• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
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  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    FLOW CONTROL DEVICE, AND, METHOD FOR PROVIDING A FLOW CONTROL DEVICE. A flow control device comprises a fluid passage configured to provide fluid communication between an exterior of a wellbore tubular and an interior of the wellbore tubular, a flow restriction disposed in a fluid passage, a lock of flow, disposed in the fluid passage, and a retaining member configured to maintain the flow lock within the fluid passage and allow access for the flow lock within the fluid passage. The flow block substantially impedes fluid flow through the fluid passage.
    公开号:BR112014020903B1
    申请号:R112014020903-0
    申请日:2013-02-14
    公开日:2021-07-06
    发明作者:Stephen Michael Greci；Luke William Holderman；Jean Marc Lopez；Matthew Earl Franklin
    申请人:Halliburton Energy Services, Inc；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    FUNDAMENTALS
    [0001] Well bores are often drilled in underground formations to produce one or more fluids from the underground formation. For example, a wellbore can be used to produce one or more hydrocarbons. Additional components, such as water, can also be produced with hydrocarbons, although attempts are generally made to limit the production of water from a wellbore or a specific interval within the wellbore. Other components such as gaseous hydrocarbons can also be limited for various reasons over the life of a wellbore.
    [0002] When fluids are produced from a long time interval of a formation penetrated by a wellbore, it is known that the balance between fluid production over the interval can lead to reduced water and gas taper , and more controlled compliance, thus increasing the proportion and total amount of oil or other desired fluid produced from the range. Various devices and completion sets have been used to help balance fluid production from a gap in the wellbore. For example, inflow control devices (ICD) have been used in conjunction with wellbore screens to restrict the fluid flow produced by the screens for the purpose of balancing production over an interval. For example, in a long horizontal wellbore, fluid flow near a base of the wellbore may be more restricted relative to fluid flow near an end of the wellbore, to thereby balance production along the wellbore. SUMMARY
    [0003] In one embodiment, a flow control device. In one embodiment, a flow control device comprises a fluid passage configured to provide fluid communication between an exterior of a wellbore tubular and an interior of the tubular of the wellbore, a flow restriction disposed in a fluid passage, a flow block disposed in the fluid passage, and a retaining member configured to maintain the flow block within the fluid passage and allow access to the blockage of flow within the fluid passage. The flow block substantially impedes fluid flow through the fluid passage.
    [0004] In one embodiment, a method comprises providing a flow control device comprising: a plurality of fluid passages between an exterior of a wellbore tubular and an interior of the wellbore tubular, and a plurality of flow restrictions disposed in corresponding fluid passages of the plurality of fluid passages, selectively installing or removing one or more flow blocks from the plurality of fluid passages, and producing a fluid through one or more fluid passages free from flow blockages.
    [0005] In one embodiment, a method of adjusting a resistance to fluid to flow comprises determining a desired fluid flow resistance from a range of a wellbore, and selectively blocking or unlocking one or more passages. fluid through individual flow restrictors to provide an overall fluid passage with the desired fluid flow resistance.
    [0006] These and other features will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [0007] For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and detailed description:
    [0008] Figure 1 is a sectional view of an embodiment of a wellbore maintenance system according to an embodiment.
    [0009] Figure 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of a set of sieves that also comprises an embodiment of a flow control device.
    [00010] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a flow control device along line A-A' of figure 2.
    [00011] Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a set of well screens comprising yet another embodiment of a flow control device.
    [00012] Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of a set of well screens comprising yet another embodiment of a flow control device.
    [00013] Figure 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of a set of well screens which also comprises another embodiment of a flow control device.
    [00014] Figure 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of a set of well screens comprising yet another embodiment of a flow control device.
    [00015] Figure 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of a set of well screens comprising yet another embodiment of a flow control device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
    [00016] In the drawings and description that follow, like parts are typically marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numbers, respectively. The figures in the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Certain features of the invention may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form and some details of conventional elements may not be shown for the sake of clarity and brevity.
    [00017] Unless otherwise stated, any use in any form of the terms "connect", "engage", "couple", "attach", or any other term describing an interaction between the elements is not intended to limit the interaction with the direct interaction between the elements and can also include indirect interaction between the described elements. In the following discussion and claims, the terms "including" and "comprising" are used openly and therefore should be interpreted to mean "including, but not limited to...". Reference "upward" or "downward" will be made for descriptive purposes with "upward", "upper", "upward direction", "upstream", or "above", meaning towards the surface of the wellbore and with "down", "bottom", "downward", "downstream" or "below" meaning the terminal end of the well, regardless of the wellbore orientation. The various features mentioned above, as well as other features and characteristics described in more detail below, will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art, with the aid of this disclosure after reading the following detailed description of the embodiments, and making reference to to the attached drawings.
    [00018] Described here is an adjustable flow control device for use in a wellbore, which can be used as an ICD. The flow control device may form a part of a well screen assembly and may comprise a fluid passage that can be selectively adjusted to either allow fluid flow or substantially impede fluid flow. The flow through the flow control device can then be adjusted based on a desired resistance to flow and/or flow from a range of a wellbore, thereby allowing the production of one or more ranges of a wellbore. of well is balanced. In some embodiments, the flow control device may include a plurality of fluid passages and flow restrictions, each of which may be selectively and individually adjusted to provide a desired total flow resistance and/or total flow rate to be selected. The plurality of flow restrictions can each have different flow resistances, thereby providing a wide range of overall resistances and/or flows. Thus, the adjustable flow control device can be used for fine tuning production from a wellbore, which can be advantageous over other ICDs having relatively fixed resistances and/or flow rates.
    [00019] The adjustable flow control device disclosed herein can allow selective regulation of an individual fluid passage without removing a flow restriction disposed in the fluid passage. To allow this type of access, a retaining member can be used to provide individual and direct access to each fluid passage and to allow a flow block to be eliminated and/or removed from the fluid passage. This can be advantageous over other ICDs that require entire sets of paths to be sealed open or closed. In addition, the retaining member can be directly accessible from outside the flow control device, thus saving time over other models that require the removal of a cover and/or sleeve. In addition, the ease with which the flow control device disclosed herein can be adjusted may allow for adjustment and/or readjustment of the flow through the flow control device for one or more times between being manufactured and being disposed in a hole. of well.
    [00020] Referring to figure 1, an example of a wellbore operating environment in which a flow control device can be used is shown. As shown, the operating environment comprises a working and/or drilling equipment 106 that is positioned on the surface of the earth 104 and extends along and around a wellbore 114 that penetrates an underground formation 102 for the purpose of hydrocarbon recovery. Wellbore 114 may be drilled in underground formation 102 using any suitable drilling technique. The wellbore 114 extends substantially vertically away from the ground surface 104 over a portion of the vertical wellbore 116, deviates vertically to the ground surface 104 over a portion of the offset wellbore 136, and transitions to a portion of the horizontal wellbore 117. In alternative operating environments, all or parts of a wellbore may be vertical, offset at any suitable angle, horizontal, and/or curved. The wellbore can be a new wellbore, an existing wellbore, a straight-line wellbore, an extended reach wellbore, a bypass wellbore, a multi-lateral wellbore, and others types of well holes for drilling and completing one or more production zones. In addition, the wellbore can be used for both production wellbore and injection wellbore.
    [00021] The tubular string of wellbore 120 can be reduced in underground formation 102 for a variety of drilling, finishing, working, treatment and/or production processes during the life of the wellbore. The embodiment shown in Figure 1 illustrates the wellbore tubular 120 in the form of a completion mounting post disposed in the wellbore 114. It should be understood that the wellbore tubular 120 is equally applicable to any type of wellbore pipes to be inserted into a wellbore such as including non-limiting examples of drill pipes, inner piping, inner linings, articulated pipes, and/or spiral pipes. In addition, wellbore tubular 120 may function in any of the wellbore orientations (e.g., vertical, offset, horizontal and/or curved) and/or a type described herein. In one embodiment, the wellbore may comprise wellbore housing 112, which may be cemented in place in wellbore 114.
    [00022] In one embodiment, the wellbore tubular string 120 may comprise a completion mounting string comprising one or more types of the wellbore tubular and one or more borehole tools below (e.g. devices 118 zonal isolating tools, sieves, valves, etc.) The one or more hole tools below can take various forms. For example, a zonal isolation device 118 can be used to isolate the various zones within a wellbore 114 and can include, but is not limited to, a shutter (e.g. production shutter, gravel filling shutter , fracturing and compaction plug, etc). In one embodiment, the tubular wellbore string 120 may comprise a plurality of sets of well screens 122 which may be disposed within the horizontal wellbore portion 117. The zonal isolation devices 118 may be used between several of those of the sets of well screens 122, for example, to isolate different zones or gaps along the well hole 114 from each other.
    [00023] The working and/or drilling equipment 106 may comprise a crane 108 with an equipment floor 110, through which the tubular of the wellbore 120 extends downwards from the drilling equipment 106 into the wellbore 114. The working and/or drilling equipment 106 may comprise a motor-driven winch and other associated equipment for transporting the tubular from the wellbore 120 to the wellbore 114 to position the tubular from the wellbore 120 to a depth selected. While the operating environment illustrated in Figure 1 refers to stationary working and/or drilling equipment 106 for transporting the wellbore tubular 120 within an onshore wellbore 114, in alternative embodiments, equipment work stations, wellbore maintenance units (such as spiral tube units), and the like may be used to transport the wellbore tubular 120 into the wellbore 114. It should be understood that a wellbore tubular 120 wellbore may alternatively be used in other operating environments, such as within an offshore wellbore operating environment.
    [00024] The flow control device described here allows the resistance to flow and/or flow through the flow control device to be selectively adjusted. The flow control device described herein generally comprises a flow restriction disposed in a fluid passage between the outside of a wellbore tubular and an interior of the wellbore tubular, a flow blocker disposed in the wellbore passage. fluid, wherein the flow blocker is configured to substantially prevent fluid flow through the fluid passage, and a retaining member configured to maintain the flow blocker within the fluid passage. The flow control device can be adjusted, leaving the flow restriction in place in the fluid passage. Furthermore, the flow control device can be adjusted by directly accessing the fluid passage through the retaining member from outside the flow control device.
    [00025] Referring now to Figure 2, a partially schematic sectional view of one of the sets of sieves 122, also comprising a flow control device is representatively illustrated at an enlarged scale. The well sieve assembly flow control device 122 is one of several different examples of flow control devices described below in alternative configurations. The well screen assembly 122 also generally comprises a filter portion 202 and a flow control device 204. The filter portion 202 is used to filter at least a portion of any sand and/or other debris from a fluid flowing generally from an exterior 216 to an interior of the sieve assembly 122. The filter portion 202 is shown in Figure 2 as being of the type known as "wound by yarn", since it is constituted by a yarn. intimately wound helically over a wellbore tubular 206, with a spacing between the wire winding being chosen to hold sand and the like which is greater than a selected size of pass between the wire windings. Other types of filter portions can also be used (such as synthesized, mesh, pre-filled, expandable, slotted, perforated, etc.)
    [00026] The flow control device 204 can perform various functions. In one embodiment, the flow control device 204 is an ICD that functions to restrict flow therethrough, for example, to balance fluid production over an interval. The flow control device 204 generally comprises a flow restriction 208 disposed within a fluid passage 210 between an exterior 216 of the tubular of wellbore 206 and an interior through hole 218 of the tubular of wellbore 206. In one form of embodiment, flow restriction 208 is disposed within a housing 226. Housing 226 may comprise a generally cylindrical member disposed about the wellbore tubular 206. Housing 226 may be fixedly engaged with the wellbore tubular 206 and one or more seals may be disposed between the housing 226 and the outer surface of the wellbore tubular 206 to provide a substantially fluid-tight engagement between the housing 226 and the wellbore tubular 206.
    [00027] The sleeve 228 comprises an annular element disposed around a portion of the housing 226 and a portion of the filter portion 202 to provide a seal against the exterior 216 of the tubular wellbore 206 and the fluid passage 210 through the housing 226. Sleeve 228 forms a sealing engagement with the outer surface of housing 226, and one or more seals (e.g., o-rings) may be used in corresponding recesses in sleeve 228 and/or housing 226 to aid in the formation of the seal hitch. Sleeve 228 may be configured to engage a portion of filter portion 202 and prevent fluid from passing into housing 226 without first passing through filter portion 202. Chamber 232 may be defined between the inner surface of sleeve 228 , the tubular outer surface of the wellbore 206, the housing 226 and the filter portion 202. Although illustrated as a separate component from the housing 226, the sleeve 228 may be integral with the housing 226 and/or the housing 226. and sleeve 228 can be a single, unitary component.
    [00028] Any fluid that passes through the filter portion 202 and chamber 232 can be directed to the fluid passage 210 disposed in a generally longitudinal direction, through the housing 226. The fluid passage 210 can provide a fluid communication path between the inner through hole 218 and the outer 216 of the tubular of the wellbore 206. The fluid passage 210 may generally comprise a cylindrical through hole, although other transverse shapes such as oval, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, etc. may also be used. Fluid passageway 210 generally extends from a first end 234 of housing 226 in fluid communication with chamber 232 to a second portion 236 of housing 226 having one or more ports 222 disposed therein. Ports 222 may align with one or more ports 224 disposed in the tubular of wellbore 206, and together, ports 222, 224 may provide a fluid communication path between fluid passage 210 and interior through hole 218 of the tubular well hole 206.
    [00029] In one embodiment, a plurality of fluid passages 210 may be disposed in housing 226 about the circumference of the tubular of wellbore 206. Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a device of flow control along line AA' of Figure 2. In this embodiment, eight flow restrictions 302, 304 are disposed in eight corresponding fluid passages in housing 226 over wellbore tubular 206. Each of the passages fluid can be configured to provide fluid communication between the exterior 216 of the wellbore tubular 206 and the interior through hole 218 of the wellbore tubular 206. While Figure 3 illustrates eight fluid passages, any number of fluid passages. fluid can be used with the flow control device described herein, within the limits of the space available for fluid passages 210 in housing 226. In one embodiment, the device The flow control device may comprise between about 1 and about 12 fluid passages, alternatively between about 2 and about 10 fluid passages. In some embodiments, more than 12 fluid passages may be provided in housing 226 to provide a larger flow area for greater fluid flow through the flow control device.
    [00030] In one embodiment, the fluid passages may be evenly distributed over the wellbore tubular 206 or the fluid passages 210 may not be evenly distributed. For example, an eccentric alignment of the wellbore tubular 206 within the housing 226 may allow the use of an eccentric alignment of the fluid passages over the wellbore tubular 206. In one embodiment, each fluid passageway 210 it may have the same or different diameter and/or longitudinal length.
    [00031] Returning to Figure 2, the flow restriction 208 may generally be disposed within the fluid passage 210 between the first end 234 and one or more ports 222. The flow restriction 208 is configured to provide a desired resistance to the flow of fluid through flow restriction 208. Flow restriction 208 may be selected to provide a resistor to balance production over a range. Various types of flow restrictions 208 can be used with the flow control device described herein. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the flow restriction comprises a nozzle comprising a central opening (e.g., orifice) for creating resistance and pressure drop in a fluid flowing through the flow restriction 208. Other Suitable flow restrictions may also be used, including, but not limited to, narrow flow tubes, annular passages, bent tube flow restrictors, helical tubes, and the like. Narrow flow tubes can comprise any tube with a length to diameter ratio greater than about 2.5 and to provide the desired resistance to flow. Likewise, the annular passages comprise narrow flow passages that provide a resistance to flow due to frictional forces imposed by the surfaces of the fluid passage. A bent tube flow restrictor comprises a tubular structure that forces fluid to change direction as it enters and passes through the flow restrictor. Likewise, a helical tube flow restrictor comprises a fluid passage that forces the fluid to follow a helical flow path as it flows through the flow throttle. Repeatedly changing the amount of fluid movement through the bent tube and/or helical tube flow restrictors increases flow resistance and may allow the use of a larger flow passage that may not clog as easily as narrow flow passages of narrow flow tubes and/or annular passages. Each of these different types of flow restriction can be used to provide a desired flow resistance and/or pressure drop of a fluid flow through the flow controller. Since the resistance to flow can change with the type of fluid, the type of flow restriction can be selected to provide the desired resistance to flow for one or more types of fluid.
    [00032] The flow restriction may be subject to erosion and/or abrasion from fluids passing through the flow restriction. Therefore, the flow restriction, or at least those parts in contact with the fluid flow, can be formed from any suitable erosion and/or abrasion resistant materials. Suitable materials can comprise a variety of rigid materials such as various steels, tungsten, niobium, vanadium, molybdenum, silicon, titanium, tantalum, zirconium, chromium, yttrium, boron, carbides (e.g., tungsten carbide, silicon carbide, boron carbide), nitrides (eg, silicon nitride, boron nitride), oxides, silicides, alloys thereof, and any combinations thereof. In one embodiment, one or more of these rigid materials can form a portion of a composite material. For example, rigid materials can form a particulate or discontinuous phase useful in resistance to erosion and/or abrasion, and a matrix material can bond to the rigid particulate phase. Appropriate matrix materials can comprise copper, nickel, iron, cobalt, alloys thereof, and any combination thereof. Since materials resistant to hard machining, abrasion, erosion and/or wear are generally difficult and expensive, flow restrictions can be formed from a metal in a desired configuration and subsequently one or more flow restriction portions it can be treated to provide the desired resistance to abrasion, erosion and/or wear. Suitable surface treatments used to provide erosion and/or abrasion resistance may include, but are not limited to, carburizing, nitriding, thermal treatment, and any combination thereof. In embodiments where erosion and/or abrasion is not a concern, additional suitable materials may also be used, such as various polymers.
    [00033] In an embodiment in which multiple fluid passages 210 are disposed in housing 226 over the tubular of wellbore 206, a flow restriction 208 may be disposed in each fluid passage 210. The design and type of flow restriction 208 may change for each flow restriction disposed in each fluid passage 210. For example, the type of flow restriction 208 in each fluid passage may be the same or different.
    [00034] In one embodiment, the design of each flow restriction disposed in each fluid passage 210 may also be the same or different. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the size of the center opening of a nozzle type flow restriction 302, 304 can determine the resistance to flow and pressure drop across each flow restriction 302, 304. Each of the flow restrictions 302, 304 disposed in each fluid passage 210 may have a central opening, of different size, thus providing some flow restrictions 302 with less resistance to flow (e.g., using the larger central openings) of the than other flow restrictions 304 with greater resistance to flow (eg using smaller center openings). In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, flow restrictions 302 may have larger central openings than flow restrictions 304. A combination of major flow restrictions 302 and minor flow restrictions 304 may then be used to provide flow resistance. total and/or desired flow through the flow control device. While only two center opening sizes are illustrated in Figure 3, it should be noted that there may also be three or more different sizes, and in one embodiment, each flow restriction may have a different size limitation. In one embodiment, the total or overall flow and resistance to flow through the flow control device may be a function of the combination of each of the individual flow rates and resistances, as provided by a plurality of flow restrictions 208 disposed in the plurality of fluid passages 210. The ability to use combinations of flow restrictions 208 with different fluid flow resistances can allow a wide range of total flow rates and flow resistance to be selected for a given flow control device, providing for this. so the ability to balance production over an interval.
    [00035] Returning to the embodiment of Figure 2, the flow restriction 208 can be fixedly engaged within the fluid passageway 210. For example, the flow restriction 208 can be press-fit, snap-fit, connected (e.g. , adhered, white soldered, welded, etc), and/or formed integrally with the housing so as not to be removable from housing 226. In some contexts it may be referred to as being permanently installed within the housing 226. In some embodiments, flow restriction 208 may be engaged with housing 226 so that it is not permanently engaged with housing 226, but so that it is only accessible by removing one or more parts of the device. flow control devices, such as sleeve 228. In one embodiment, flow restriction 208 may not be accessible and/or removable through access port 230 and/or retention member recess 214 in housing 226.
    [00036] During production operations, fluid 220 would typically flow from the outside 216 of the wellbore tubular 206 to the screen assembly 122, through the filter portion 202, and the flow control device 204. Within flow control device 204, fluid 220 may flow through chamber 232, through flow restriction 208, which may provide a resistance to fluid flow 220, through fluid passage 210, through one or more ports. 222 in the housing 226, and then through the one or more ports 224 disposed in the wellbore tubular 206. The fluid 220 may then flow into the interior through hole 218 of the wellbore tubular 206, which extends longitudinally through the flow control device as part of the tubular column 120. Fluid 220 can be produced through the tubular column 120 to the surface. Fluid 220 may also flow out through filter portion 202 and/or flow control device 204. For example, at times, during completion operations, fluid 220 may flow from interior through hole 218 of the wellbore tubular 206 outwardly 216 from wellbore tubular 206. Although described in terms of the specific arrangement of filter portion 202 and flow control device 204, flow control device 204 may being upstream of the filter portion 202 with respect to a fluid flowing from the outside 216 of the tubular of the wellbore 206 to the inside through hole 218.
    [00037] A flow lock 212 can be disposed in the fluid path 210 and can be retained in the fluid passage 210 by a retaining member 214. The retaining member 214 is detachably able to engage the housing 226 to allow dispensing and /or removing the flow block 212 within the fluid passage 210. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the retaining member comprises an access plug having a threaded exterior that is configured to engage corresponding threads disposed in the housing 226 In one embodiment, the access plug may be press-fit, snap-fit, and/or held in engagement with housing 226 through the use of a retaining member, such as a retaining clip (e.g., a separation ring), placement screw, or the like. In an embodiment comprising a plurality of fluid passages 210 disposed in housing 226 over the tubular bore of the wellbore 206, a corresponding retaining member 214 may be used with each fluid passage 210 to allow access to each. individual fluid passage 210.
    [00038] Retaining member 214 may be accessible from an exterior 216 of the flow control device through an access port 230 that provides direct access to each individual fluid passage 210. Access port 230 may be accessible from outside 216, without the need to remove any additional components of the flow control device and/or any other components of the completion set. Since retaining member 214 can be directly exposed to the wellbore environment, retaining member 214 can form a substantially fluid-tight seal with housing 226. One or more seals (e.g., sealing rings, etc. ) can be used to provide a seal between the retaining member 214 and the housing 226. The ability to directly access the individual fluid passages 210 can present any advantage over previous designs having a cover or sleeve that must be removed for access to the inner fluid passages 210.
    [00039] Flow lock 212 may serve to substantially prevent fluid flow through fluid passage 210 when disposed within fluid passage 210, and may comprise any mechanism capable of substantially preventing or blocking fluid flow through of the fluid passage 210. The flow lock 212 may allow selective limitation of one or more fluid passages 210 in the housing 226. In combination with access through the retaining member 214, the flow lock arrangement 212 within the fluid passage 210 can be used to quickly set and/or reconfigure the resistance to flow and/or the pressure drop across the flow control device which has a number of flow restrictions 208 that is fixed within the housing 226.
    [00040] In an embodiment shown in Figure 2, the flow lock 212 may comprise a rod or plug. The rod may be configured to be removably disposed within the fluid passage and has a corresponding shape to mate with the fluid passage 210. The rod may have a relatively small tolerance with respect to the fluid passage 210 of such so that only a small annular gap can remain between the rod and the fluid passage 210 when the rod is placed within the fluid passage 210. The rod may be of sufficient length to extend into the fluid passage 210 beyond a or more holes 222 disposed within the housing 226, thereby substantially preventing flow through the fluid passage 210. The rod may have a larger diameter than the path through the flow restriction (e.g., the central opening of a nozzle) and thus be retained within the fluid passage 210 between the retaining member 214 and the flow restriction 208. In one embodiment, the rod may not form a static seal. fluid anchor with the fluid passage 210. However, any small annular space between the outer surface of the rod and the inner surface of the fluid passage 210 can form a ring that has a relatively high resistance to flow, which can be substantially greater. than any resistance to flow through another fluid passage 210 in the same or different flow control device. Due to the increased resistance to flow, a flow of fluid can be substantially impeded through the fluid passage 210 having the rod disposed therein. In one embodiment, one or more seals (e.g., o-ring seals) may be disposed in a recess on the stem and/or the fluid passage 210 to provide a fluid-tight seal between the stem and the passage. of fluid 210.
    [00041] The rod can be removed from the fluid passage 210 by removing the retaining member 214 from the housing 226, which can be accessed through the access opening 230. The retaining member 214 and the access port 230 can be sized to allow rod removal. The rod can then be removed and the retaining member 214 can then be re-engaged with the housing 226 to allow flow through the fluid passage 210. Likewise, the rod can be disposed within the fluid passage by removing the member. retaining member 214 of the housing and inserting the rod into the fluid passage 210. The retaining member 214 can then re-engage with the housing 226, thereby substantially preventing fluid flow through the fluid passage 210.
    [00042] In an embodiment illustrated in Figure 4, another embodiment of a flow control device is shown. In this embodiment, the flow lock comprises a rod 412 having a tapered end section 402 (e.g., conical, frusto-conical, curved, etc.). The rod may be disposed within the fluid passage 210 so that a greater pressure within the interior through hole 218 than the exterior 216 of the tubular of the well bore 206 can work against an end 406 of the rod and force the rod into contact. with the flow restriction 208. The tapered end section may engage the restriction flow opening 208 (e.g., the center opening of a nozzle type flow restriction), which may have a corresponding angular and/or beveled seat 404. Interaction of tapered end section 402 with seat 404 can provide a substantially fluid tight seal against fluid flow through fluid passage 210 to chamber 232.
    [00043] When the pressure outside 216 of the tubular of the wellbore 206 is greater than the pressure inside the inside through hole 218, the rod can be angled towards the retaining member 214 and retained in the fluid passage 210 through the member retainer 214. In this configuration, the narrow annular gap between the outer surface of the rod and the inner surface of fluid passage 210 can provide substantial resistance to fluid flow, thereby substantially preventing fluid flow through fluid passage 210. In one embodiment, one or more seals (e.g., o-ring seals) may be disposed in a recess in the stem and/or fluid passage 210 to provide a fluid-tight seal between the stem and the fluid passage. fluid 210, which can serve as a redundant seal with respect to the seal formed between the end of the tapered end section 402 and the flow restriction 208.
    [00044] The rod can be removed from the fluid passage 210 by removing the retaining member 214 from the housing 226, which can be accessed through the access opening 230. The retaining member 214 and the port 230 access can be sized to allow rod removal. The rod can then be removed and the retaining member 214 can then be re-engaged with the housing 226 to allow flow through the fluid passage 210. Likewise, the rod can be disposed within the fluid passage 210 by removing the retaining member 214 from the housing, and inserting the rod into the fluid passage 210. The retaining member 214 can then be re-engaged with the housing 226, thereby substantially preventing fluid flow through the fluid passage 210.
    [00045] In an embodiment illustrated in Figure 5, another embodiment of a flow control device is shown. In this embodiment, flow lock 512 comprises a ball. The sphere can be formed from any suitable material and can be substantially spherical, although other shapes may also be possible. The sphere may be placed within a chamber 506 defined within the fluid passage 210. The sphere may have a diameter greater than the diameter of an opening 502 in fluid communication with the flow restriction 208, and greater than the diameter of an opening 504 of a door 222 disposed in the housing 226. The opening 502 and/or the opening 504 may have a chamfered and/or spherically mated surface to act as a seat for contact with the ball.
