Variable flow resistance system with circulation inducing structure therein to variably resist flow in a subterranean well
AssigneeHalliburton Energy Services, Inc.
InventorsJason D. Dykstra, Michael L. Fripp
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A variable flow resistance system for use in a subterranean well can include a flow chamber having an outlet and at least one structure which resists a change in a direction of flow of a fluid composition toward the outlet. The fluid composition may enter the chamber in the direction of flow which changes based on a ratio of desired fluid to undesired fluid in the fluid composition. Another variable flow resistance system can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows, the chamber having an inlet, an outlet, and a structure which impedes a change from circular flow about the outlet to radial flow toward the outlet.
Claims52
A variable flow resistance system for use in a subterranean well, the system comprising:
- a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows, the chamber having at least one inlet through which the fluid composition enters the chamber, an outlet through which the same fluid composition exits the chamber, and at least one structure which impedes a change from circular flow of the fluid composition about the outlet to radial flow toward the outlet.
A variable flow resistance system for use in a subterranean well, the system comprising:
- a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows, the chamber having a substantially cylindrical perimeter wall;
- at least one inlet through which the fluid composition enters the chamber, the inlet intersecting the perimeter wall;
- an outlet through which the fluid composition exits the chamber, the outlet being proximate a center of the chamber;
- and
- at least one structure which impedes circular flow of the fluid composition about the outlet.
A variable flow resistance system for use in a subterranean well, the system comprising:
- a flow chamber including at least one inlet through which a fluid composition enters the chamber, an outlet through which the same fluid composition exits the chamber, and at least one structure which resists a change in a direction of flow of the fluid composition toward the outlet,
- wherein the direction of flow of the fluid composition toward the outlet changes based on a ratio of desired fluid to undesired fluid in the fluid composition.
A variable flow resistance system for use in a subterranean well, the system comprising:
- 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 a fluid composition;
- and
- a flow chamber having an outlet, a first inlet connected to a first one of the flow paths, a second inlet connected to a second one of the flow paths, and at least one structure which impedes radial flow of the fluid composition from the second inlet to the outlet more than the structure impedes radial flow of the fluid composition from the first inlet to the outlet.
A variable flow resistance system for use in a subterranean well, the system comprising:
- a flow chamber including an outlet and at least one structure which resists a change in a direction of flow of a fluid composition toward the outlet,
- wherein the fluid composition enters the chamber in the direction of flow which changes based on a ratio of desired fluid to undesired fluid in the fluid composition,
- wherein the structure has at least one opening which permits a change from circular flow of the fluid composition about the outlet to radial flow toward the outlet, and
- wherein the opening in the structure permits more direct flow of the fluid composition from an inlet to the outlet.
A variable flow resistance system for use in a subterranean well, the system comprising:
- a flow chamber including an outlet and at least one structure which resists a change in a direction of flow of a fluid composition toward the outlet,
- wherein the fluid composition enters the chamber in the direction of flow which changes based on a ratio of desired fluid to undesired fluid in the fluid composition, and
- wherein the structure reduces a velocity of the fluid composition as the fluid composition flows from an inlet to the outlet.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.