AN EXIT ASSEMBLY HAVING A FLUID DIVERTER THAT DISPLACES THE
PATHWAY OF A FLUID INTO TWO OR MORE PATHWAYS
Technical Field
[0001] An exit assembly includes a fluid diverter
that has a shape such that the fluid diverter is capable of
displacing the pathway of a fluid from a fluid inlet into a
first fluid pathway, a second fluid pathway, or combinations
thereof. According to an embodiment, the fluid diverter
increasingly displaces the pathway of the fluid from the fluid
inlet into the first fluid pathway as the viscosity or density
of the fluid decreases, or as the flow rate of the fluid
increases, and the fluid diverter increasingly displaces the
pathway of the fluid from the fluid inlet into the second fluid
pathway as the viscosity or density of the fluid increases, or
as the flow rate of the fluid decreases. The exit assembly can
be used to regulate the flow rate of a fluid. In an embodiment,
the exit assembly is used in a subterranean formation.
Summary
[0002] According to an embodiment, an exit assembly
comprises: a fluid inlet; an exit chamber; a fluid outlet,
wherein the fluid outlet is located within the exit chamber; and
a fluid diverter, wherein the fluid diverter is connected to the
fluid inlet and the exit chamber, wherein a fluid is capable of
flowing from the fluid inlet, through the fluid diverter, and
into the exit chamber, and wherein the shape of the fluid
diverter is selected such that the fluid diverter is capable of
displacing the pathway of the fluid from the fluid inlet into a
first fluid pathway, a second fluid pathway, or combinations
thereof, wherein the first fluid pathway and the second fluid
pathway are located within the exit chamber.
[0003] According to another embodiment, the fluid
diverter increasingly displaces the pathway of the fluid from
the fluid inlet into the first fluid pathway as the viscosity or
density of the fluid decreases, or as the flow rate of the fluid
increases, and the fluid diverter increasingly displaces the
pathway of the fluid from the fluid inlet into the second fluid
pathway as the viscosity or density of the fluid increases, or
as the flow rate of the fluid decreases.
Brief Description of the Figures
[0004] 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.
[0005] Fig. 1 is a diagram of an exit assembly
according to an embodiment.
[0006] Fig. 2 is a diagram of an exit assembly
according to another embodiment.
[0007] Fig. 3 illustrates one way to quantify the
distance of offset of a fluid inlet from a fluid outlet.
Detailed Description
[0008] 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.
[0009] 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 pathways, guides, etc., as the case may be, and does not
indicate any particular orientation or 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 .
[0010] 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 °F (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. One of the physical
properties of a fluid is its density. Density is the mass per
unit of volume of a substance, commonly expressed in units of
pounds per gallon (ppg) or kilograms per cubic meter (kg/m3).
Fluids can have different densities. For example, the density
of deionized water is approximately 1,000 kg/m 3; whereas the
density of crude oil is approximately 865 kg/m 3. Another
physical property of a fluid is its viscosity. As used herein,
the "viscosity" of a fluid is the dissipative behavior of fluid
flow and includes, but is not limited to, kinematic viscosity,
shear strength, yield strength, surface tension,
viscoplasticity, and thixotropicity . Viscosity can be expressed
in units of ( orce*time) /area . For example, viscosity can be
expressed in units of dyne*s/cm 2 (commonly referred to as Poise
(P) ), or expressed in units of Pascals/second (Pa/s). However,
because a material that has a viscosity of 1 P is a relatively
viscous material, viscosity is more commonly expressed in units
of centipoise (cP) , which is 1/100 P .
[0011] 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.
[0012] A well can include, without limitation, an
oil, gas, or water production well, or an injection well. Fluid
is often injected into a production well as part of the
construction process or as part of the stimulation process . 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. A near-wellbore region is
the subterranean material and rock of the subterranean formation
surrounding the wellbore. As used herein, a "well" also
includes the near-wellbore region.
[0013] During production operations, it is common
for an undesired fluid to be produced along with a 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 fluids. It is beneficial to produce as little of the
undesired fluid as possible.
[0014] During enhanced 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 towards a production well.
The enhanced recovery operations may also inject steam, carbon
dioxide, acids, or other fluids into the reservoir.
[0015] 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 than desired. For an injection well, potential problems
associated with enhanced recovery techniques can include
inefficient recovery due to variable permeability in a
subterranean formation and a difference in flow rates of a fluid
from the injection well into the subterranean formation. A
fluid regulator can be used to help overcome some of these
problems .
[0016] A fluid regulator can be used to variably
restrict the flow rate of a fluid. A fluid regulator can also
be used to regulate production of a fluid based on some of the
physical properties of the fluid, for example, its density or
viscosity .
[0017] A novel exit assembly includes a fluid
diverter that has a shape such that the fluid diverter can
displace the pathway of a fluid from a fluid inlet into two or
more fluid pathways. The pathway of the fluid can be displaced
based on at least the viscosity, density, and/or flow rate of
the fluid.
[0018] The exit assembly can be used as a fluid
regulator. Applications for the exit assembly are not limited
to oilfield applications. A s such, other applications where the
exit assembly may be used include, but are not limited to,
pipelines, chemical plants, oil refineries, food processing, and
automobiles .
[0019] According to an embodiment, an exit assembly
comprises: a fluid inlet; an exit chamber; a fluid outlet,
wherein the fluid outlet is located within the exit chamber; and
a fluid diverter, wherein the fluid diverter is connected to the
fluid inlet and the exit chamber, wherein a fluid is capable of
flowing from the fluid inlet, through the fluid diverter, and
into the exit chamber, and wherein the shape of the fluid
diverter is selected such that the fluid diverter is capable of
displacing the pathway of the fluid from the fluid inlet into a
first fluid pathway, a second fluid pathway, or combinations
thereof, wherein the first fluid pathway and the second fluid
pathway are located within the exit chamber.
[0020] According to another embodiment, the fluid
diverter increasingly displaces the pathway of the fluid from
the fluid inlet into the first fluid pathway as the viscosity or
density of the fluid decreases, or as the flow rate of the fluid
increases, and the fluid diverter increasingly displaces the
pathway of the fluid from the fluid inlet into the second fluid
pathway as the viscosity or density of the fluid increases, or
as the flow rate of the fluid decreases .
[0021] The fluid can be a homogenous fluid or a
heterogeneous fluid.
[0022] Turning to the Figures, Fig. 1 is a diagram
of the exit assembly 100 according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is
a diagram of the exit assembly 100 according to another
embodiment. The exit assembly 100 includes a fluid inlet 110, a
fluid diverter 120, and an exit chamber 160. The fluid diverter
120 is connected to the fluid inlet 110 and the exit chamber
160. The fluid inlet 110 can be operatively connected to the
exit chamber 160. By way of example, the fluid inlet 110 can be
operatively connected to the exit chamber 160 via the fluid
diverter 120. A fluid is capable of flowing from the fluid
inlet 110, through the fluid diverter 120, and into the exit
chamber 160. The exit chamber 160 can include an exit chamber
entrance 161. The exit chamber entrance 161 can be located at
the position where the fluid diverter 120 connects to the exit
chamber 160. In this manner, as the fluid flows from the fluid
inlet 110 in a direction d , the fluid can then flow through the
fluid diverter 120, and enter the exit chamber 160 via the exit
chamber entrance 161.
[0023] The fluid inlet 110 can be a variety of
shapes, so long as fluid is capable of flowing through the fluid
inlet 110. By way of example, the fluid inlet 110 can be
tubular, rectangular, pyramidal, or curlicue in shape. There
can be more than one fluid inlet. For example, there can be a
second fluid inlet (not shown) . The fluid inlets can be
arranged in parallel. According to an embodiment, any
additional fluid inlets conjoin with the fluid inlet 110 at a
point downstream of the fluid diverter 120. In this manner, any
fluid flowing through the additional inlets will conjoin with
the fluid flowing through the fluid inlet 110. The conjoined
fluids can then flow in the direction d towards the fluid
diverter 120.
[0024] The fluid diverter 120 can be a variety of
shapes, and can also include combinations of various shapes.
For example, the fluid diverter 120 can have curved walls,
straight walls, and combinations thereof. The fluid diverter
120 can include straight sections, curved sections, angled
sections, and combinations thereof. The fluid diverter 120 can
be tubular, rectangular, pyramidal, or curlicue in shape.
According to an embodiment, the shape of the fluid diverter 120
is selected such that the fluid diverter 120 is capable of
displacing the pathway of the fluid from the fluid inlet 110
into a first fluid pathway 131, a second fluid pathway 141, or
combinations thereof, wherein the first fluid pathway 131 and
the second fluid pathway 141 are located within the exit chamber
160. According to another embodiment, the fluid diverter 120
increasingly displaces the pathway of the fluid from the fluid
inlet 110 into the first fluid pathway 131 as the viscosity or
density of the fluid decreases, or as the flow rate of the fluid
increases, and the fluid diverter 120 increasingly displaces the
pathway of the fluid from the fluid inlet 110 into the second
fluid pathway 141 as the viscosity or density of the fluid
increases, or as the flow rate of the fluid decreases.
According to yet another embodiment, the fluid diverter 120 has
a shape such that the fluid diverter 120 increasingly displaces
the pathway of the fluid from the fluid inlet 110 into the first
fluid pathway 131 as the viscosity or density of the fluid
decreases, or as the flow rate of the fluid increases, and the
fluid diverter 120 increasingly displaces the pathway of the
fluid from the fluid inlet 110 into the second fluid pathway 141
as the viscosity or density of the fluid increases, or as the
flow rate of the fluid decreases. The overall dimensions of the
fluid diverter 120 can also be used in conjunction with the
shape of the fluid diverter 120 to achieve the pathway
displacement of the fluid.
[0025] According to an embodiment, and as shown in
Fig. 1 , the fluid flowing in the first fluid pathway 131 can
enter the exit chamber 160 via the exit chamber entrance 161 in
a first direction , and the fluid flowing in the second fluid
pathway 141 can enter the exit chamber 160 in a second direction
d2 . As can be seen in Fig. 1 , the first direction d can be a
direction that is tangential relative to a radius of the fluid
outlet 150. In this manner, the fluid, when entering the exit
chamber 160 in the first direction d via the first fluid pathway
131, can flow rotationally about the inside of the exit chamber
160 . As can also be seen, the second direction d2 can be a
direction that is radial to the fluid outlet 150 . In this
manner, the fluid, when entering the exit chamber 160 in the
second direction d2 will flow through the exit chamber 160 in a
relatively non-rotational direction.
[0026] The following is an example of one possible
design of the assembly and use according to an embodiment as
depicted in Fig. 1. The exit assembly 100 can be designed such
that a higher viscosity or higher density fluid will tend to
flow in an axial direction within the exit chamber 160 (e.g.,
the second direction d2) , while a lower viscosity or lower
density fluid will tend to flow in a rotational direction about
the exit chamber 160 (e.g., the first direction d ) . By way of
example, during oil and gas operations, oil may be a desired
fluid to produce; whereas water or gas may be an undesired fluid
to produce. Assuming a constant flow rate, as oil is more
viscous and more dense than both water and gas, the system can
be designed such that oil will tend to flow into the second
fluid pathway 141 in the second direction d . If water and/or
gas starts being produced along with the oil, the overall
viscosity and density of the heterogeneous fluid will decrease,
compared to the viscosity and density of the oil alone. A s the
viscosity and density decreases, the fluid can increasingly flow
into the first fluid pathway 131 in the first direction d .
According to this example, the assembly can be designed to
restrict the production of the less dense and less viscous water
and/or gas and foster production of the more dense and more
viscous oil.
