Water absorbing or dissolving materials used as an in-flow control device and method of use
First Claim
1. An apparatus for controlling a flow of a formation fluid into a wellbore tubular in a wellbore, comprising:
- a flow restriction member positioned along the wellbore tubular, the flow restriction member being configured to transition from a first effective density to a second effective density in response to a change in composition of the flowing formation fluid, wherein the effective density change causes movement of the flow restriction member due to gravity.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A device or system for controlling fluid flow in a well includes a flow restriction member that transitions from a first effective density to a second effective density in response to a change in composition of the flowing fluid. The flow restriction member may increase in effective density as the water cut of the flowing fluid increases and/or disintegrate when exposed to a selected fluid in the flowing fluid. The flow restriction member may be formed of a water-absorbing material and/or a porous material. The pores may be water permeable but not oil permeable. A method for producing fluid from a subterranean formation includes controlling a flow of fluid into a wellbore tubular with a flow restriction member. The method may include reducing a flow of water into the wellbore tubular when a percentage of water in the flowing fluid reaches a predetermined value.
-
Citations
20 Claims
-
1. An apparatus for controlling a flow of a formation fluid into a wellbore tubular in a wellbore, comprising:
a flow restriction member positioned along the wellbore tubular, the flow restriction member being configured to transition from a first effective density to a second effective density in response to a change in composition of the flowing formation fluid, wherein the effective density change causes movement of the flow restriction member due to gravity. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
-
8. A method for producing fluid from a subterranean formation, comprising:
(a) controlling a flow of fluid into a wellbore tubular with a flow restriction member, wherein an effective density of the flow restriction element is caused by a change in composition of the flowing fluid from the subterranean formation, the flow restriction element moving due to gravity. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
-
15. A system for controlling a flow of a fluid in a well, comprising:
-
a wellbore tubular positioned in the well, the wellbore tubular being configured to convey fluid in a bore of the wellbore tubular; at least one flow restriction member positioned along the wellbore tubular, the flow restriction member being configured to transition from a first effective density to a second effective density in response to a change in composition of the flowing formation fluid, wherein the effective density change causes movement of the flow restriction member due to gravity. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
-
Specification