comprising a configuration of the device to direct the flow of a fluid;
    [0010] Figure 4 is a diagram of a flow rate regulator comprising another configuration of the device to direct the flow of a fluid; and
    [0011] Figure 5 is a well system containing at least one of the flow rate regulators represented in figures 3 or 4. Detailed Description
    [0012] As used here, the words "understand", "have", "include", and all grammatical variations of them are each intended to have an open, non-limiting meaning that does not exclude additional elements or steps.
    [0013] It should be understood that, as used here, "first", "second", "third", etc. they are arbitrarily assigned and are merely intended to differentiate between two or more passages, entries, etc., whatever the case may be, and do not indicate any sequence. Additionally, it should be understood that the mere use of the term "first" does not require that there be any "second", and the mere use of the term "second" does not require that there exists any "third", etc.
    [0014] As used here, a “fluid” is a substance having a continuous phase that tends to flow and conform to the contour of its container when the substance is tested at a temperature of 22 ° C and a pressure of an atmosphere “atm ”(0.1 megapascal“ MPa ”). A fluid can be a liquid or a gas. A homogeneous fluid has only one phase, whereas a heterogeneous fluid has more than one distinct phase.
    [0015] Oil and gas hydrocarbons are naturally occurring in some underground formations. An underground formation containing oil or gas is sometimes referred to as a reservoir. A reservoir can be located underground or offshore. Reservoirs are typically located in the range of a few hundred feet (shallow reservoirs) or a few tens of thousands of feet (super deep reservoirs). To produce oil or gas, a well bore is drilled in a reservoir or adjacent to a reservoir.
    [0016] A well may include, without limitation, an oil, gas, water, or injection well. A well used to produce oil or gas is generally referred to as a production well. As used here, a “well” includes at least one well bore. A well hole can include vertical, slanted, and horizontal portions, and it can be straight, curved, or branched. As used herein, the term "borehole" includes any coated open pit hole portion, and any uncoated portion. As used here, "into a well" means and includes into any portion of the well, including into the well hole or into a region close to the well hole via the well hole.
    [0017] A portion of a well hole may be an open hole or a coated hole. In an open-hole well portion, a tubular column can be placed inside the well hole. The tubular column allows fluids to be introduced into or drained from a remote portion of the well hole. In a portion of the coated borehole well, a coating is placed inside the borehole which may also contain a tubular column. A well hole can contain a tubular ring. Examples of a tubular ring include, but are not limited to: the space between the borehole and the outside of a tubular column in an open-borehole bore; the space between the well bore and the outside of a liner in a coated borehole bore; and the space between the inside of a liner and the outside of a tubular column in a coated well hole.
    [0018] A well hole can extend several hundred feet or several thousand feet into an underground formation. The underground formation can have different zones. For example, one zone may have a higher permeability compared to another zone. Permeability refers to how easily fluids can flow through a material. For example, if the permeability is high, then fluids will flow more easily and more quickly through the underground formation. If the permeability is low, then fluids will flow less easily and more slowly through the underground formation. An example of a highly permeable area in an underground formation is a fissure or fracture.
    [0019] During production operations, it is common for an unwanted fluid to be produced together with the desired fluid. For example, water production is when water (the unwanted fluid) is produced together with oil or gas (the desired fluid). By another example, gas can be the unwanted fluid while oil is the desired fluid. In yet another example, gas can be the desired fluid while water and oil are the unwanted fluids. It is beneficial to produce as little of the unwanted fluid as possible.
    [0020] During secondary recovery operations, an injection well can be used for flooding water. Water flooding is where water is injected into the reservoir to displace oil or gas that was not produced during primary recovery operations. The water from the injection well physically sweeps off part of the oil or gas remaining in the reservoir to a production well.
    [0021] In addition to the problem of producing unwanted fluid during recovery operations, the flow rate of a fluid from an underground formation into a well bore may be higher in one zone compared to another zone. A difference in flow rates between zones in the underground formation may be undesirable. For an injection well, potential problems associated with water flooding techniques can include inefficient recovery due to variable permeability in an underground formation and difference in flow rates of a fluid from the injection well into the underground formation. A flow rate regulator can be used to help overcome some of these problems.
    [0022] A flow rate regulator can be used to provide a relatively constant flow rate for a fluid within a given zone. A flow rate regulator can also be used to provide a relatively constant flow rate for a fluid between two or more zones. For example, a regulator can be positioned in a well bore at a location for a particular zone. More than one regulator can be used for a particular zone. Also, the regulator can be positioned in a well hole in one location for one zone and another regulator can be positioned in the well hole in a location for a different zone.
    [0023] A new device to direct the flow of a fluid uses pressure changes to cause a pressure switch to direct the flow of the fluid into two different fluid passages. According to one configuration, the device is for use in a system where the two different fluid passages have a similar back pressure. In another configuration, the system is a flow rate regulator. As used here, the phrase “similar backpressure” means that the backpressures of the two different passages are within +/- 25% of each other, or are within 25% of the total pressure drop across the system. For example, the two different fluid passages can have a cross-sectional area that is +/- 25% of each other when the length of the passages are the same. By another example, if the cross-sectional areas are different, then the lengths of the two fluid passages can be adjusted such that the back pressure is within +/- 25%.
    [0024] According to one configuration, a device for directing the flow of a fluid comprises: a pressure bag; a first fluid pass; a pressure source; and a pressure switch.
    [0025] The fluid can be a homogeneous fluid or a heterogeneous fluid.
    [0026] Returning to the figures, figure 1 is a diagram of the device for directing the flow of the fluid 300. The device 300 includes a pressure bag 301, a first fluid passage 302, a pressure source 303, and a switch of pressure 304. As used here, a “pressure bag” means a volume surrounded by a structure, where the structure has at least two openings. The pressure pocket 301 can have a first opening 311 into the first fluid passage 302 and a second opening 310 into the second fluid passage 202. In one embodiment, the shape of the pressure pocket 301 can include the first opening 311 have the same diameter and cross section as the second opening 310. According to one configuration, as at least one of the properties of the fluid changes, the fluid flowing into the pressure pocket changes. Preferably, at least one of the fluid properties is selected from the group consisting of the flow rate of the fluid in a second fluid passage 202, the viscosity of the fluid, and the density of the fluid. The fluid that flows into the pressure bag can change. The change may be that the fluid increasingly seeps into the pressure bag. The change may also be that the fluid will slowly drain into the pressure bag.
    [0027] According to one configuration, the shape of the pressure bag 301 is selected such that: as the flow rate of a fluid in the second fluid passage 202 decreases, the fluid increasingly flows into the pressure bag 301 ; and as the fluid flow rate in the second fluid passage 202 increases, the fluid gradually decreases into the pressure bag 301. According to another configuration, the shape of the pressure bag 301 is selected such that: As the flow rate of a fluid in a second fluid passage 202 decreases, the ratio of fluid entering pressure pocket 301 to flow in the second fluid passage 202 increases; and as the flow rate of the fluid in the second fluid passage 202 increases, the ratio of the fluid entering the pressure pocket 301 to the fluid in the second fluid passage 202 decreases. In a preferred configuration, the shape of the pressure bag 301 is circular, rounded, orbicular, or elliptical in shape. The figures show a single pressure pocket 301 but a plurality of bags can be used.
    [0028] According to another configuration, the shape of the pressure bag 301 is selected such that: as the viscosity of a fluid in a second fluid passage 202 increases, the fluid increasingly flows into the pressure bag 301 ; and as the viscosity of the fluid in the second fluid passage 202 decreases, the fluid gradually decreases into the pressure bag 301. According to another configuration, the shape of the pressure bag 301 is selected such that: as the viscosity of a fluid in a second fluid passage 202 increases, the ratio of the fluid entering the pressure pocket 301 to the fluid in the second fluid passage 202 increases; and as the viscosity of the fluid in the second fluid passage 202 decreases, the ratio of the fluid entering the pressure pocket 301 to the fluid in the second fluid passage 202 decreases.
    [0029] According to another configuration, the shape of the pressure bag 301 is selected such that: as the density of a fluid in the second fluid passage 202 decreases, the fluid increasingly flows into the pressure bag 301; and as the density of the fluid in the second fluid passage 202 increases, the fluid gradually decreases into the pressure bag 301. According to another configuration, the shape of the pressure bag 301 is selected such that: as the density of a fluid in the second fluid passage 202 decreases, the ratio of fluid entering pressure pocket 301 to fluid in the second fluid passage 202 increases; and as the density of the fluid in the second fluid passage 202 increases, the ratio of the fluid entering the pressure pocket 301 to the fluid in the second fluid passage 202 decreases.
    [0030] The device 300 includes a first fluid passage 302. The first fluid passage 302 (and any other passages) can be tubular, rectangular, pyramidal, or spiral shaped. Although illustrated as a single pass, the first fluid pass 302 (and any other passages) can have multiple passages connected in parallel. As illustrated in figure 1, the first fluid passage 302 operationally connects to at least one pressure pocket 301 and at least the pressure source 303. For example, the first fluid passage 302 can be connected at one end to the pressure bag. pressure 301 and connected at the other end to pressure source 303. The first fluid passage 302 can include a first fluid outlet 330. The first fluid passage 302 can be connected at one end at the first opening 311 into the pressure bag 301 and connected at the other end at the first fluid outlet 330 into the pressure source 303. The pressure switch is preferably positioned adjacent to the pressure source 303 within the second fluid passage 202. According to one configuration, the source of pressure pressure 303 has the same size and cross section as the first fluid outlet 330.
    [0031] The components of the device for directing the flow of a fluid 300 can be made from a variety of materials. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to: metals, such as steel, aluminum, titanium, and nickel; alloys; plastics; compounds, such as fiber-reinforced phenolic; ceramics, such as tungsten carbide or alumina; elastomers; and dissolvable materials.
    [0032] According to one configuration, the device for directing the flow of a fluid 300 is used in a system having at least two different fluid passages that have a similar back pressure. According to this configuration, the system may include a second fluid passage 202, a branch point 210, a third fluid passage 203, and a fourth fluid passage 204. In this illustration, the third and fourth fluid passages 203 and 204 are the at least two different fluid passages that have a similar back pressure with respect to the second fluid pass 202. The fluid passages in the system can be changed to provide varying backpressures. For example, the cross-sectional area of the second fluid passage 202 at the junction of the pressure pocket 301 can be changed to greater or lesser to change the counter pressure of the third and fourth fluid passages 203 and 204 with respect to the second fluid passage 202 .
    [0033] As can be seen in figure 1, the second fluid passage 202 can branch into the third and fourth fluid passes 203 and 204 at branch point 210. The second fluid passage 202 can branch into the third and fourth fluid passages 203 and 204 such that the third fluid pass 203 branches at an angle of 180 ° with respect to the second fluid pass 202. By way of another example, the third fluid pass 203 may branch at a variety of angles other than 180 ° (e.g., at a 45 ° angle) with respect to the second fluid passage 202. The fourth fluid passage 204 can also branch out at a variety of angles with respect to the second fluid passage 202. Preferably, if the third fluid passage 203 branches at an angle of 180 ° with respect to the second fluid passage 202, then the fourth fluid passage 204 branches at an angle that is not 180 ° with respect to to the second pass of flu acid 202. At branch point 210, the third fluid passage 203 may include a second fluid inlet 211 and the fourth fluid passage 204 may include a third fluid inlet 212. Although the third and fourth fluid passages, 203 and 204, the only two passages shown in figure 1 having a similar back pressure, there is no limit to the number of different passages that can be used.
    [0034] The device for directing the flow of a fluid 300 can be used in any system. According to certain configurations, the system comprises at least two different fluid passages having a similar back pressure. An example of a system is a flow rate regulator 25, illustrated in figures 3 and 4. The system can comprise: the device for directing the flow of a fluid 300; a second fluid passage 202; a third fluid passage 203; and a fourth fluid passage 204. According to one embodiment, the third fluid passage 203 and the fourth fluid passage 204 have a similar back pressure. The system may additionally include an outlet assembly 205 comprising a second fluid outlet 206. The system is shown comprising a device 300; however, the system may include more than one device 300.
    [0035] According to one configuration, the system is a flow rate regulator 25. According to another configuration, the flow rate regulator is used in an underground formation. A flow rate regulator 25 used in an underground formation is illustrated in figure 4.
    [0036] The device for directing the flow of a fluid 300 may include: at least one pressure bag 301; a first fluid passage 302; a pressure source 303; and a pressure switch 304. An example of such a device is illustrated in figure 3. The device 300 can also include more than one pressure bag 301. Figure 4 represents a device 300 having five pressure bags 301. If the device 300 include more than one pressure bag 301, then pressure bags 301 can be connected in series to the second fluid passage 202. Each of the pressure bags 301 can also be connected to the first fluid passage 302. Any discussion of a component of device 300 and any settings with respect to device 300 are intended to apply to device 300 regardless of the total number of individual components. Any discussion of a particular component of the device 300 (eg, a pressure bag 301) is intended to include the singular form of the component and also the plural form of the component, without the need to continue referring to the component either. the singular as well as the plural form through everything. For example, if a discussion involves “pressure bag 301”, it should be understood that the discussion is relevant to one pressure bag (singular) and two or more pressure bags (plural).
    [0037] Fluid can enter the system and flow through the second fluid passage 202 in the direction of 221a. The fluid traveling in the 221a direction will have a specific flow rate, viscosity, and density. The flow rate, viscosity, or density of the fluid may change. According to one configuration, the device for directing the flow of a fluid 300 is designed such that depending on at least some of the properties of the fluid, the fluid can increasingly flow into the pressure bag 301 or the ratio of the fluid entering the bag pressure can increase. For example, as the flow rate of the fluid increases, as the viscosity of the fluid increases, or as the density of the fluid decreases, then the fluid increasingly flows into the pressure pocket 301 (or the ratio increases ), the fluid increasingly flows towards 322 into the first fluid passage 302. As the fluid increasingly flows into the first fluid passage 302, the pressure from the pressure source 303 increases. It should be understood that any discussion of the pressure switch pressure is intended to be with respect to the pressure of an adjacent area. For example, the pressure of the pressure source 303 is shown in figure 1 as P1 and the pressure of the adjacent area is shown as P2. As the pressure of the pressure source 303 increases, the pressure switch 304 directs the fluid to increasingly flow in the direction of 222 into the fourth fluid passage 204. Figure 2A illustrates fluid flow through the system when the flow rate fluid flow in the second fluid passage 202 decreases, when the viscosity of the fluid increases, or when the density of the fluid decreases.
    [0038] According to another configuration, as the flow rate of the fluid increases, as the viscosity of the fluid decreases, or as the density of the fluid increases, then the fluid gradually decreases into the bag. pressure 301 or the ratio decreases. As the fluid gradually decreases into the pressure pocket 301 (or the ratio increases), the fluid gradually decreases into the first fluid passage 302, the pressure from the pressure source 303 decreases. As the pressure of the pressure source 303 decreases, the pressure switch 304 directs the fluid to increasingly flow in the direction of 221b into the third fluid passage 203. Figure 2B illustrates fluid flow through the system when the flow rate fluid flow in the second fluid passage 202 increases, when the viscosity of the fluid decreases, or when the density of the fluid increases. In some cases, the fluid can travel through the first fluid passage 301 in the direction of 321 and there is a flow of fluid network out of the pressure pocket 301 and into the second fluid passage 202.
    [0039] The components of the device for directing the flow of a fluid 300 may be interrelated such that an effect of one component can cause an effect on a different component. For example, if the fluid-dependent property is the fluid flow rate in the second fluid passage 202, then as the fluid flow rate in the second fluid passage 202 decreases, the fluid increasingly flows into the pressure bag 301, which in turn causes the fluid to increasingly flow into the first fluid passage 302, which in turn causes the pressure of the pressure source 303 to increase, which in turn causes the pressure switch 304 directing the fluid to increasingly flow into the fourth fluid passage 204.
    [0040] The amount of fluid entering the pressure bag 301 may depend on the following: the flow rate of the fluid traveling in the direction of 221a; fluid viscosity; fluid density; and combinations thereof. The amount of fluid entering the pressure bag can also be a result of the non-linear effects of flow rate, viscosity, and density of the fluid. For example, as the viscosity of the fluid increases, the fluid increasingly flows into the pressure bag 301, the fluid increasingly flows into the first fluid passage 302, the pressure from the pressure source 303 increases, and the pressure switch 304 directs the fluid to increasingly flow in the direction of 222 into the fourth fluid passage 204. As the fluid viscosity decreases, the fluid decreases into the pressure bag 301, the fluid decreases inwardly from the first fluid passage 302, the pressure from the pressure source 303 decreases, and the pressure switch 304 directs the fluid to increasingly flow in the direction of 221b into the third fluid passage 203.
    [0041] A desired flow rate of a fluid can be predetermined. The predetermined flow rate can be selected based on the type of fluid entering the device. The predetermined flow rate may differ based on the type of fluid. The predetermined flow rate can also be selected based on at least one of the properties of the fluid entering the device. At least one of the properties can be selected from the group consisting of the viscosity of the fluid, the density of the fluid, and combinations thereof. For example, depending on the specific application, the desired flow rate of a gas-based fluid can be predetermined to be 150 barrels per day (BPD); whereas, the desired flow rate of an oil-based fluid can be predetermined to be 300 BPD. Of course, one device can be designed with a predetermined flow rate of 150 BPD and another device can be designed with a predetermined flow rate of 300 BPD.
    [0042] According to one configuration, the device for directing the flow of a fluid 300 is designed such that when the fluid flow rate in a second fluid passage 302 decreases below the predetermined flow rate, the fluid increasingly flow into pressure pocket 301 compared to when the fluid flow rate in the second fluid passage increases above the predetermined flow rate. According to another configuration, the device for directing the flow of a fluid 300 is designed such that when the flow rate of the fluid in a second fluid passage 302 increases above the predetermined flow rate, the fluid gradually decreases to inside the pressure pocket 301 compared to when the fluid flow rate in the second fluid passage decreases below the predetermined flow rate. According to another configuration, the device for directing the flow of a fluid 300 is designed such that when the viscosity of the fluid decreases below a predetermined viscosity, the fluid gradually decreases into the pressure bag 301 compared to when the fluid viscosity increases above the predetermined viscosity; and when the viscosity of the fluid increases above the predetermined viscosity, the fluid increasingly flows into the pressure pocket 301 compared to when the viscosity of the fluid decreases below the predetermined viscosity. According to another configuration, the device for directing the flow of a fluid 300 is designed such that when the density of the fluid decreases below a predetermined density, the fluid increasingly flows into the pressure pocket 301 compared to when the fluid density increases above the predetermined density; and when the density of the fluid increases above the predetermined density, the fluid decreases gradually into the pressure pocket 301 compared to when the density of the fluid decreases below the predetermined density.
    [0043] According to another configuration, based on a predetermined flow rate, viscosity or density, the device for directing the flow of a fluid 300 is designed such that when the flow rate of the fluid decreases below, the viscosity increase above, or the density decrease below, more of the fluid seeps into the pressure bag 301 compared to when the fluid flow rate increases above, the viscosity decreases below, or the density increases above. According to this configuration, when more of the fluid flows into the pressure bag 301, more of the fluid will flow through the first fluid passage 302 in the direction of 322 compared to when less of the fluid flows into the pressure bag 301. When more of the fluid flows through the first fluid passage 302, a pressure from the pressure source 303 is greater than a pressure from an adjacent area (eg, when P1 is greater than P2). When the pressure of the pressure source 303 is greater than the pressure of an adjacent area, the pressure switch 304 directs the fluid to increasingly flow in the direction of 222 into the fourth fluid passage 204. According to another configuration, when the pressure of the pressure source 303 is greater than the pressure of an adjacent area, the pressure switch 304 directs an increasing proportion of the total fluid to flow in the 222 direction into the fourth fluid passage 204. In a preferred configuration, when the pressure of pressure source 303 is greater than the pressure of an adjacent area, pressure switch 304 directs most of the fluid to flow in the direction of 222 into the fourth passage of fluid 304. As used here, the term “greater share ”means greater than 50%. An example of the flow of fluid through the system when the pressure of the pressure source 303 is greater than the pressure of an adjacent area is illustrated in figure 2A.
    [0044] In addition, when less of the fluid seeps into the pressure bag 301, less of the fluid will seep through the first fluid passage 302 in the direction of 322 compared to when more of the fluid seeps into the pressure bag 301. When less of the fluid flows through the first fluid passage 201, the pressure from the pressure source 303 is less than a pressure from an adjacent area (eg, when P1 is less than P2). Consequently, when the pressure of the pressure source 303 is less than the pressure of an adjacent suction or vacuum area, it can be created in the first passage of fluid 302 and can cause the fluid to flow in the direction of 321. When the pressure of the pressure source 303 is less than the pressure of an adjacent area, pressure switch 304 directs the fluid to increasingly flow in the direction of 221b into the third fluid passage 203. According to another configuration, when the pressure of the pressure source 303 is less than the pressure of an adjacent area, pressure switch 304 directs an increasing proportion of the total fluid to flow in the direction of 221b into the third fluid passage 203. In a preferred configuration, when the pressure of the pressure source 303 is less than the pressure of an adjacent area, pressure switch 304 directs most of the fluid to flow in the direction of 221b into the third fluid passage 203. An example of fluid fluid flow through the system when the pressure of the pressure source 303 is less than the pressure of an adjacent area is illustrated in figure 2B.
    [0045] The device for directing fluid flow 300 is designed to be an independent device, that is, it is designed to automatically direct fluid to increasingly flow into any of the third or fourth passage of 203 or 204 based fluid at least the flow rate of the fluid, the viscosity of the fluid, the density of the fluid, and combinations thereof without any external intervention.
    [0046] Figure 5 is a well 10 system that can cover certain configurations. As shown in Figure 5, a well bore 12 has a generally vertical uncoated section 14 extending downwardly from a liner 16, as well as a generally horizontal uncoated section 18 extending through an underground formation 20. The formation underground 20 can be a portion of a reservoir or adjacent to a reservoir.
    [0047] A tubular column 22 (such as a tubular production column) is installed in well bore 12. Interconnected in tubular column 22 are multiple well screens 24, flow rate regulators 25, and conditioners 26.
    [0048] Conditioners 26 isolate a tubular ring 28 formed radially between the tubular column 22 and the well bore section 18. In this way, a fluid 30 can be produced from multiple zones of the formation 20 via isolated portions of the tubular ring 28 between adjacent pairs of conditioners 26.
    [0049] Positioned between each adjacent pair of conditioners 26, a well screen 24 and a flow rate regulator 25 are interconnected in the tubular column 22. The well screen 24 filters the fluid 30 flowing into the tubular column 22 from of the tubular ring 28. The flow rate regulator 25 regulates the flow rate of the fluid 30 into the tubular column 22, based on certain characteristics of the fluid, e.g., the flow rate of the fluid entering the rate regulator flow rate 25, fluid viscosity, or fluid density. In another configuration, the well system 10 is an injection well and the flow rate regulator 25 regulates the fluid flow rate 30 out of the tubular column 22 and into the formation 20.
    [0050] It should be noted that the well system 10 is illustrated in the drawings and is described here as simply an example of a wide variety of well systems in which the principles of this disclosure can be used. It should be clearly understood that the principles of this disclosure are not limited to any of the details of the well system 10, or components thereof, represented in the drawings or described here. In addition, well system 10 may include other components not shown in the drawing. For example, cement can be used instead of conditioners 26 to isolate different zones. Cement can also be used in addition to conditioners 26.
    [0051] By way of another example, well hole 12 may include only a generally vertical well hole section 14 or it may include only a generally horizontal well hole section 18. Fluid 30 may be produced from the formation 20, the fluid can also be injected into the formation, and the fluid can either be injected into or produced from a formation.
    [0052] The well system does not need to include a conditioner 26. Also, it is not necessary for a well screen 24 and a flow rate regulator 25 to be positioned between each adjacent pair of conditioners 26. It is also not necessary that a single flow rate regulator 25 is used in conjunction with a single well screen 24. Any number, arrangement and / or combination of these components can be used. In addition, it is not necessary for any flow rate regulator 25 to be used in conjunction with a well screen 24. For example, in injection wells, the injected fluid can be drained through a flow rate regulator 25 without also flow through a well screen 24. There may be multiple flow rate regulators 25 connected in parallel or in series with the fluid.
    [0053] It is not necessary for the well screens 24, flow rate regulator 25, conditioners 26 or any other components of the tubular column 22 to be positioned in uncoated sections 14, 18 of the well hole 12. Any section of the well bore well 12 can be coated or uncoated, and any portion of the tubular column 22 can be positioned in an uncoated or coated section of the well bore, maintaining the principles of this disclosure.
    [0054] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that it would be beneficial to be able to regulate the flow rate of the fluid 30 entering the tubular column 22 from each zone of the formation 20, for example, to prevent the formation of a water cone 32 or gas cone formation 34 in the formation. Other uses for regulating flow in a well include, but are not limited to, balancing production from (or injection into) multiple zones, minimizing production or injection of unwanted fluids, maximizing production or injection of desired fluids, etc. .
    [0055] Referring now to figures 3, 4 and 5, the flow rate regulator 25 can be positioned in the tubular column 22 in such a way that the fluid 30 enters the first fluid inlet 201 and travels in the direction 221a through of the second fluid passage 203. For example, in a production well, regulator 25 can be positioned such that the first fluid inlet 201 is functionally oriented in the direction of formation 20. Therefore, as fluid 30 drains from from formation 20 into the tubular column 22, fluid 30 will enter the first fluid inlet 201. By another example, in an injection well, regulator 25 can be positioned such that the first fluid inlet 201 is functionally oriented towards the tubular column 22. Therefore, as the fluid 30 flows from the tubular column 22 into the formation 20, the fluid 30 will enter the first fluid inlet 201.
    [0056] An advantage for when the device is to direct the flow of a fluid 300 is used in a flow rate regulator 25 in an underground formation 20, is that it can help to regulate the flow rate of a fluid within a particular zone and also regulate the flow rates of a fluid between two or more zones. Another advantage is that the device 300 can help to solve the problem of producing a heterogeneous fluid. For example, if oil is the desired fluid to be produced, device 300 can be designed such that if water enters flow rate regulator 25 along with oil, then device 300 can direct heterogeneous fluid to increasingly flow in. of the third fluid passage 203 based on the decrease in fluid viscosity. The versatility of the device 300 allows specific problems in a formation to be addressed.
    [0057] Therefore, the present invention is also well adapted to achieve the purposes and advantages mentioned well with those that are inherent in it. The particular configurations disclosed above are illustrative only, since the present invention can be modified and practiced in different ways, but apparent equivalents to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings here. In addition, no limitation is intended to the details of construction or design shown here, other than as described in the claims below. It is, therefore, evident that the particular illustrative configurations disclosed above can be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the present invention. Although compositions and methods are described in terms of "comprising", "containing", or "including" various components or steps, the compositions and methods can also "consist essentially of" or "consist of" the various components and steps. Whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range falling within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, each range of values (of the form, “from about a to b”, or, equivalently, “from approximately a to b”, or, equivalently, “from approximately a to b”) disclosed here must be understood to record each number and range covered within the broadest range of values. Also, the terms in the claims have their ordinary meaning, of course, unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined by the patented. In addition, the indefinite articles "one" or "one", as used here in the claims, are defined here to mean one or more than one of the element that it introduces. If there is any conflict in the uses of a word or term in this specification and one or more patents or other documents that may be incorporated herein by reference, definitions that are consistent with this specification must be adopted.
    权利要求:
    Claims (12)
    [0001]
    1. Device to direct the flow of a fluid, characterized by the fact that it comprises: - a pressure bag (301); - a first fluid passage (302); - a pressure source (303); and - a pressure switch (304), the first fluid passage (302) operationally connecting at least the pressure bag (301) and the pressure source (303), and the pressure switch (304) it is positioned adjacent to the pressure source (303).
    [0002]
    2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the fluid flowing into the pressure bag (301) changes depending on at least one of the properties of the fluid, additionally comprising a second fluid passage (202) and being whereas at least one of the properties of the fluid is selected from the group consisting of the rate of fluid flow in the second fluid passage (202), the viscosity of the fluid, and the density of the fluid, further comprising a third fluid passage ( 203), a fourth fluid passage (204), and a branch point (210), the second fluid passage (202) branching into the third fluid passage (203) and the fourth fluid passage ( 204) at the branch point (210), and the third and fourth fluid passages (203, 204) having a similar back pressure.
    [0003]
    3. Device according to claim 2, characterized in that the shape of the pressure bag (301) is selected such that: as the fluid flow rate in the second fluid passage (202) decreases, the fluid it increasingly flows into the pressure bag (301); and as the fluid flow rate in the second fluid passage (202) increases, the fluid gradually decreases into the pressure bag (301), with the shape of the pressure bag (301) being selected such that: as the viscosity of the fluid increases, the fluid increasingly flows into the pressure pocket (301); and as the viscosity of the fluid decreases, the fluid gradually decreases into the pressure bag (301), and as the density of the fluid decreases, the fluid increasingly flows into the pressure bag (301); and as the density of the fluid increases, the fluid gradually decreases into the pressure pocket (301).
    [0004]
    Device according to claim 2, characterized in that as the rate of fluid flow in the second fluid passage (202) decreases, the fluid increasingly flows into the pressure bag (301); and as the flow rate of the fluid in the second fluid passage (202) increases, the fluid gradually decreases into the pressure bag (301), as the fluid viscosity increases, the fluid increasingly flows into inside the pressure bag (301); and as the viscosity of the fluid decreases, the fluid gradually decreases into the pressure bag (301), and as the density of the fluid decreases, the fluid increasingly flows into the pressure bag (301); and as the density of the fluid increases, the fluid gradually decreases into the pressure pocket (301).
    [0005]
    5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that as the fluid increasingly flows into the pressure bag (301), the fluid increasingly flows into the first fluid passage (302), the As the fluid increasingly flows into the first fluid passage (302), the pressure from the pressure source (303) increases, as the pressure from the pressure source (303) increases, the switch pressure (304) directs the fluid to increasingly flow into the fourth fluid passage (204).
    [0006]
    6. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that as the fluid gradually decreases into the pressure bag (301), the fluid gradually decreases into the first fluid passage (302), with the As the fluid gradually descends into the first fluid passage (302), the pressure from the pressure source (303) decreases, and as the pressure from the pressure source (303) decreases, the switch pressure (304) directs the fluid to increasingly flow into the third fluid passage (203).
    [0007]
    7. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the device is used in a flow rate regulator (25).
    [0008]
    8. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that a desired flow rate of a fluid is predetermined, and when the flow rate of the fluid in a second fluid passage (202) decreases below the flow rate pre-determined flow, the fluid increasingly flows into the pressure pocket (301) compared to when the flow rate of the fluid in the second fluid passage (202) increases above the pre-determined flow rate.
    [0009]
    Device according to claim 8, characterized in that it additionally comprises a branch point (210) and the second fluid passage (202) branches into a third fluid passage (203) and a fourth fluid passage (204) at the branch point (210), and the third and fourth fluid passages (203, 204) having a similar back pressure.
    [0010]
    10. Device according to claim 9, characterized in that when the fluid flow rate in the second fluid passage (202) decreases below the predetermined flow rate, a pressure from the pressure source (303) is greater than a pressure from an adjacent area, and when the pressure of the pressure source (303) is greater than the pressure of an adjacent area, the pressure switch (304) directs the fluid to increasingly flow into the fourth passage of fluid (204), where when the fluid flow rate in the second fluid passage (202) increases above the predetermined flow rate, a pressure from the pressure source (303) is less than a pressure from an adjacent area , and being that when the pressure of the pressure source (303) is less than the pressure of an adjacent area, the pressure switch (304) directs the fluid to increasingly flow into the third fluid passage (203).
    [0011]
    11. Device according to claim 10, characterized in that when the pressure of the pressure source (303) is less than the pressure of an adjacent area, the pressure switch (304) directs most of the fluid to flow into the fourth fluid passage (204).
    [0012]
    12. Device according to claim 10 or claim 11, characterized in that when the pressure of the pressure source (303) is less than the pressure of an adjacent area, the pressure switch (304) directs a greater part of fluid to flow into the third fluid passage (203).
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    法律状态:
    2018-12-18| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2020-06-16| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2021-02-17| B09A| Decision: intention to grant|
    2021-04-13| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 07/11/2011, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US12/958,625|US8387662B2|2010-12-02|2010-12-02|Device for directing the flow of a fluid using a pressure switch|
    US12/958,625|2010-12-02|
    PCT/US2011/059631|WO2012074678A2|2010-12-02|2011-11-07|A device for directing the flow a fluid using a pressure switch|
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