Flow control system for use in a subterranean well
AssigneeHalliburton Energy Services, Inc.
InventorsMichael L. Fripp, Stephen M. Greci, Thomas J. Frosell
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A flow control system for use in a subterranean well includes a flow chamber comprising an inlet and an outlet that is configured to receive a fluid, and a flow restriction member positioned and movable within the flow chamber. The flow restriction member is configured to restrict fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet of the flow chamber based upon a density of the fluid.
Claims17
A flow control system for use in a subterranean well, the system comprising:
- a flow chamber comprising an inlet and an outlet, the flow chamber configured to receive a fluid and induce fluid flow in a vortex about an axis within the flow chamber, the inlet positioned radially outward from the axis and at least partially tangent to the vortex within the flow chamber;
- and
- a flow restriction member positioned and movable within the flow chamber, the flow restriction member configured to restrict fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet of the flow chamber based upon a density of the fluid.
A method for controlling fluid flow through a flow control system, comprising:
- receiving fluid flow into an inlet of a flow chamber of the flow control system, thereby rotating a flow restriction member about an axis within the flow chamber with a vortex of fluid flow;
- and
- restricting fluid flow through an outlet of the flow chamber based upon a density of the fluid.
A flow control system for use in a subterranean well, the system comprising:
- a flow chamber comprising an inlet and an outlet and configured to induce fluid flow in a vortex shape about an axis within the flow chamber;
- a flow restriction member positioned within the flow chamber and rotatable about the axis such that the flow restriction member rotates closer to the axis for a higher density fluid than for a lower density fluid.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.