    [00046] Upon engagement between the ball and the opening 502 and/or the opening 504, the ball can form a substantial seal for fluid flow through the opening 502 and/or the opening 504, respectively. As indicated herein, a perfect fluid seal is not necessary as a certain amount of leakage can be allowed, as the resistance to flow is substantially greater than by means of an alternative pathway between the exterior 216 of the tubular of the wellbore 206 and inner through hole 218. The ball can then substantially prevent fluid flow through fluid passage 210 when applying a pressure differential across fluid passage 210. For example, when there is greater pressure within the interior through hole 218 than the exterior 216 of the wellbore tubular 206, the pressure and any resulting fluid flow may act to urge the ball against the opening 502. The ball may engage the opening 502 of the fluid passage and thereby form a seal against the flow through the fluid passage 210. Likewise, when the pressure outside 216 the wellbore tubular 206 is greater than the pressure within inner through hole 218, the ball may be urged against opening 504. The ball may engage opening 504 of fluid passage 210 and thereby form a seal against flow through fluid passage 210. In one embodiment, opening 502 may have a diameter greater than the diameter of the sphere. In this embodiment, the ball may be configured to engage an opening of the flow restriction 208 to thereby substantially form a seal.
    [00047] The ball can be removed from the fluid passage 210 by removing the retaining member 214 from the housing 226, which can be accessed through the access opening 230. The retaining member 214 and the access port 230 can be sized to allow removal of the sphere. The ball can then be removed from the chamber 506 and the retaining member 214 can then be re-engaged with the housing 226 to allow flow through the fluid passage 210. Likewise, the ball can be disposed within the fluid passage through the removing retaining member 214 from housing 226, and inserting the ball into chamber 506 within fluid passage 210. Retaining member 214 can then be re-engaged again with housing 226, thereby substantially preventing the flow of fluid through the fluid passage 210.
    [00048] In an embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, another embodiment of a flow control device is shown. In this embodiment, the flow lock comprises a plug 612 disposed within the fluid passage 210 between the flow restriction 208 and the port 222 in the housing 226. The plug may be removable and/or engaged within the fluid passage. 210 using any suitable display means or mechanisms. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 6, the plug comprises a threaded exterior that is configured to engage corresponding threads disposed in an interior of fluid passage 210. In one embodiment, the plug may comprise a snap fit, snap fit , and/or be retained through the use of a retaining member, such as a retaining clip (e.g., a separator ring), setting screw, or the like. The plug may substantially impede fluid flow through fluid passage 210. The plug may provide a substantially fluid-tight seal based on engagement of the plug with fluid passage 210. In one embodiment, one or more seals (per example, o-rings) may be disposed in a corresponding recess in the plug and/or fluid passage 210 to provide a seal between the plug and fluid passage 210.
    [00049] The plug can be removed from the fluid passage 210 by removing the retaining member 214 from the housing 226, which can be accessed through the access opening 230. The retaining member 214 and the port 230 access can be sized to allow plug removal. The plug can then be disengaged from fluid passage 210 and removed from the flow control device. Retainer member 214 may then be re-engaged with housing 226 to allow flow through fluid passage 210. Likewise, plug may be disposed within fluid passageway 210 by removing retainer member 214 from housing 226. , and inserting the plug into the fluid passageway 210. The plug can then be engaged with the fluid passageway 210. The retaining member 214 can then be reengaged again with the housing 226, thereby substantially preventing fluid flow through the fluid passage 210.
    [00050] In an embodiment illustrated in Figure 7, another embodiment of a flow control device is shown. In this embodiment, flow lock 712 comprises a plug similar to the plug described with respect to Figure 6. However, the plug illustrated in Figure 7 comprises a tapered section 702 in the center of the plug. The plug may be configured to substantially prevent fluid flow through fluid passage 210 and withstand the expected pressure differentials between the exterior 216 of the wellbore tubular 206 and the interior through hole 218. The plug may also be configured to allowing the tapered section 702 to be pierced and/or ruptured by a suitable puncture or piercing mechanism to thereby establish fluid communication through the plug. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 7, the plug comprises a threaded exterior that is configured to engage corresponding threads disposed in an interior of fluid passage 210. In one embodiment, the plug may comprise a snap fit, snap fit , and/or be retained through the use of a retaining member, such as a retaining clip (e.g., a separator ring), setting screw, or the like. The plug can substantially prevent fluid flow through fluid passage 210 before being pierced. In one embodiment, one or more seals (e.g., o-rings) may be disposed in a corresponding recess in the plug and/or fluid passage 210 to provide a seal between the plug and fluid passage 210.
    [00051] When engaged in the fluid passage 210, fluid communication through the plug having the tapered section 702 can be established by removing the retaining member 214 from the housing 226, which can be accessed through the access port 230. Retaining member 214 and access port 230 can be sized to allow the use of a punch or other piercing mechanism to pass to fluid passage 210. The plug can then be pierced and/or ruptured to provide a path. of fluid communication through the buffer. Retaining member 214 can then be re-engaged with housing 226 to allow flow through the perforated cap along fluid passageway 210.
    [00052] In order to substantially impede fluid flow through the fluid passage 210, the broken plug may be replaced with a new plug. A new plug can be disposed within fluid passage 210 by removing retaining member 214 from the housing, and removing the perforated plug from fluid passage 210. A new plug can then be inserted and engaged in fluid passage 210 Retaining member 214 can then be re-engaged with housing 226, thereby substantially preventing fluid flow through fluid passageway 210.
    [00053] In an embodiment illustrated in Figure 8, yet another embodiment of a flow control device is shown. In this embodiment, the flow lock 812 comprises a deformable plug. The deformable plug can comprise one or more deformable materials and can be configured to be disposed within the fluid passage 210 by snap fit or other suitable method. After being press-fitted into fluid passage 210, the plug may deform (e.g., elastically and/or plastically) and engage the inner surface of fluid passage 210, thus a fluid flow substantially impedes fluid flow through. of fluid passage 210. Suitable materials useful in forming the deformable plug can include any number of relatively soft metals such as lead, zinc, copper, silver, antimony, gold, tin, bismuth, indium, aluminum, combinations thereof, and their leagues. In one embodiment, one or more suitable polymeric components can be used to form the deformable plug. Various polymeric components may be suitable for use in a downhole wellbore environment, including, but not limited to, nitrile rubbers (eg, butadiene nitrile rubber, hydrogenated butadiene nitrile rubber, etc.), nitrile polymers. fluorine (e.g., perfluoroelastomers, tetrafluoroethylene, tetrafluoroethylene/propylene mixtures), polyamides, ethylene propylene diene rubbers, and the like. Additional suitable materials that can be deformed in the fluid passage 210 can also be used.
    [00054] In order to substantially prevent fluid flow through the fluid passage 210, the retaining member 214 can be removed from the housing 226, which can be accessed through the access opening 230. The deformable plug can then , is eliminated, at least partially, within the fluid passage 210. The deformable plug can then be fitted within the fluid passage 210, thereby deforming the deformable plug and forcing the deformable plug within the fluid passage 210. deformable plug can then substantially prevent fluid flow through fluid passage 210. Retaining member 214 can then be re-engaged with housing 226.
    [00055] When engaged in fluid passage 210, the deformable plug can be removed by first removing the retaining member 214 from the housing 226. In one embodiment, the deformable plug can be removed by grasping and removing the deformable plug . In one embodiment, the collapsible plug may be pierced and/or crushed out to remove at least a portion of the collapsible plug, thereby establishing fluid communication through the collapsible plug and along fluid passage 210. The retaining member 214 can then be re-engaged with housing 226 to allow flow through any remaining portion of the deformable plug.
    [00056] In an embodiment in which a plurality of fluid passages is used with the flow control device, any of the flow restrictions, flow blocks, and methods of installing and/or removing the flow blocks in the passages fluid can be used with any of the fluid passages. Each of the fluid passages may comprise the same type of flow blocks or different types of flow blocks. In addition, each of the types of flow locks can be used with any of the flow restrictions described here. All combinations of flow restrictions and flow blocks are provided as part of the flow control device described here. It can also be seen from the above description that, in each case, the flow block can be eliminated and/or removed from the fluid passage, without removing the flow restriction, which can be fixedly disposed within the fluid passage. .
    [00057] In one embodiment, a plurality of flow control devices may be used with one or more tubular sections of the wellbore, which may include one or more gaps of a wellbore. A tubular wellbore string generally refers to a plurality of tubular wellbore sections connected together for transport within the wellbore. For example, the tubular wellbore string may comprise a string of production tubing transported within the wellbore to produce one or more fluids from a wellbore. The number and type of flow control devices and the spacing Tim of the flow control devices along the wellbore tubular may vary along the length of the wellbore tubular based on expected conditions within the wellbore stream. well and at the locations of the intervals. In one embodiment, a plurality of flow control devices, comprising one or more flow restrictions and/or fluid locks disposed in one or more corresponding fluid passages, may form a part of a tubular wellbore string. The tubular wellbore string can then be placed in the wellbore disposed in an underground formation and used to produce one or more fluids from the underground formation. In one embodiment, flow control devices, which can form a part of one or more sets of well screens, can be used to balance the production of one or more gaps in the underground formation.
    [00058] The ability to access fluid passages to eliminate and/or remove a flow block within the fluid passage can allow a flow control device to be reconfigured to provide a desired resistance to flow and therefore a flow rate, through the flow control device for the conditions expected in the wellbore section. The flow control device may start with flow locks disposed in all fluid passages, none of the fluid passages, or some part of the fluid passages. Flow blocks can then be selectively adjusted by installing and/or removing a flow block on individual paths to provide a desired resistance to flow through the flow control device as required. In one embodiment, flow blocks can be adjusted based on a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to, determining the desired fluid resistance and/or flow rate.
    [00059] In one embodiment, a flow control device may be provided comprising a plurality of fluid passages between an exterior of a wellbore tubular and an interior of the wellbore tubular. Each fluid passage may comprise a flow restriction and a flow block configured to substantially prevent fluid flow through the fluid passage. A corresponding plurality of retaining members can be configured to maintain flow blocks within each fluid passage. In this configuration, flow through all fluid passages can be substantially impeded. In order to selectively adjust the flow control device to provide a desired resistance to flow, one or more of the flow blocks can be selectively removed from one or more of the plurality of fluid passages by any of the methods described above. For example, flow blocks can be removed from fluid passages that have the appropriate combination of flow restriction, which can each be the same, different, or any combination thereof, to provide the desired total resistance to flow through. of the flow control device. A fluid can then be allowed to flow through one or more fluid passages with the flow blocks removed. For example, the flow control device can be used to produce a fluid from an underground formation and/or inject a fluid into an underground formation through one or more fluid passages with the flow blocks removed .
    [00060] Having a flow control device with all fluid paths that make up flow blocks can be useful to provide some degree of adaptability to a tubular wellbore column comprising additional flow control devices that are configured for the expected wellbore conditions. In this embodiment, the one or more flow control devices can serve as supports along the column for use in adjusting the overall resistance to flow within a wellbore zone. For example, when an increased flow rate and/or decreased overall resistance to flow through a zone is desired, one or more of the flow blocks can be removed from the fluid passages. The ability to access individual flow blocks can allow fine adjustment of flow rate and/or flow resistance at any time before eliminating the flow control device within the wellbore.
    [00061] In one embodiment, a flow control device may be provided comprising a plurality of fluid passages between an exterior of a wellbore tubular and an interior of the wellbore tubular. Each fluid passage can comprise a flow restriction that is free of any flow blockage. A plurality of retaining members can be configured to allow access to each fluid passage and be accessible from outside the flow control device, without removing an additional component such as a cover or glove. In this configuration, flow through all fluid passages can be admitted, thus providing an overall flow resistance that results from the combination of individual flow resistances through each of the fluid restrictions. In order to selectively adjust the flow control device to provide a desired flow resistance less than the overall flow resistance, one or more of the flow blocks may be eliminated and/or selectively installed within one or more of the plurality of fluid passages using any of the methods described above. For example, flow blocks can be arranged in one or more fluid passages to leave one or more fluid passages open with the appropriate combination of flow restriction, which can each be the same, different, or any combination thereof. , to provide the desired total resistance to flow through the flow control device. A fluid can then be allowed to flow through one or more fluid passages without the flow locks in place. For example, the flow control device can be used to produce a fluid from an underground formation and/or inject a fluid into an underground formation through one or more fluid passages without the flow locks in place. .
    [00062] Having a flow control device without any fluid passages comprising flow locks can be helpful in providing an initial assembly that can be adjusted as needed. For example, a plurality of flow control devices can be provided and selectively adjusted to provide a desired flow rate and/or flow resistance based on anticipated operating conditions within the wellbore. In this embodiment, one or more of the flow blocks can be installed to provide the desired resistance to flow at any point between being fabricated and being disposed within a wellbore.
    [00063] In one embodiment, a flow control device may be provided comprising a plurality of fluid passages between an exterior of a wellbore tubular and an interior of the wellbore tubular. One or more of the fluid passages, but not necessarily all of the fluid passages, may comprise a flow restriction and a flow block configured to substantially prevent fluid flow through the corresponding fluid passage. A plurality of retaining members may be configured to allow access to each fluid passage and to maintain flow locks within each fluid passage comprising a flow lock. In this configuration, flow through each of the fluid passages comprising a flow block can be substantially impeded. In order to selectively adjust the flow control device to provide a desired resistance to flow, one or more of the flow blocks may be installed and/or removed from one or more of the plurality of fluid passages using either method. described above selectively. For example, flow blocks can be installed and/or removed from one or more of the fluid passages to provide the appropriate combination of flow restrictions, which can each be the same, different, or any combination thereof, to provide the desired total resistance to flow through the flow control device. A fluid can then be allowed to flow through one or more fluid passages free of flow blocks. For example, the flow control device can be used to produce a fluid from an underground formation and/or inject a fluid into an underground formation through one or more fluid passages free of any flow blockages. .
    [00064] Flow control devices can be selectively adjusted at any point before being placed in a wellbore. For example, flow control devices can be manufactured with or without any flow locks disposed in the fluid passages. Flow control devices can then pass through multiple shipping and distribution centers where fluid passages can be selectively adjusted. When deployed to a wellbore site for use in a wellbore, the flow control devices can be selectively fitted to the surface before being placed in the wellbore. Still further, the flow control device can be retrieved from a wellbore after being disposed within the wellbore. The flow control device can then be selectively adjusted after being retrieved and before being re-arranged within the wellbore.
    [00065] In one embodiment, the flow control device can be selectively adjusted using any of the methods described above based on determining a desired fluid resistance and/or flow through the flow control device. In general, fluid resistance and/or flow through a flow control device can be selected to balance fluid production over a range. The determination of fluid resistance and/or flow rate for a range can be determined based on the desired production from the range and the expected conditions within the range, including, but not limited to, the permeability of the formation within the range, the total length of the gap, the types of fluids to be produced from the gap, and/or the fluid properties of the fluids to be produced in the gap. Once a desired fluid resistance and/or flow rate for a time interval is determined, the flow control device can be selectively adjusted by installing and/or removing one or more flow blocks from one or more corresponding fluid passages within the flow control device to provide a total fluid passage having the desired fluid resistance and/or flow rate. In one embodiment, the flow control device can be selectively adjusted without removing the flow restriction. In one embodiment, the flow control device can be selectively adjusted by accessing the fluid passage through a retaining member directly accessible from the outside of the flow control device, without the need to remove a sleeve, cover , and/or another access mechanism.
    [00066] Having described various systems and methods of this invention, various embodiments may include, but are not limited to:
    [00067] In a first embodiment, a flow control device comprises a fluid passage configured to provide fluid communication between an exterior of a wellbore tubular and an interior of the wellbore tubular, a flow restriction disposed in the fluid passage, a flow block disposed in the fluid passage, and a retaining member configured to maintain the flow block within the fluid passage and allow access to the flow block within the fluid passage. The flow block substantially impedes fluid flow through the fluid passage. In a second embodiment, the flow control device of the first embodiment may also include a filter portion disposed in the fluid passageway between the outside of the wellbore tubular and the inside of the wellbore tubular. In a third embodiment, the flow restriction of the first or second embodiments may comprise a mouthpiece, a narrow flow tube, an annular passage, a bent tube flow restrictor, or a helical tube. In a fourth embodiment, the flow restriction of any one of the first to third embodiments may be permanently installed within the fluid passage. In a fifth embodiment, the flow block of any one of the first to fourth embodiments may comprise a rod configured to be removably disposed within the fluid passage. In a sixth embodiment, the stem of the fifth embodiment may comprise a tapered end section, and the tapered end section may be configured to sealingly engage the flow restriction. In a seventh embodiment, the flow block of the first embodiment may comprise a ball, the ball may be configured to engage one or more openings within the fluid passage to substantially impede fluid flow through the fluid passage. . In an eighth embodiment, the flow lock of the first embodiment may comprise a fitting configured to be removably disposed within the fluid passage. In a ninth embodiment, the plug of the eighth embodiment may comprise a tapered portion and the tapered section may be configured to be pierced to establish fluid communication through the plug. In a tenth embodiment, the plug of the eighth embodiment may comprise a deformable plug configured to be disposed within the fluid passage. In an eleventh embodiment, the flow control device of any one of the first to tenth embodiments may also include a plurality of flow restrictions disposed in a corresponding plurality of fluid passages between the exterior of the bore tube. well and the interior of the wellbore tubular, and the flow block may be placed in a first fluid passage of a plurality of fluid passages. In a twelfth embodiment, an overall resistance to flow may be provided by a path, each comprising the plurality of fluid passages of the eleventh embodiment, which is free of a flow block. In a thirteenth embodiment, the flow control device of the eleventh or twelfth embodiments may also include a plurality of retaining members corresponding to a plurality of fluid passages, and each retaining member a plurality of Retaining members can be configured to provide direct access to each corresponding fluid passage. In a fourteenth embodiment, wherein a first of the plurality of flow restrictions of any one of the eleventh and thirteenth embodiments may have a different resistance to fluid flow than a second of a plurality of flow restrictions .
    [00068] In a fifteenth embodiment, a method comprises providing a flow control device, selectively installing or removing one or more flow blocks from the plurality of fluid passages, and producing a fluid through one or more fluid passages free from flow blockages. The flow control device comprises a plurality of fluid passages between an exterior of a wellbore tubular and an interior of the wellbore tubular, and a plurality of flow restrictions disposed in corresponding fluid passages of the plurality of passages of fluid. In a sixteenth embodiment, the plurality of flow restrictions of the fifteenth embodiment may remain within the fluid passages during installation or selective removal of one or more flow blocks. In a seventeenth embodiment, selectively installing or removing one or more flow blocks of the fifteenth or sixteenth embodiments may comprise accessing one or more of the fluid passages through an access port, and the access port may provide direct access to the fluid passage from outside the wellbore tubular. In an eighteenth embodiment, the flow blocks of any one of the fifteenth or eighteenth embodiments may comprise at least one of a rod removably disposed within one or more of the fluid passages, a tapered rod removably disposed within one or more of the fluid passages, a ball configured to engage one or more openings within one or more of the fluid passages, a plug configured to be removably disposed within one or more In most fluid passages, a plug comprises a tapered section that is configured to be pierced to establish fluid communication through the plug or a deformable plug configured to be disposed within one or more of the fluid passages.
    [00069] In a nineteenth embodiment, a method of adjusting a fluid flow resistance comprises determining a desired fluid flow resistance from a range of a wellbore, and selectively blocking or unlocking one or more fluid passages through individual flow restrictors to provide an overall fluid passage with the desired fluid flow resistance. In a twentieth embodiment, the method of the nineteenth embodiment may also include producing a fluid from an underground formation through each of the individual unblocked flow restrictors.
    [00070] At least one embodiment is disclosed and variations, combinations and/or modifications of the embodiment(s) and/or features of the embodiment(s) made by a person of ordinary skill in the technique are within the scope of the disclosure. Alternative embodiments that result from combining, integrating, and/or omitting features of the embodiment(s) are also within the scope of the disclosure. Where numerical ranges or ranges are expressly indicated, such express ranges or limitations shall be understood to include iterative ranges or limitations of similar magnitude encompassing the expressly stated ranges or limitations (eg, from about 1 to about 10 includes, 2 , 3, 4 , etc; greater than 0.10 includes 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, etc.) For example, whenever a numeric range with a lower bound, R| and an upper limit, Ru, is disclosed, any number within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular, the following numbers within the range are specifically disclosed: R = R| + k * (Ru-R|), where k is a variable ranging from 1 percent to 100 percent with a 1 percent increment, ie, k is 1 percent, 2 percent, 3 percent , 4 percent, 5 percent,..., 50 percent, 51 percent, 52 percent,..., 95 percent, 96 percent, 97 percent, 98 percent, 99 percent or 100 Percent. In addition, any numerical range defined by two R numbers as defined above is also specifically disclosed. The use of the term "optionally" with respect to any element of a claim means that the element is necessary, or alternatively, the element is not necessary, both alternatives being within the scope of the claim. The use of broader terms, as comprises, includes, and having is to be understood to provide support for narrower terms as constituted, which consists essentially of, and comprises substantially of. Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the above description, but is defined by the following claims, that scope including all equivalents of the subject matter of the claims. Each and all claims are incorporated as further disclosure in the specification and the claims are embodiment(s) of the present invention.
    权利要求:
    Claims (18)
    [0001]
    1. Flow control device (204), characterized in that it comprises: a fluid passage (210) configured to provide fluid communication between an exterior (216) of a tubular wellbore (206) and an interior (218 ) the tubular of the wellbore; a flow restriction (208) disposed in the fluid passage (210), wherein the flow restriction (208) is permanently installed within the fluid passage (210); a flow block (212) disposed in the fluid passage (210), wherein the flow block (212) is selectively installable and removable from the fluid passage, and wherein the flow block (212) prevents fluid flow. through the fluid passage (210); and a retaining member (214) configured to maintain the flow lock (212) within the fluid passage (210) and allow access to the flow lock (212) within the fluid passage (210) from the exterior (216) of the flow control device (204) through an access port (230) so that the flow block (212) can be disposed in or removed from the fluid passage (210), wherein the flow lock is disposed in the fluid passage (210) between the flow restriction (208) and the retaining member (214).
    [0002]
    2. Flow control device according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a filter portion (202) disposed in the fluid passage between the outside of the wellbore tubular and the inside of the wellbore tubular .
    [0003]
    3. Flow control device according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the flow restriction (208) comprises a nozzle, a narrow flow tube, an annular passage, a bent tube flow restrictor , or a helical tube.
    [0004]
    4. A flow control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the flow lock (212) comprises a rod (412) configured to be removably disposed within the fluid passage.
    [0005]
    5. A flow control device according to claim 5, characterized in that the rod (412) comprises a tapered end section, and wherein the tapered end section is configured to sealingly engage the flow restriction .
    [0006]
    6. Flow control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the flow lock comprises a ball (512), wherein the ball is configured to engage one or more openings within the fluid passage to prevent the fluid flow through the fluid passage.
    [0007]
    A flow control device according to claim 1, characterized in that the flow lock comprises a plug (712) configured to be removably disposed within the fluid passage.
    [0008]
    8. A flow control device according to claim 7, characterized in that the plug comprises a tapered section (702), wherein the tapered section is configured to be pierced to establish fluid communication through the plug.
    [0009]
    9. Flow control device according to claim 7, characterized in that the plug comprises a deformable plug configured to be disposed within the fluid passage.
    [0010]
    10. A flow control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it further comprises: a plurality of flow restrictions (208, 302, 304) disposed in a corresponding plurality of fluid passages (210 ) between the outside of the wellbore tubular and the inside of the wellbore tubular, wherein the flow block is disposed in a first fluid path of a plurality of fluid passages.
    [0011]
    11. A flow control device according to claim 10, characterized in that an overall resistance to flow is provided by a flow path comprising each of the plurality of fluid passages (210) which is free of a flow block. .
    [0012]
    12. A flow control device according to claim 10, further comprising: a plurality of retaining members (214) corresponding to the plurality of fluid passages (210), wherein each retaining member of the plurality of Retaining members is configured to provide direct access to each corresponding fluid passage.
    [0013]
    A flow control device according to any one of claims 10 or 12, characterized in that a first of the plurality of flow restrictions has a different resistance to fluid flow than a second of the plurality of flow restrictions.
    [0014]
    14. A method of providing a flow control device, characterized in that it comprises: providing a flow control device (204) comprising: a plurality of fluid passages (210) between an exterior (216) of a bore tubular wellbore (206) and an interior (218) of the wellbore tubular, and a plurality of flow restrictions (208, 302, 304) disposed in corresponding fluid passages of the plurality of fluid passages; and a plurality of retaining members (214) disposed in corresponding fluid passages (210) of the plurality of fluid passages, each of the retaining members of the plurality of retaining members being configured to maintain a flow lock (212 ) corresponding within the corresponding fluid passage, and allowing access to the corresponding flow lock (212) within the fluid passage (210) from the exterior (216) of the flow control device (204) through a access door (230); accessing one or more flow locks (212) from outside (216) of the flow control device (204) through one or more of the plurality of retaining members (214); selectively installing or removing one or more flow blocks (212) from the plurality of fluid passages while leaving each of the plurality of flow restrictions in place in the corresponding fluid passage; wherein the one or more flow blocks prevent flow through corresponding fluid passages (210); and producing a fluid through one or more fluid passages free of the flow blocks (212).
    [0015]
    15. Method according to claim 14, characterized in that the flow locks (212, 412, 512, 612, 712, 812) comprise at least one of a rod arranged in a removable manner within a or more of the fluid passages, a tapered rod removably disposed within one or more of the fluid passages, a ball configured to engage one or more openings within one or more of the fluid passages, a plug configured to be disposed of. a removable shape within one or more of the fluid passages, a plug comprises a tapered section that is configured to be pierced to establish fluid communication through the plug, or a deformable plug configured to be disposed within one or more of the passages of fluid.
    [0016]
    16. The method of claim 14, characterized in that the plurality of flow restrictions (208) are permanently installed in corresponding fluid passages (210) of the plurality of flow passages.
    [0017]
    17. The method of claim 14, characterized in that a single flow restriction of the plurality of flow restrictions is disposed in each corresponding fluid passage (210) of the plurality of fluid passages (210).
    [0018]
    18. The method of claim 14, characterized in that the step of selectively installing or removing the one or more flow blocks of the plurality of fluid passages comprises press-fitting the one or more flow blocks (212) within of corresponding fluid passages (210) through the one or more of the plurality of retaining members.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    BR112014020903B8|2021-08-31|
    CA2862161C|2017-05-09|
    CN104204403A|2014-12-10|
    EP2820236B8|2019-07-17|
    EP2820236A4|2016-12-28|
    AU2013226421B2|2016-05-26|
    SG11201405251UA|2014-09-26|
    EP2820236B1|2019-06-12|
    BR112014020903A2|2017-06-20|
    EP2820236A1|2015-01-07|
    US20130220632A1|2013-08-29|
    CN104204403B|2018-04-27|
    US8657016B2|2014-02-25|
    CA2862161A1|2013-09-06|
    MY174507A|2020-04-23|
    WO2013130272A1|2013-09-06|
    AU2013226421A1|2014-09-18|
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    法律状态:
    2018-12-04| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|
    2020-02-18| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|
    2021-05-11| B09A| Decision: intention to grant [chapter 9.1 patent gazette]|
    2021-07-06| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted [chapter 16.1 patent gazette]|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 14/02/2013, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    2021-07-27| B09W| Correction of the decision to grant [chapter 9.1.4 patent gazette]|Free format text: RETIFICACAO DO PARECER DE DEFERIMENTO |
    2021-08-31| B16C| Correction of notification of the grant [chapter 16.3 patent gazette]|Free format text: REFERENTE AO DESPACHO 16.1 PUBLICADO NA RPI 2635, QUANTO AO QUADRO REIVINDICATORIO |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US13/408,861|US8657016B2|2012-02-29|2012-02-29|Adjustable flow control device|
    US13/408861|2012-02-29|
    PCT/US2013/026032|WO2013130272A1|2012-02-29|2013-02-14|Adjustable flow control device|
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