Method and apparatus for controlling fluid flow using movable flow diverter assembly

• US 8,616,290 B2
• Filed: 04/09/2012
• Issued: 12/31/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 04/29/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Incorporated (Halliburton Company)
• Original Assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Incorporated (Halliburton Company)
• Inventors: Dykstra, Jason D., Fripp, Michael L., DeJesus, Orlando
• Primary Examiner(s): Ro, Yong-Suk (Philip)
• Application Number:
  US13/441,995
• Publication Number:
  US 20130092392A1
• Time in Patent Office: 631 Days
• Field of Search: 166/373, 166/319, 166/250.15, 251/11, 251/12
• US Class Current: 166/373
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 34/08 responsive to flow or pressure of the fluid obtained E21B34/10 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: E21B 43/12 Methods or apparatus for controlling the flow of the obtained fluid to or in wells E21B43/25 takes precedence; valve arrangements E21B34/00

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for controlling the flow of fluid, such as formation fluid, through an oilfield tubular positioned in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation. Fluid flow is autonomously controlled in response to change in a fluid flow characteristic, such as density or viscosity. A fluid diverter is movable between an open and closed position in response to fluid density change and operable to restrict fluid flow through a valve assembly inlet. The diverter can be pivotable, rotatable or otherwise movable in response to the fluid density change. The diverter is operable to control a fluid flow ratio through two valve inlets. The fluid flow ratio is used to operate a valve member to restrict fluid flow through the valve.

Claims

1. A method of fluid flow control for use in an oilfield tubular positioned in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation, the oilfield tubular for flowing fluid therethrough, the fluid having a characteristic which changes over time, the apparatus comprising:

flowing fluid through a first and second passageways positioned in a housing, the flow defining a flow ratio;

flowing fluid through an outlet positioned in the housing;

varying resistance to fluid flow through at least one of the first and second passageways, the resistance variation dependent on change in the fluid characteristic;

changing the flow ratio in response to varying the resistance through at least one of the first and second passageways;

moving a valve element positioned in the housing in response to changing the flow ratio;

restricting fluid flow through the outlet in response to moving the valve element; and

moving a fluid restrictor arm adjacent the outlet in response to movement of the valve element, wherein the valve element has a first arm positioned adjacent the first passageway and a second arm positioned adjacent the second passageway.

2. The method as in claim 1 wherein the fluid characteristic is one of viscosity, density, or flow rate.

3. The method as in claim 1 wherein the valve element biased towards a position.

4. The method as in claim 1 wherein the valve element pivots.

5. The method as in claim 1, further comprising the step of completely restricting fluid flow through the outlet in response to movement of the fluid restrictor adjacent the outlet.

6. The method as in claim 1 further comprising rotating the valve element.