US 8,235,128 B2 · Flow path control based on fluid characteristics to thereby variably resist flow in a subterranean well

Abstract

A system for variably resisting flow of a fluid composition can include a flow passage and a set of one or more branch passages which intersect the flow passage, whereby a proportion of the fluid composition diverted from the passage to the set of branch passages varies based on at least one of a) viscosity of the fluid composition, and b) velocity of the fluid composition in the flow passage. Another variable flow resistance system can include a flow path selection device that selects which of multiple flow paths a majority of fluid flows through from the device, based on a ratio of desired fluid to undesired fluid in the fluid composition. Yet another variable flow resistance system can include a flow chamber, with a majority of the fluid composition entering the chamber in a direction which changes based on a ratio of desired fluid to undesired fluid in the fluid composition.

Claims28

Dependent claims

A system for variably resisting flow of a fluid composition in a subterranean well, the system comprising:

a first flow passage;
and
a first set of one or more branch passages which intersect the first flow passage, whereby a proportion of the fluid composition diverted from the first flow passage to the first set of branch passages varies based on at least one of
a) viscosity of the fluid composition in the first flow passage, and
b) velocity of the fluid composition in the first flow passage,
wherein the first set of branch passages directs the fluid composition to a first control passage of a flow path selection device, and wherein the flow path selection device selects which of multiple flow paths a majority of fluid flows through from the device, based at least partially on the proportion of the fluid composition diverted to the first control passage, and
wherein the flow path selection device variably resists flow of the fluid composition in at least one direction between an interior of a tubular string and an earth formation intersected by the subterranean well.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Flow path control based on fluid characteristics to thereby variably resist flow in a subterranean well

Life of this patent

Flow path control based on fluid characteristics to thereby variably resist flow in a subterranean well

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims28