Method and apparatus for autonomous downhole fluid selection with pathway dependent resistance system
First Claim
1. A method of autonomously directing flow in a subterranean wellbore, comprising:
- receiving an initial flow of a fluid in a well device, and then separating the initial flow of fluid into a first flow and a separate second flow;
establishing a flow ratio between the first and second flows;
autonomously changing the flow ratio in response to changes in a characteristic of the fluid;
thenreceiving the first and second flows of fluid, the first flow smaller than the second flow, the first flow flowing in a first direction that is different than a second direction in which the second flow is flowing;
combining the first flow and second flow into a combined flow;
directing the resulting combined flow away from the second direction and towards the first direction; and
generating a flow condition that autonomously increases the tendency of the combined flow to flow towards the first direction.
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Accused Products
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. In one embodiment, 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. In one embodiment, 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.
417 Citations
5 Claims
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1. A method of autonomously directing flow in a subterranean wellbore, comprising:
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receiving an initial flow of a fluid in a well device, and then separating the initial flow of fluid into a first flow and a separate second flow; establishing a flow ratio between the first and second flows; autonomously changing the flow ratio in response to changes in a characteristic of the fluid;
thenreceiving the first and second flows of fluid, the first flow smaller than the second flow, the first flow flowing in a first direction that is different than a second direction in which the second flow is flowing; combining the first flow and second flow into a combined flow; directing the resulting combined flow away from the second direction and towards the first direction; and generating a flow condition that autonomously increases the tendency of the combined flow to flow towards the first direction. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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Specification