A DEVICE FOR DIRECTING THE FLOW OF A FLUID
USING A PRESSURE SWITCH
Technical Field
[OOOl] A device for directing the flow of a fluid
is provided. In certain embodiments, the device is used in a
system having at least two fluid passageways with a similar back
pressure. According to an embodiment, the system is a flow rate
regulator. According to another embodiment, the flow rate
regulator is used in a subterranean formation.
Summary
[0002] According to an embodiment, a device for
directing the flow of a fluid comprises: a pressure pocket; a
first fluid passageway; a pressure source; and a pressure
switch, wherein the first fluid passageway operationally
connects at least the pressure pocket and the pressure source,
and wherein the pressure switch is positioned adjacent to the
pressure source. In some embodiments, depending on at least one
of the properties of the fluid, the fluid that flows into the
pressure pocket changes. According to these embodiments, the at
least one of the properties of the fluid are selected from the
group consisting of the flow rate of the fluid in a second fluid
passageway, the viscosity of the fluid, and the density of the
fluid.
[0003] According to another embodiment, the shape
of the pressure pocket is selected such that: as the flow rate
of the fluid in the second fluid passageway decreases, the fluid
increasingly flows into the pressure pocket; and as the flow
rate of the fluid in the second fluid passageway increases, the
fluid decreasingly flows into the pressure pocket.
[0004] According to another embodiment, a desired
flow rate of a fluid is predetermined, and when the flow rate of
the fluid in a second fluid passageway decreases below the
predetermined flow rate, the fluid increasingly flows into the
pressure pocket compared to when the flow rate of the fluid in
the second fluid passageway increases above the predetermined
flow rate.
[0005] According to another embodiment, a flow rate
regulator comprises: the device for directing the flow of a
fluid; a second fluid passageway; a third fluid passageway; and
a fourth fluid passageway, wherein as at least one of the
properties of the fluid changes, the fluid that flows into the
pressure pocket changes.
Brief Description o f the Figures
[0006] The features and advantages of certain
embodiments will be more readily appreciated when considered in
conjunction with the accompanying figures. The figures are not
to be construed as limiting any of the preferred embodiments.
[0007] Fig. 1 is a diagram of a device for
directing the flow of a fluid.
[OOOS] Fig. 2 illustrates a fluid increasingly
flowing into one of two different fluid passageways.
[0009] Fig. 3 is a diagram of a flow rate regulator
comprising one embodiment of the device for directing the flow
of a fluid.
[OOlO] Fig. 4 is a diagram of a flow rate regulator
comprising another embodiment of the device for directing the
flow of a fluid.
[OOll] Fig. 5 is a well system containing at least
one of the flow rate regulators depicted in Figs. 3 or 4.
Detailed Description
[0012] As used herein, the words "comprise,"
"have," "include," and all grammatical variations thereof are
each intended to have an open, non-limiting meaning that does
not exclude additional elements or steps.
[0013] It should be understood that, as used
herein, "first, " " second, " "third, " etc., are arbitrarily
assigned and are merely intended to differentiate between two or
more passageways, inlets, etc., as the case may be, and does not
indicate any sequence. Furthermore, it is to be understood that
the mere use of the term "first" does not require that there be
any "second," and the mere use of the term "second" does not
require that there be any "third," etc.
[0014] As used herein, a "fluid" is a substance
having a continuous phase that tends to flow and to conform to
the outline of its container when the substance is tested at a
temperature of 71 OF (22 "c) and a pressure of one atmosphere
"atm" (0.1 megapascals "MPa"). A fluid can be a liquid or gas.
A homogenous fluid has only one phase, whereas a heterogeneous
fluid has more than one distinct phase.
[0015] Oil and gas hydrocarbons are naturally
occurring in some subterranean formations. A subterranean
formation containing oil or gas is sometimes referred to as a
reservoir. A reservoir may be located under land or off shore.
Reservoirs are typically located in the range of a few hundred
feet (shallow reservoirs) to a few tens of thousands of feet
(ultra-deep reservoirs). In order to produce oil or gas, a
wellbore is drilled into a reservoir or adjacent to a reservoir.
[0016] A well can include, without limitation, an
oil, gas, water, or injection well. A well used to produce oil
or gas is generally referred to as a production well. As used
herein, a "well" includes at least one wellbore. A wellbore can
include vertical, inclined, and horizontal portions, and it can
be straight, curved, or branched. As used herein, the term
"wellbore" includes any cased, and any uncased, open-hole
portion of the wellbore. As used herein, "into a well" means
and includes into any portion of the well, including into the
wellbore or into a near-wellbore region via the wellbore.
[0017] A portion of a wellbore may be an open hole
or cased hole. In an open-hole wellbore portion, a tubing
string may be placed into the wellbore. The tubing string
allows fluids to be introduced into or flowed from a remote
portion of the wellbore. In a cased-hole wellbore portion, a
casing is placed into the wellbore which can also contain a
tubing string. A wellbore can contain an annulus. Examples of
an annulus include, but are not limited to: the space between
the wellbore and the outside of a tubing string in an open-hole
wellbore; the space between the wellbore and the outside of a
casing in a cased-hole wellbore; and the space between the
inside of a casing and the outside of a tubing string in a
cased-hole wellbore.
[0018] A wellbore can extend several hundreds of
feet or several thousands of feet into a subterranean formation.
The subterranean formation can have different zones. For
example, one zone can have a higher permeability compared to
another zone. Permeability refers to how easily fluids can flow
through a material. For example, if the permeability is high,
then fluids will flow more easily and more quickly through the
subterranean formation. If the permeability is low, then fluids
will flow less easily and more slowly through the subterranean
formation. One example of a highly permeable zone in a
subterranean formation is a fissure or fracture.
[0019] During production operations, it is common
for an undesired fluid to be produced along with the desired
fluid. For example, water production is when water (the
undesired fluid) is produced along with oil or gas (the desired
fluid). By way of another example, gas may be the undesired
fluid while oil is the desired fluid. In yet another example,
gas may be the desired fluid while water and oil are the
undesired fluid. It is beneficial to produce as little of the
undesired fluid as possible.
[0020] During secondary recovery operations, an
injection well can be used for water flooding. Water flooding
is where water is injected into the reservoir to displace oil or
gas that was not produced during primary recovery operations.
The water from the injection well physically sweeps some of the
remaining oil or gas in the reservoir to a production well.
[0021] In addition to the problem of undesired
fluid production during recovery operations, the flow rate of a
fluid from a subterranean formation into a wellbore may be
greater in one zone compared to another zone. A difference in
flow rates between zones in the subterranean formation may be
undesirable. For an injection well, potential problems
associated with water flooding techniques can include
inefficient recovery due to variable permeability in a
subterranean formation and difference in flow rates of a fluid
from the injection well into the subterranean formation. A flow
rate regulator can be used to help overcome some of these
problems.
[0022] A flow rate regulator can be used to deliver
a relatively constant flow rate of a fluid within a given zone.
A flow rate regulator can also be used to deliver a relatively
constant flow rate of a fluid between two or more zones. For
example, a regulator can be positioned in a wellbore at a
location for a particular zone. More than one regulator can be
used for a particular zone. Also, a regulator can be positioned
in a wellbore at one location for one zone and another regulator
can be positioned in the wellbore at one location for a
different zone.
[0023] A novel device for directing the flow of a
fluid uses changes in pressure to cause a pressure switch to
direct the flow of the fluid into two different fluid
passageways. According to an embodiment, the device is for use
in a system where the two different fluid passageways have a
similar back pressure. In another embodiment, the system is a
flow rate regulator. As used herein, the phrase "similar back
pressure" means that the back pressure of the two different
passageways is within +/- 258 of each other, is within 25
pounds force per square inch (psi) of each other, or is within
258 of the total pressure drop through the system. By way of
example, the two different fluid passageways can have a crosssectional
area that is +/-25% of each other when the length of
the passageways are the same. By way of another example, if the
cross-sectional areas are different, then the lengths of the two
fluid passageways can be adjusted such that the back pressure is
within +/- 258.
[0024] According to an embodiment, a device for
directing the flow of a fluid comprises: a pressure pocket; a
first fluid passageway; a pressure source; and a pressure
switch.
[0025] The fluid can be a homogenous fluid or a
heterogeneous fluid.
[0026] Turning to the Figures. Fig. 1 is a diagram
of the device for directing the flow of the fluid 300. The
device 300 includes a pressure pocket 301, a first fluid
passageway 302, a pressure source 303, and a pressure switch
304. As used herein, a "pressure pocket" means a volume
surrounded by a structure, where the structure has at least two
openings. The pressure pocket 301 can have a first opening 311
into the first fluid passageway 302 and a second opening 310
into the second fluid passageway 202. In an embodiment, the
shape of the pressure pocket 301 can include the first opening
311 having the same diameter and cross section as the second
opening 310. According to an embodiment, as at least one of the
properties of the fluid changes, the fluid that flows into the
pressure pocket changes. Preferably, the at least one of the
properties of the fluid is selected from the group consisting of
the flow rate of the fluid in a second fluid passageway 202, the
viscosity of the fluid, and the density of the fluid. The fluid
that flows into the pressure pocket can change. The change can
be that the fluid increasingly flows into the pressure pocket.
The change can also be that the fluid decreasingly flows into
the pressure pocket.
[0027] According to an embodiment, the shape of the
pressure pocket 301 is selected such that: as the flow rate of a
fluid in the second fluid passageway 202 decreases, the fluid
increasingly flows into the pressure pocket 301; and as the flow
rate of the fluid in the second fluid passageway 202 increases,
the fluid decreasingly flows into the pressure pocket 301.
According to another embodiment, the shape of the pressure
pocket 301 is selected such that: as the flow rate of a fluid in
a second fluid passageway 202 decreases, the ratio of the fluid
entering the pressure pocket 301 to fluid in the second fluid
passageway 202 increases; and as the flow rate of the fluid in
the second fluid passageway 202 increases, the ratio of the
fluid entering the pressure pocket 301 to the fluid in the
second fluid passageway 202 decreases. In a preferred
embodiment, the shape of the pressure pocket 301 is circular,
rounded, orbicular, or elliptical in shape. The figures show a
single pressure pocket 301 but a plurality of pockets could be
used.
[0028] According to another embodiment, the shape
of the pressure pocket 301 is selected such that: as the
viscosity of a fluid in a second fluid passageway 202 increases,
the fluid increasingly flows into the pressure pocket 301; and
as the viscosity of the fluid in the second fluid passageway 202
decreases, the fluid decreasingly flows into the pressure pocket
301. According to another embodiment, the shape of the pressure
pocket 301 is selected such that: as the viscosity of a fluid in
a second fluid passageway 202 increases, the ratio of the fluid
entering the pressure pocket 301 to fluid in the second fluid
passageway 202 increases; and as the viscosity of the fluid in
the second fluid passageway 202 decreases, the ratio of the
fluid entering the pressure pocket 301 to the fluid in the
second fluid passageway 202 decreases.
[0029] According to another embodiment, the shape
of the pressure pocket 301 is selected such that: as the density
of a fluid in a second fluid passageway 202 decreases, the fluid
increasingly flows into the pressure pocket 301; and as the
density of the fluid in the second fluid passageway 202
increases, the fluid decreasingly flows into the pressure pocket
301. According to another embodiment, the shape of the pressure
pocket 301 is selected such that: as the density of a fluid in a
second fluid passageway 202 decreases, the ratio of the fluid
entering the pressure pocket 301 to fluid in the second fluid
passageway 202 increases; and as the density of the fluid in the
second fluid passageway 202 increases, the ratio of the fluid
entering the pressure pocket 301 to the fluid in the second
fluid passageway 202 decreases.
[0030] The device 300 includes a first fluid
passageway 302. The first fluid passageway 302 (and any other
passageways) can be tubular, rectangular, pyramidal, or curlicue
in shape. Although illustrated as a single passageway, the
first fluid passageway 302 (and any other passageway) could
feature multiple passageways connected in parallel. As
illustrated in Fig. 1, the first fluid passageway 302
operationally connects at least one pressure pocket 301 and at
least the pressure source 303. For example, the first fluid
passageway 302 can be connected at one end to a pressure pocket
301 and connected at the other end to the pressure source 303.
The first fluid passageway 302 can include a first fluid outlet
330. The first fluid passageway 302 can be connected at one end
at the first opening 311 into the pressure pocket 301 and
connected at the other end at the first fluid outlet 330 into
the pressure source 303. The pressure switch 304 is preferably
positioned adjacent to the pressure source 303 within the second
fluid passageway 202. According to an embodiment, the pressure
source 303 is the same size and cross section as the first fluid
outlet 330.
[0031] The components of the device for directing
the flow of a fluid 300 can be made from a variety of materials.
Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to:
metals, such as steel, aluminum, titanium, and nickel; alloys;
plastics; composites, such as fiber reinforced phenolic;
ceramics, such as tungsten carbide or alumina; elastomers; and
dissolvable materials.
[0032] According to an embodiment, the device for
directing the flow of a fluid 300 is used in a system having at
least two different fluid passageways that have a similar back
pressure. According to this embodiment, the system can include
a second fluid passageway 202, a branching point 210, a third
fluid passageway 203, and a fourth fluid passageway 204. In
this illustration, the third and fourth fluid passageways 203
and 204 are the at least two different fluid passageways that
have a similar back pressure with respect to the second fluid
passageway 202. The fluid passageways in the system can be
altered to provide varying back pressures. For example, the
cross-sectional area of the second fluid passageway 202 at the
juncture of the pressure pocket 301 can be altered larger or
smaller to change the back pressure of the third and fourth
fluid passageways 203 and 204 relative to the second fluid
passageway 202.
[0033] As can be seen in Fig. 1, the second fluid
passageway 202 can branch into the third and fourth fluid
passageways 203 and 204 at the branching point 210. The second
fluid passageway 202 can branch into the third and fourth fluid
passageways 203 and 204 such that the third fluid passageway 203
branches at an angle of 180" with respect to the second fluid
passageway 202. By way of another example, the third fluid
passageway 203 can branch at a variety of angles other than 180"
( e . g . , at an angle of 45") with respect to the second fluid
passageway 202. The fourth fluid passageway 204 can also branch
at a variety of angles with respect to the second fluid
passageway 202. Preferably, if the third fluid passageway 203
branches at an angle of 180" with respect to the second fluid
passageway 202, then the fourth fluid passageway 204 branches at
an angle that is not 180" with respect to the second fluid
passageway 202. At the branching point 210, the third fluid
passageway 203 can include a second fluid inlet 211 and the
fourth fluid passageway 204 can include a third fluid inlet 212.
Although the third and fourth fluid passageways, 203 and 204,
are the only two passageways shown in Fig. 1 having a similar
back pressure, there is no limit to the number of different
passageways that could be used.
[0034] The device for directing the flow of a fluid
300 can be used in any system. According to certain
embodiments, the system comprises at least two different fluid
passageways having a similar back pressure. An example of a
system is a flow rate regulator 25, illustrated in Figs. 3 and
4. The system can comprise: the device for directing the flow
of a fluid 300; a second fluid passageway 202; a third fluid
passageway 203; and a fourth fluid passageway 204. According to
an embodiment, the third fluid passageway 203 and the fourth
fluid passageway 204 have a similar back pressure. The system
can further include a first fluid inlet 201. The system can
also include an exit assembly 205 comprising a second fluid
outlet 206. The system is shown comprising one device 300;
however, the system can include more than one device 300.
[0035] According to an embodiment, the system is a
flow rate regulator 25. According to another embodiment, the
flow rate regulator is used in a subterranean formation. A flow
rate regulator 25 used in a subterranean formation is
illustrated in Fig. 4.
[0036] The device for directing the flow of a fluid
300 can include: at least one pressure pocket 301; a first fluid
passageway 302; a pressure source 303; and a pressure switch
304. An example of such a device is illustrated in Fig. 3. The
device 300 can also include more than one pressure pocket 301.
Fig. 4 depicts a device 300 having five pressure pockets 301.
If the device 300 includes more than one pressure pocket 301,
then the pressure pockets 301 can be connected in series to the
second fluid passageway 202. Each of the pressure pockets 301
can also be connected to the first fluid passageway 302. Any
discussion of a component of the device 300 and any embodiments
regarding the device 300 is meant to apply to the device 300
regardless of the total number of individual components. Any
discussion of a particular component of the device 300 (e.g., a
pressure pocket 301) is meant to include the singular form of
the component and also the plural form of the component, without
the need to continually refer to the component in both the
singular and plural form throughout. For example, if a
discussion involves "the pressure pocket 301," it is to be
understood that the discussion pertains to one pressure pocket
(singular) and two or more pressure pockets (plural).
[0037] The fluid can enter the system and flow
through the second fluid passageway 202 in the direction of
221a. The fluid traveling in the direction of 221a will have a
specific flow rate, viscosity, and density. The flow rate,
viscosity, or density of the fluid may change. According to an
embodiment, the device for directing the flow of a fluid 300 is
designed such that depending on at least some of the properties
of the fluid, the fluid can increasingly flow into the pressure
pocket 301 or the ratio of the fluid entering the pressure
pocket 301 can increase . For example, as the flow rate of the
fluid decreases, as the viscosity of the fluid increases, or as
the density of the fluid decreases, then the fluid increasingly
flows into the pressure pocket 301 or the ratio increases.
Regardless of the dependent property of the fluid (e.g., the
flow rate of the fluid in the second fluid passageway 202, the
viscosity of the fluid, or the density of the fluid), as the
fluid increasingly flows into the pressure pocket 301 (or the
ratio increases), the fluid increasingly flows in the direction
of 322 into the first fluid passageway 302. As the fluid
increasingly flows into the first fluid passageway 302, the
pressure of the pressure source 303 increases. It is to be
understood that any discussion of the pressure of the pressure
switch is meant to be with respect to the pressure of an
adjacent area. For example, the pressure of the pressure source
303 is illustrated in Fig. 1 as PI and the pressure of the
adjacent area is illustrated as P2. AS the pressure of the
pressure source 303 increases, the pressure switch 304 directs
the fluid to increasingly flow in the direction of 222 into the
fourth fluid passageway 204. Fig. 2A illustrates fluid flow
through the system when the flow rate of the fluid in the second
fluid passageway 202 decreases, when the viscosity of the fluid
increases, or when the density of the fluid decreases.
[0038] According to another embodiment, as the flow
rate of the fluid increases, as the viscosity of the fluid
decreases, or as the density of the fluid increases, then the
fluid decreasingly flows into the pressure pocket 301 or the
ratio decreases. As the fluid decreasingly flows into the
pressure pocket 301 (or the ratio decreases), the fluid
decreasingly flows into the first fluid passageway 302. As the
fluid decreasingly flows into the first fluid passageway 302,
the pressure of the pressure source 303 decreases. As the
pressure of the pressure source 303 decreases, the pressure
switch 304 directs the fluid to increasingly flow in the
direction of 221b into the third fluid passageway 203. Fig. 2B
illustrates fluid flow through the system when the flow rate of
the fluid in the second fluid passageway 202 increases, when the
viscosity of the fluid decreases, or when the density of the
fluid increases. In some instances, the fluid can travel
through the first fluid passageway 301 in the direction of 321
and there is a net flow of fluid out of the pressure pocket 301
and into the second fluid passageway 202.
[0039] The components of the device for directing
the flow of a fluid 300 can be interrelated such that an effect
from one component can cause an effect on a different component.
By way of example, if the dependent property of the fluid is the
flow rate of the fluid in the second fluid passageway 202, then
as the flow rate of the fluid in the second fluid passageway 202
decreases, the fluid increasingly flows into the pressure pocket
301, which in turn causes the fluid to increasingly flow into
the first fluid passageway 302, which in turn causes the
pressure of the pressure source 303 to increase, which in turn
causes the pressure switch 304 to direct the fluid to
increasingly flow into the fourth fluid passageway 204.
[0040] The amount of fluid that enters the pressure
pocket 301 can depend on the following: the flow rate of the
fluid traveling in the direction of 221a; the viscosity of the
fluid; the density of the fluid; and combinations thereof. The
amount of fluid that enters the pressure pocket can also be a
result of the nonlinear effects of the flow rate, viscosity, and
density of the fluid. By way of example, as the viscosity of
the fluid increases, the fluid increasingly flows into the
pressure pocket 301, the fluid increasingly flows into the first
fluid passageway 302, the pressure of the pressure source 303
increases, and the pressure switch 304 directs the fluid to
increasingly flow in the direction of 222 into the fourth fluid
passageway 204. As the viscosity of the fluid decreases, the
fluid decreasingly flows into the pressure pocket 301, the fluid
decreasingly flows into the first fluid passageway 302, the
pressure of the pressure source 303 decreases, and the pressure
switch 304 directs the fluid to increasingly flow in the
direction of 221b into the third fluid passageway 203.
[0041] A desired flow rate of a fluid can be
predetermined. The predetermined flow rate can be selected
based on the type of fluid entering the device. The
predetermined flow rate can differ based on the type of the
fluid. The predetermined flow rate can also be selected based
on at least one of the properties of the fluid entering the
device. The at least one of the properties can be selected from
the group consisting of the viscosity of the fluid, the density
of the fluid, and combinations thereof. For example, depending
on the specific application, the desired flow rate of a gasbased
fluid may be predetermined to be 150 barrels per day
(BPD); whereas, the desired flow rate of an oil-based fluid may
be predetermined to be 300 BPD. Of course, one device can be
designed with a predetermined flow rate of 150 BED and another
device can be designed with a predetermined flow rate of 300
BED.
[0042] According to an embodiment, the device for
directing the flow of a fluid 300 is designed such that when the
flow rate of the fluid in a second fluid passageway 302
decreases below the predetermined flow rate, the fluid
increasingly flows into the pressure pocket 301 compared to when
the flow rate of the fluid in the second fluid passageway
increases above the predetermined flow rate. According to
another embodiment, the device for directing the flow of a fluid
300 is designed such that when the flow rate of the fluid in a
second fluid passageway 302 increases above the predetermined
flow rate, the fluid decreasingly flows into the pressure pocket
301 compared to when the flow rate of the fluid in the second
fluid passageway decreases below the predetermined flow rate.
According to another embodiment, the device for directing the
flow of a fluid 300 is designed such that when the viscosity of
the fluid decreases below a predetermined viscosity, the fluid
decreasingly flows into the pressure pocket 301 compared to when
the viscosity of the fluid increases above the predetermined
viscosity; and when the viscosity of the fluid increases above
the predetermined viscosity, the fluid increasingly flows into
the pressure pocket 301 compared to when the viscosity of the
fluid decreases below the predetermined viscosity. According to
another embodiment, the device for directing the flow of a fluid
300 is designed such that when the density of the fluid
decreases below a predetermined density, the fluid increasingly
flows into the pressure pocket 301 compared to when the density
of the fluid increases above the predetermined density; and when
the density of the fluid increases above the predetermined
density, the fluid decreasingly flows into the pressure pocket
301 compared to when the density of the fluid decreases below
the predetermined density.
[0043] According to another embodiment, based on a
predetermined flow rate, viscosity or density, the device for
directing the flow of a fluid 300 is designed such that when the
flow rate of the fluid decreases below, the viscosity increases
above, or the density decreases below, more of the fluid flows
into the pressure pocket 301 compared to when the flow rate of
the fluid increases above, the viscosity decreases below, or the
density increases above. According to this embodiment, when
more of the fluid flows into the pressure pocket 301, more of
the fluid will flow through the first fluid passageway 302 in
the direction of 322 compared to when less of the fluid flows
into the pressure pocket 301. When more of the fluid flows
through the first fluid passageway 302, a pressure of the
pressure source 303 is greater than a pressure of an adjacent
area ( e - g . , when PI is greater than PP) . When the pressure of
the pressure source 303 is greater than the pressure of an
adjacent area, the pressure switch 304 directs the fluid to
increasingly flow in the direction of 222 into the fourth fluid
passageway 204. According to another embodiment, when the
pressure of the pressure source 303 is greater than the pressure
of an adjacent area, the pressure switch 304 directs an
increasing proportion of the total fluid to flow in the
direction of 222 into the fourth fluid passageway 204. In a
preferred embodiment, when the pressure of the pressure source
303 is greater than the pressure of an adjacent area, the
pressure switch 304 directs a majority of the fluid to flow in
the direction of 222 into the fourth fluid passageway 304. As
used herein, the term "majority" means greater than 50%. An
example of the flow of fluid through the system when the
pressure of the pressure source 303 is greater than the pressure
of an adjacent area is illustrated in Fig. 2A.
[0044] Moreover, when less of the fluid flows into
the pressure pocket 301, less of the fluid will flow through the
first fluid passageway 302 in the direction of 322 compared to
when more of the fluid flows into the pressure pocket 301. When
less of the fluid flows through the first fluid passageway 201,
a pressure of the pressure source 303 is less than a pressure of
an adjacent area ( e . g . , when PI is less than PP). Accordingly,
when the pressure of the pressure source 303 is less than the
pressure of an adjacent area a suction or vacuum can be created
in the first fluid passageway 302 and cause the fluid to flow in
the direction of 321. When the pressure of the pressure source
303 is less than the pressure of an adjacent area, the pressure
switch 304 directs the fluid to increasingly flow in the
direction of 221b into the third fluid passageway 203.
According to another embodiment, when the pressure of the
pressure source 303 is less than the pressure of an adjacent
area, the pressure switch 304 directs an increasing proportion
of the total fluid to flow in the direction of 221b into the
third fluid passageway 203. In a preferred embodiment, when the
pressure of the pressure source 303 is less than the pressure of
an adjacent area, the pressure switch 304 directs a majority of
the fluid to flow in the direction of 221b into the third fluid
passageway 203. An example of fluid flow through the system
when the pressure of the pressure source 303 is less than the
pressure of an adjacent area is illustrated in Fig. 2B.
100451 The device for directing the flow of the
fluid 300 is designed to be an independent device, i.e., it is
designed to automatically direct the fluid to increasingly flow
into either the third or fourth fluid passageway 203 or 204
based on at least the flow rate of the fluid, the viscosity of
the fluid, the density of the fluid, and combinations thereof
without any external intervention.
100461 Fig. 5 is a well system 10 which can
encompass certain embodiments. As depicted in Fig. 5, a
wellbore 12 has a generally vertical uncased section 14
extending downwardly from a casing 16, as well as a generally
horizontal uncased section 18 extending through a subterranean
formation 20. The subterranean formation 20 can be a portion of
a reservoir or adjacent to a reservoir.
100471 A tubing string 22 (such as a production
tubing string) is installed in the wellbore 12. Interconnected
in the tubing string 22 are multiple well screens 24, flow rate
regulators 25, and packers 26.
100481 The packers 26 seal off an annulus 28 formed
radially between the tubing string 22 and the wellbore section
18. In this manner, a fluid 30 may be produced from multiple
zones of the formation 20 via isolated portions of the annulus
28 between adjacent pairs of the packers 26.
[0049] Positioned between each adjacent pair of the
packers 26, a well screen 24 and a flow rate regulator 25 are
interconnected in the tubing string 22. The well screen 24
filters the fluid 30 flowing into the tubing string 22 from the
annulus 28. The flow rate regulator 25 regulates the flow rate
of the fluid 30 into the tubing string 22, based on certain
characteristics of the fluid, e . g . , the flow rate of the fluid
entering the flow rate regulator 25, the viscosity of the fluid,
or the density of the fluid. In another embodiment, the well
system 10 is an injection well and the flow rate regulator 25
regulates the flow rate of fluid 30 out of tubing string 22 and
into the formation 20.
[0050] It should be noted that the well system 10
is illustrated in the drawings and is described herein as merely
one example of a wide variety of well systems in which the
principles of this disclosure can be utilized. It should be
clearly understood that the principles of this disclosure are
not limited to any of the details of the well system 10, or
components thereof, depicted in the drawings or described
herein. Furthermore, the well system 10 can include other
components not depicted in the drawing. For example, cement may
be used instead of packers 26 to isolate different zones.
Cement may also be used in addition to packers 26.
[0051] By way of another example, the wellbore 12
can include only a generally vertical wellbore section 14 or can
include only a generally horizontal wellbore section 18. The
fluid 30 can be produced from the formation 20, the fluid could
also be injected into the formation, and the fluid could be both
injected into and produced from a formation.
LO0521 The well system does not need to include a
packer 26. Also, it is not necessary for one well screen 24 and
one flow rate regulator 25 to be positioned between each
adjacent pair of the packers 26. It is also not necessary for a
single flow rate regulator 25 to be used in conjunction with a
single well screen 24. Any number, arrangement and/or
combination of these components may be used. Moreover, it is
not necessary for any flow rate regulator 25 to be used in
conjunction with a well screen 24. For example, in injection
wells, the injected fluid could be flowed through a flow rate
regulator 25, without also flowing through a well screen 24.
There can be multiple flow rate regulators 25 connected in fluid
parallel or series.
100531 It is not necessary for the well screens 24,
flow rate regulator 25, packers 26 or any other components of
the tubing string 22 to be positioned in uncased sections 14, 18
of the wellbore 12. Any section of the wellbore 12 may be cased
or uncased, and any portion of the tubing string 22 may be
positioned in an uncased or cased section of the wellbore, in
keeping with the principles of this disclosure.
100541 It will be appreciated by those skilled in
the art that it would be beneficial to be able to regulate the
flow rate of the fluid 30 entering into the tubing string 22
from each zone of the formation 20, for example, to prevent
water coning 32 or gas coning 34 in the formation. Other uses
for flow regulation in a well include, but are not limited to,
balancing production from (or injection into) multiple zones,
minimizing production or injection of undesired fluids,
maximizing production or injection of desired fluids, etc.
100551 Referring now to Figs. 3, 4 and 5, the flow
rate regulator 25 can be positioned in the tubing string 22 in a
manner such that the fluid 30 enters the first fluid inlet 201
and travels in direction 221a through the second fluid
passageway 203. For example, in a production well, the
regulator 25 may be positioned such that the first fluid inlet
201 is functionally oriented towards the formation 20.
Therefore, as the fluid 30 flows from the formation 20 into the
tubing string 22, the fluid 30 will enter the first fluid inlet
201. By way of another example, in an injection well, the
regulator 25 may be positioned such that the first fluid inlet
201 is functionally oriented towards the tubing string 22.
Therefore, as the fluid 30 flows from the tubing string 22 into
the formation 20, the fluid 30 will enter the first fluid inlet
201.
[0056] An advantage for when the device for
directing the flow of a fluid 300 is used in a flow rate
regulator 25 in a subterranean formation 20, is that it can help
regulate the flow rate of a fluid within a particular zone and
also regulate the flow rates of a fluid between two or more
zones. Another advantage is that the device 300 can help solve
the problem of production of a heterogeneous fluid. For
example, if oil is the desired fluid to be produced, the device
300 can be designed such that if water enters the flow rate
regulator 25 along with the oil, then the device 300 can direct
the heterogeneous fluid to increasingly flow into the third
fluid passageway 203 based on the decrease in viscosity of the
fluid. The versatility of the device 300 allows for specific
problems in a formation to be addressed.
[0057] Therefore, the present invention is well
adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as
those that are inherent therein. The particular embodiments
disclosed above are illustrative only, as the present invention
may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent
manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit
of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are
intended to the details of construction or design herein shown,
other than as described in the claims below. It is, therefore,
evident that the particular illustrative embodiments disclosed
above may be altered or modified and all such variations are
considered within the scope and spirit of the present invention.
While compositions and methods are described in terms of
\\ comprising," "containing," or "including" various components or
steps, the compositions and methods also can "consist
essentially of" or "consist of" the various components and
steps. Whenever a numerical range with a lower limit and an
upper limit is disclosed, any number and any included range
falling within the range is specifically disclosed. In
particular, every range of values (of the form, "from about a to
about b," or, equivalently, "from approximately a to b," or,
equivalently, "from approximately a to b") disclosed herein is
to be understood to set forth every number and range encompassed
within the broader range of values. Also, the terms in the
claims have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise
explicitly and clearly defined by the patentee. Moreover, the
indefinite articles "a" or "an", as used in the claims, are
defined herein to mean one or more than one of the element that
it introduces. If there is any conflict in the usages of a word
or term in this specification and one or more patent(s) or other
documents that may be incorporated herein by reference, the
definitions that are consistent with this specification should
be adopted.

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
device for directing the flow of a fluid comprises:
a pressure pocket;
a first fluid passageway;
a pressure source; and
a pressure switch,
wherein the first fluid passageway operationally
connects at least the pressure pocket and the pressure
source, and
wherein the pressure switch is positioned adjacent to
the pressure source.
2. The device according to Claim 1, wherein depending on at
least one of the properties of the fluid, the fluid that flows
into the pressure pocket changes.
3. The device according to Claim 2, further comprising a
second fluid passageway and wherein the at least one of the
properties of the fluid are selected from the group consisting
of the flow rate of the fluid in the second fluid passageway,
the viscosity of the fluid, and the density of the fluid.
4. The device according to Claim 3, further comprising a third
fluid passageway, a fourth fluid passageway, and a branching
point, wherein the second fluid passageway branches into the
third fluid passageway and the fourth fluid passageway at the
branching point.
5. The device according to Claim 4, wherein the third and
fourth fluid passageways have a similar back pressure.
6. The device according to Claim 3, wherein the shape of the
pressure pocket is selected such that: as the flow rate of the
fluid in the second fluid passageway decreases, the fluid
increasingly flows into the pressure pocket; and as the flow
rate of the fluid in the second fluid passageway increases, the
fluid decreasingly flows into the pressure pocket.
7. The device according to Claim 3, wherein the shape of the
pressure pocket is selected such that: as the viscosity of the
fluid increases, the fluid increasingly flows into the pressure
pocket; and as the viscosity of the fluid decreases, the fluid
decreasingly flows into the pressure pocket.
8. The device according to Claim 3, wherein the shape of the
pressure pocket is selected such that: as the density of the
fluid decreases, the fluid increasingly flows into the pressure
pocket; and as the density of the fluid increases, the fluid
decreasingly flows into the pressure pocket.
9. The device according to Claim 3, wherein as the flow rate
of the fluid in the second fluid passageway decreases, the fluid
increasingly flows into the pressure pocket; and as the flow
rate of the fluid in the second fluid passageway increases, the
fluid decreasingly flows into the pressure pocket
10. The device according to Claim 3, wherein as the viscosity
of the fluid increases, the fluid increasingly flows into the
pressure pocket; and as the viscosity of the fluid decreases,
the fluid decreasingly flows into the pressure pocket.
11. The device according to Claim 3, wherein as the density of
the fluid decreases, the fluid increasingly flows into the
pressure pocket; and as the density of the fluid increases, the
fluid decreasingly flows into the pressure pocket.
12. The device according to Claim 9, wherein as the fluid
increasingly flows into the pressure pocket, the fluid
increasingly flows into the first fluid passageway.
13. The device according to Claim 12, wherein as the fluid
increasingly flows into the first fluid passageway, the pressure
from the pressure source increases.
14. The device according to Claim 13, wherein as the pressure
from the pressure source increases, the pressure switch directs
the fluid to increasingly flow into the fourth fluid passageway.
15. The device according to Claim 10, wherein as the fluid
increasingly flows into the pressure pocket, the fluid
increasingly flows into the first fluid passageway.
16. The device according to Claim 15, wherein as the fluid
increasingly flows into the first fluid passageway, the pressure
from the pressure source increases.
17. The device according to Claim 16, wherein as the pressure
from the pressure source increases, the pressure switch directs
the fluid to increasingly flow into the fourth fluid passageway.
18. The device according to Claim 11, wherein as the fluid
increasingly flows into the pressure pocket, the fluid
increasingly flows into the first fluid passageway.
19. The device according to Claim 18, wherein as the fluid
increasingly flows into the first fluid passageway, the pressure
from the pressure source increases.
20. The device according to Claim 19, wherein as the pressure
from the pressure source increases, the pressure switch directs
the fluid to increasingly flow into the fourth fluid passageway.
21. The device according to Claim 9, wherein as the fluid
decreasingly flows into the pressure pocket, the fluid
decreasingly flows into the first fluid passageway.
22. The device according to Claim 21, wherein as the fluid
decreasingly flows into the first fluid passageway, the pressure
from the pressure source decreases.
23. The device according to Claim 22, wherein as the pressure
from the pressure source decreases, the pressure switch directs
the fluid to increasingly flow into the third fluid passageway.
24. The device according to Claim 10, wherein as the fluid
decreasingly flows into the pressure pocket, the fluid
decreasingly flows into the first fluid passageway.
25. The device according to Claim 24, wherein as the fluid
decreasingly flows into the first fluid passageway, the pressure
from the pressure source decr,~ ases.
26. The device according to Claim 25, wherein as the pressure
from the pressure source decreases, the pressure switch directs
the fluid to increasingly flow into the third fluid passageway.
27. The device according to Claim 11, wherein as the fluid
decreasingly flows into the pressure pocket, the fluid
decreasingly flows into the first fluid passageway.
28. The device according to Claim 27, wherein as the fluid
decreasingly flows into the first fluid passageway, the pressure
from the pressure source decreases.
29. The device according to Claim 28, wherein as the pressure
from the pressure source decreases, the pressure switch directs
the fluid to increasingly flow into the third fluid passageway.
30. The device according to Claim 1, wherein the fluid is
homogenous.
31. The device according to Claim 1, wherein the fluid is
heterogeneous.
32. The device according to Claim 1, wherein the device is used
in a flow rate regulator.
33. A device for directing the flow of a fluid comprising:
a pressure pocket;
a first fluid passageway;
a pressure source; and
a pressure switch,
wherein the first fluid passageway operationally
connects at least the pressure pocket and the pressure
source,
wherein the pressure switch is positioned adjacent to
the pressure source,
wherein a desired flow rate of a fluid is predetermined,
and when the flow rate of the fluid in a second fluid
passageway decreases below the predetermined flow rate, the
fluid increasingly flows into the pressure pocket compared
to when the flow rate of the fluid in the second fluid
passageway increases above the predetermined flow rate.
34. The device according to Claim 33, further comprising a
branching point and wherein the second fluid passageway branches
into a third fluid passageway and a fourth fluid passageway at
the branching point.
35. The device according to Claim 34, wherein the third and the
fourth fluid passageways have a similar back pressure.
36. The device according to Claim 34, wherein when the flow
rate of the fluid in the second fluid passageway decreases below
the predetermined flow rate, a pressure of the pressure source
is greater than a pressure of an adjacent area.
37. The device according to Claim 36, wherein when the pressure
of the pressure source is greater than the pressure of an
adjacent area, the pressure switch directs the fluid to
increasingly flow into the fourth fluid passageway.
38. The device according to Claim 36, wherein when the pressure
of the pressure source is greater than the pressure of an
adjacent area, the pressure switch directs a majority of the
fluid to flow into the fourth fluid passageway.
39. The device according to Claim 34, wherein when the flow
rate of the fluid in the second fluid passageway increases above
the predetermined flow rate, a pressure of the pressure source
is less than a pressure of an adjacent area.
40. The device according to Claim 39, wherein when the pressure
of the pressure source is less than the pressure of an adjacent
area, the pressure switch directs the fluid to increasingly flow
into the third fluid passageway.
41. The device according to Claim 39, wherein when the pressure
of the pressure source is less than the pressure of an adjacent
area, the pressure switch directs a majority of the fluid to
flow into the third fluid passageway.
42. The device according to Claim 33, wherein the predetermined
flow rate of the fluid is selected based on at least one of the
properties of the fluid.
43. The device according to Claim 42, wherein the at least one
of the properties of the fluid is selected from the group
consisting of the viscosity of the fluid, the density of the
fluid, and combinations thereof.
44. A flow rate regulator comprises:
a device for directing the flow of a fluid comprising:
(i) a pressure pocket;
(ii) a first fluid passageway;
(iii) a pressure source; and
(iv) a pressure switch,
wherein the first fluid passageway operationally
connects at least the pressure pocket and the
pressure source, and
wherein the pressure switch is positioned
adjacent to the pressure source,
a second fluid passageway;
a third fluid passageway; and
a fourth fluid passageway,
wherein the second fluid passageway branches into the
third and fourth fluid passageways,
wherein as at least one of the properties of the fluid
changes, the fluid that flows into the pressure pocket
changes.
45. The regulator according to Claim 44, wherein the flow rate
regulator is used in a subterranean formation.