[0027] According to another embodiment, and as
shown in Fig. 2, the first direction d can be a direction that
is radial to the fluid outlet 150 . In this manner, the fluid,
when entering the exit chamber 160 in the first direction d will
flow through the exit chamber 160 in a relatively non-rotational
direction.. As can also be seen, the second direction d2 can be
a direction that is tangential relative to a radius of the fluid
outlet 150. In this manner, the fluid, when entering the exit
chamber 160 in the second direction d2 via the second fluid
pathway 141, can flow rotationally about the inside of the exit
chamber 160.
[0028] The following is an example of one possible
design of the assembly and use according to the other embodiment
as depicted in Fig. 2 . The exit assembly 100 can be designed
such that a higher viscosity or higher density fluid will tend
to flow in a rotational direction about the exit chamber 160
(e.g., the second direction d2), while a lower viscosity or lower
density fluid will tend to flow in an axial direction within the
exit chamber 160 (e.g., the first direction di) . By way of
example, during oil and gas operations, gas may be a desired
fluid to produce; whereas water may be an undesired fluid to
produce. Assuming a constant flow rate, as gas is less viscous
and less dense than water, the system can be designed such that
gas will tend to flow into the first fluid pathway 131 in the
first direction d . If water starts being produced along with
the gas, the overall viscosity and density of the heterogeneous
fluid will increase, compared to the viscosity and density of
the gas alone. As the viscosity and density increases, the
fluid can increasingly flow into the second fluid pathway 141 in
the second direction d2 . According to this example, the assembly
can be designed to restrict the production of the more dense and
more viscous water and foster production of the less dense and
less viscous gas .
[0029] The exit assembly 100 also includes the
fluid outlet 150, wherein the fluid outlet 150 is located within
the exit chamber 160. Preferably, the fluid outlet 150 is
located near the center of the exit chamber 160 . According to
an embodiment, the fluid flowing in a direction axial to the
fluid outlet 150 will flow towards the fluid outlet 150 . In
this manner, the fluid can exit the exit assembly 100 via the
fluid outlet 150 . According to another embodiment, the fluid
flowing in a rotational direction, will flow about the fluid
outlet 150 . As the volume of fluid flowing in the rotational
direction increases, the amount of back pressure in the system
increases. Conversely, as the volume of fluid flowing in an
axial direction increases, the amount of back pressure in the
system decreases. As used herein, reference to the "back
pressure in the system" means the pressure differential between
the fluid inlet 110 and the fluid outlet 150 .
[0030] According to an embodiment, as the fluid
increasingly flows rotationally about the exit chamber 160 , the
resistance to flow of the fluid through the exit chamber 160
increases. According to another embodiment, as the fluid
increasingly flows rotationally about the fluid outlet 150 , the
resistance to flow of the fluid through the fluid outlet 150
increases .
[0031] According to another embodiment, as the
fluid increasingly flows through the exit chamber 160 in a
direction axial to the fluid outlet 150, the resistance to flow
of the fluid through the exit assembly 100 decreases. According
to another embodiment, as the fluid increasingly flows through
the exit chamber 160 in a direction axial to the fluid outlet
150, the resistance to flow of the fluid through the fluid
outlet 150 decreases. Accordingly, a fluid entering the exit
chamber 160 in an axial direction {compared to a fluid entering
in a rotational direction) can experience: an axial flow through
the exit chamber 160; less resistance to flow through the exit
chamber 160; less backpressure in the system; and less of a
resistance to exit the fluid outlet 150.
[0032] The exit assembly 100 can also include more
than one fluid outlet (not shown) . If the exit assembly 100
includes more than one fluid outlet, then the outlets can be
arranged in a variety of ways. By way of example, all of the
fluid outlets can be located near the center of the exit chamber
160. By way of another example, one or more outlets can be
located near the center and one or more outlets can be located
near the periphery of the exit chamber 160. Preferably at least
one of the fluid outlets (e.g., the fluid outlet 150) is located
near the center of the exit chamber 160. In this manner, at
least some of the fluid flowing near the center can exit the
exit assembly 100 via the outlets located near the center of the
exit chamber 160. Moreover, if the exit chamber 160 includes
one or more outlets located near the periphery of the exit
chamber 160, then at least some of the fluid flowing near the
periphery can exit the exit assembly 100 via the peripheral
outlets .
[0033] The exit assembly 100 can also comprise a
first fluid guide 132 and can also comprise a second fluid guide
142. The size and shape of the guides 132/142 can be selected
to assist the fluid to continue flowing in the first fluid
pathway 131 and/or the second fluid pathway 141. The location
of the guides 132/142 can be designed to assist the fluid to
continue flowing in the first fluid pathway 131 and/or the
second fluid pathway 141. The size, shape, and/or location of
the first fluid guide 132 can be selected to assist the fluid to
flow in a rotational or axial direction with respect to the
fluid outlet 150. By way of example, and as depicted in Fig. 1 ,
the size, shape, and/or location of the first fluid guide 132 is
selected such that any fluid flowing through the first fluid
pathway 131 flows about the exit chamber 160 in a rotational
direction (e.g., the first direction di) . By way of another
example, and as depicted in Fig. 2 , the size, shape, and/or
location of the first fluid guide 132 is selected such that any
fluid flowing through the first fluid pathway 131 flows within
the exit chamber 160 in an axial direction (e.g., the first
direction di) .
[0034] The size, shape, and/or location of the
second fluid guide 142 can be selected to assist the fluid to
flow in a rotational or axial direction with respect to the
fluid outlet 150. By way of example, and as depicted in Fig. 1 ,
the size, shape, and/or location of the second fluid guide 142
is selected such that any fluid flowing through the second fluid
pathway 141 flows within the exit chamber 160 in an axial
direction (e.g., the second direction d2) . By way of another
example, and as depicted in Fig. 2 , the size, shape, and/or
location of the second fluid guide 142 is selected such that any
fluid flowing through the second fluid pathway 141 flows about
the exit chamber 160 in a rotational direction (e.g., the second
direction d2) . Of course there can be more than one first fluid
pathway 131 and also more than one first fluid guide 132. There
can also be more than one second fluid pathway 141 and also more
than one second fluid guide 142. If there is more than one
first fluid guide 132, the first fluid guides do not have to be
the same size or the same shape. If there is more than one
second fluid guide 142, the second fluid guides do not have to
be the same size or the same shape. Moreover, multiple shapes
of guides 132/142 can be used within a given exit assembly 100.
[0035] As can be seen when comparing Fig. 1 to Fig.
2 , a fluid having a higher viscosity, higher density, or lower
flow rate will tend to flow into the second fluid pathway 141,
while a fluid having a lower viscosity, lower density, or higher
flow rate will tend to flow into the first fluid pathway 131.
The viscosity, density, or flow rate at which the fluid switches
from one fluid pathway to the other fluid pathway {i.e., the
switching point) can be pre-determined . By way of example, the
pre-determined switching point can be a density of 800 kg/m .
According to this example, a fluid having a density of less than
800 kg/m3 will tend to flow into the first fluid pathway 131. As
the density of the fluid increases begins to increase to 800
kg/m , the fluid will begin to switch pathways and increasingly
flow into the second fluid pathway 141. It is to be understood
that the switching point does not cause 100% of the fluid to
flow into a different pathway at that switching point. But
rather, as the property of the fluid or the flow rate of the
fluid increases or decreases towards the switching point, the
fluid will increasingly begin to flow into a different pathway.
The fluid inlet 110 can also contain a biasing section. The
biasing section can include straight portions, curved portions,
angled portions, and combinations thereof. The biasing section
can be designed such that as the fluid flows through the fluid
inlet 110 towards the fluid diverter 120, the fluid is biased
towards the first fluid pathway 131 or the second fluid pathway
141 .
[0036] As can be seen when contrasting Fig. 1 with
Fig. 2 , the exit assembly 100 can be designed such that in one
instance, the fluid flowing through the first fluid pathway 131
flows rotationally about the exit chamber 160 and in another
instance, the fluid flowing through the first fluid pathway 131
flows axially within the exit chamber 160. Moreover, the exit
assembly 100 can be designed such that in one instance, the
fluid flowing through the second fluid pathway 141 flows axially
within the exit chamber 160 and in another instance, the fluid
flowing through the second fluid pathway 141 flows rotationally
about the exit chamber 160. These variations can be used to
foster production of a desired fluid, depending on the specifics
for a particular operation. For example, the variations can be
used to foster production of a desired fluid that has a
different viscosity and density compared to an undesired fluid.
[0037] According to an embodiment, the fluid inlet
110 is not in line with the fluid outlet 150. A s can be seen in
Fig. 3 , the fluid inlet 110 can be offset from the fluid outlet
150 a certain distance. The distance of offset can vary. The
distance of offset can be quantified by determining the length
of leg b . The length of leg b can be determined using a right
triangle. Leg b is formed between the vertex of angle C and the
vertex of angle A and leg c is the hypotenuse. The right
triangle includes leg a , wherein leg a extends from the fluid
outlet 150 at the vertex of angle B down to the vertex of angle
C . Angle C is 90°, but angle A and angle B can vary. The
vertex of angle A is located at a desired point on axis X . Axis
X is an axis in the center of the fluid inlet 110 that runs
parallel to the direction d of fluid flow and can also be
tangential to a portion of the outside of the exit chamber 160.
According to an embodiment, leg a is parallel to axis X .
However, regardless of the shape of the fluid inlet 110 at the
desired point (e.g., curved, angled, or straight), and hence the
shape of axis X , leg a extends down from the vertex of angle B
such that a right triangle is formed at angle C .
[0038] The distance of offset can be used to help
bias the fluid to flow into the first fluid pathway 131 or the
second fluid pathway 141. Moreover, the distance of offset can
be used to set the switching point of fluid flow. By way of
example, as the distance of offset decreases, the fluid can
increasingly flow into the second fluid pathway 141. By
contrast, as the distance of offset increases, the fluid can
increasingly flow into the first fluid pathway 131 . The
distance of offset can be used alone, or can also be used in
conjunction with the shape of the fluid diverter 120 , to help
dictate the flow path of the fluid.
[0039] According to an embodiment, the fluid
diverter increasingly displaces the pathway of the fluid from
the fluid inlet into the first fluid pathway as the viscosity or
density of the fluid decreases, or as the flow rate of the fluid
increases, and the fluid diverter increasingly displaces the
pathway of the fluid from the fluid inlet into the second fluid
pathway as the viscosity or density of the fluid increases, or
as the flow rate of the fluid decreases . The shape of the exit
chamber 160 can also be designed to work in tandem with the
shape of the fluid diverter 120 such that, based on the
aforementioned properties of the fluid, the fluid either
increasingly flows into the first fluid pathway 131 or the
second fluid pathway 141 . Furthermore, the size, shape, and
location of the guides 132/142 can be designed to work in tandem
with the shape of the exit chamber 160 and the shape of the
fluid diverter 120 to achieve the aforementioned results.
Moreover, the distance of offset can be selected to work in
tandem with the shape of the exit chamber 160, the shape of the
fluid diverter 120 , and/or the size, shape, and location of the
guides 132/142 .
[0040] The components of the exit assembly 100 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, boron carbide, synthetic diamond, or alumina;
elastomers; and dissolvable materials.
[0041] The exit assembly 100 can be used any place
where the variable restriction or regulation of the flow rate of
a fluid is desired. According to an embodiment, the exit
assembly 100 is used in a subterranean formation. According to
another embodiment, the subterranean formation is penetrated by
at least one wellbore. An advantage for when the exit assembly
100 is used in a subterranean formation 20, is that it can help
regulate the flow rate of a fluid. Another advantage is that
the exit assembly 100 can help solve the problem of production
of a heterogeneous fluid. For example, if oil is the desired
fluid to be produced, the exit assembly 100 can be designed such
that if water enters the exit assembly 100 along with the oil,
then the exit assembly 100 can reduce the flow rate of the fluid
exiting via the fluid outlet 150 based on the decrease in
viscosity of the fluid. The versatility of the exit assembly
100 allows for specific problems in a subterranean formation to
be addressed.
[0042] 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")
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 I S CLAIMED I S :
1 . An exit assembly comprising:
a fluid inlet;
an exit chamber;
a fluid outlet, wherein the fluid outlet is located within
the exit chamber; and
a fluid diverter,
wherein the fluid diverter is connected to the fluid
inlet and the exit chamber,
wherein a fluid is capable of flowing from the fluid
inlet, through the fluid diverter, and into the exit
chamber, and
wherein the shape of the fluid diverter is selected
such that the fluid diverter is capable of displacing
the pathway of the fluid from the fluid inlet into a
first fluid pathway, a second fluid pathway, or
combinations thereof, wherein the first fluid pathway
and the second fluid pathway are located within the
exit chamber.
2 . The assembly according to Claim 1 , wherein the fluid is a
homogenous fluid or a heterogeneous fluid.
3 . The assembly according to laim 1 , wherein the fluid inlet
is operatively connected to the exit chamber via the fluid
diverter .
4 . The assembly according to Claim 1 , wherein the exit chamber
further comprises an exit chamber entrance.
5 . The assembly according to Claim 4 , wherein the exit chamber
entrance is located at the position where the fluid diverter
connects to the exit chamber.
6 . The assembly according to Claim 1 , wherein the fluid inlet
is tubular, rectangular, pyramidal, or curlicue in shape.
7 . The assembly according to Claim 1 , wherein the fluid
diverter comprises straight sections, curved sections, angled
sections, and combinations thereof.
8 . The assembly according to Claim 1 , wherein the fluid
diverter increasingly displaces the pathway of the fluid from
the fluid inlet into the first fluid pathway as the viscosity or
density of the fluid decreases, or as the flow rate of the fluid
increases .
9 . The assembly according to Claim 1 , wherein the fluid
diverter increasingly displaces the pathway of the fluid from
the fluid inlet into the second fluid pathway as the viscosity
or density of the fluid increases, or as the flow rate of the
fluid decreases.
10. The assembly according to Claim 1 , wherein the fluid
flowing in the first fluid pathway flows within the exit chamber
in a first direction and the fluid flowing in the second fluid
pathway flows within the exit chamber in a second direction.
11. The assembly according to Claim 10, wherein the first
direction and the second direction can be in a direction axial
to the fluid outlet or in a rotational direction about the fluid
outlet .
12. The assembly according to Claim 11, wherein the fluid
flowing in the axial direction will flow towards the fluid
outlet .
13. The assembly according to Claim 11, wherein the fluid
flowing in the rotational direction will flow about the fluid
outlet .
14. The assembly according to Claim 11, wherein the exit
assembly is designed such that a higher viscosity, higher
density, or lower flow rate fluid will flow in the second
direction, while a lower viscosity, lower density, or higher
flow rate fluid will flow in the first direction.
15. The assembly according to Claim 14, wherein the first
direction is the rotational direction and the second direction
is the axial direction.
16. The assembly according to Claim 14, wherein the first
direction is the axial direction and the second direction is the
rotational direction.
17. The assembly according to Claim 1 , wherein the assembly
further comprises a first fluid guide and/or a second fluid
guide .
18. The assembly according to Claim 17, wherein the size and
shape of the first and/or second fluid guides is selected to
assist the fluid to continue flowing in the first fluid pathway
and/or the second fluid pathway.
19. The assembly according to Claim 1 , wherein the fluid inlet
is not in line with the fluid outlet.
20. The assembly according to Claim 1 , wherein the exit
assembly is used in a subterranean formation.