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 and having a valve housing with at least one inlet and at least one outlet;
a rotatable fluid diverter positioned in the tool housing and adjacent the exterior of the valve housing, the fluid diverter rotated about a longitudinal axis of the fluid diverter by change in the fluid diverter buoyancy in response to change in the fluid density, the fluid diverter rotatable to restrict fluid flow through at least one valve inlet in response to change in the fluid density.
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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. 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 can 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. The fluid diverter can move in response to density change in the fluid to affect fluid flow patterns in a tubular, the change in flow pattern operating a valve assembly.
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Citations
30 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 and having a valve housing with at least one inlet and at least one outlet; a rotatable fluid diverter positioned in the tool housing and adjacent the exterior of the valve housing, the fluid diverter rotated about a longitudinal axis of the fluid diverter by change in the fluid diverter buoyancy in response to change in the fluid density, the fluid diverter rotatable to restrict fluid flow through at least one valve inlet in response to change in the fluid density. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. 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, the apparatus comprising:
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a fluid diverter rotationally movable about a longitudinal rotational axis of the fluid diverter in response to changes in the density of the fluid, wherein movement of the fluid diverter changes a fluid flow path through the apparatus; and a valve assembly positioned adjacent the fluid diverter for restricting fluid flow through the valve assembly, the valve assembly having an open and a closed position, and wherein the position of the valve assembly changes in response to changes to the fluid flow path. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification