US 2011/0253392 A1 · SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING FLOW IN A WELLBORE

Abstract

A technique enables control over flow in a wellbore with a flow control system. The flow control system combines a flow reduction mechanism with a flow control device, such as a valve. The flow reduction mechanism comprises a closure member which can be selectively moved between an unactuated and actuated position, allowing relatively greater flow through the flow control device in the unactuated position. The flow reduction mechanism actuates prior to or in conjunction with the flow control device to reduce flow and thus reduce the loading forces that would otherwise act against the flow control mechanism upon closure of the flow control device.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A method for use in a wellbore that provides a reduction of a flow and a corresponding reduction of flow induced forces on one or more related primary flow controlling members comprising:

providing a flow reduction device in a well equipment string;
positioning the flow reduction device on an uphole side of at least one related primary flow controlling member, wherein at least one of the related primary flow controlling members comprises one or more ball closure mechanisms;
actuating the flow reduction device to limit an uphole flow to a restricted uphole flow prior to or in conjunction with closure of the related primary flow controlling member;
and
actuating the related primary flow controlling member.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

System and method for controlling flow in a wellbore

Life of this patent

System and method for controlling flow in a wellbore

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13