Method and apparatus for controlling fluid flow using movable flow diverter assembly
First Claim
1. A fluid flow control apparatus 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 density which changes over time, the apparatus comprising:
- a tool housing;
a valve assembly positioned in the tool housing, the valve assembly having an inlet, an outlet, and a movable valve member, the movable valve member movable between a closed position wherein fluid flow through the valve assembly is restricted and an open position in which fluid flow through the valve assembly is relatively unrestricted; and
a movable fluid diverter positioned at an end of the valve assembly, the movable fluid diverter movable in response to change in the fluid density, the movable fluid diverter movable between a first position and a second position, the movable fluid diverter for changing the fluid flow pattern in the valve assembly, wherein the movable fluid diverter pivots, and wherein the movable valve member moves between the closed and open positions in response to movement of the movable fluid diverter between the first and second positions and change in the fluid flow pattern in the valve assembly.
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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.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A fluid flow control apparatus 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 density which changes over time, the apparatus comprising:
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a tool housing; a valve assembly positioned in the tool housing, the valve assembly having an inlet, an outlet, and a movable valve member, the movable valve member movable between a closed position wherein fluid flow through the valve assembly is restricted and an open position in which fluid flow through the valve assembly is relatively unrestricted; and a movable fluid diverter positioned at an end of the valve assembly, the movable fluid diverter movable in response to change in the fluid density, the movable fluid diverter movable between a first position and a second position, the movable fluid diverter for changing the fluid flow pattern in the valve assembly, wherein the movable fluid diverter pivots, and wherein the movable valve member moves between the closed and open positions in response to movement of the movable fluid diverter between the first and second positions and change in the fluid flow pattern in the valve assembly. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification