Downhole fluid flow control system having a fluidic module with a bridge network and method for use of same

A flow control screen comprising:

• a base pipe with an internal passageway;
• a filter medium positioned around the base pipe;
• a housing positioned around the base pipe defining a fluid flow path between the filter medium and the internal passageway;
• and
• at least one fluidic module disposed within the fluid flow path, the fluidic module having a bridge network with first and second branch fluid pathways each including at least two fluid flow resistors having different responses to fluid viscosity and a pressure output terminal such that a pressure difference between the pressure output terminals of the first and second branch fluid pathways is operable to control fluid flow through the fluidic module.

A downhole fluid flow control method comprising:

• positioning a fluid flow control system at a target location downhole, the fluid flow control system including a fluidic module having a bridge network with first and second branch fluid pathways each including at least one fluid flow resistor and a pressure output terminal;
• producing a desired fluid through the fluidic module;
• responsive to the production of the desired fluid, generating a first pressure difference between the pressure output terminals of the first and second branch fluid pathways that increases flow through the fluidic module;
• producing an undesired fluid through the fluidic module;
• and
• responsive to the production of the undesired fluid, generating a second pressure difference between the pressure output terminals of the first and second branch fluid pathways that decreases flow through the fluidic module.

A downhole fluid flow control system comprising:

• a fluidic module having a bridge network with first and second branch fluid pathways each including at least two fluid flow resistors and a pressure output terminal;
• wherein the two fluid flow resistors of each branch fluid pathway have different responses to fluid density;
• and
• wherein a pressure difference between the pressure output terminals of the first and second branch fluid pathways is operable to control fluid flow through the fluidic module.

A flow control screen comprising:

• a base pipe with an internal passageway;
• a filter medium positioned around the base pipe;
• a housing positioned around the base pipe defining a fluid flow path between the filter medium and the internal passageway;
• and
• at least one fluidic module disposed within the fluid flow path, the fluidic module having a bridge network with first and second branch fluid pathways each including at least two fluid flow resistors having different responses to fluid density and a pressure output terminal such that a pressure difference between the pressure output terminals of the first and second branch fluid pathways is operable to control fluid flow through the fluidic module.