DOWNHOLE FLUID FLOW CONTROL SYSTEM HAVING TEMPORARY
SEALING SUBSTANCE AND METHOD FOR USE THEREOF
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates, in general, to equipment utilized in conjunction with
operations performed in subterranean wells and, in particular, to a downhole fluid flow
control system having a temporary sealing substance and method for use thereof.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Without limiting the scope of the present invention, its background will be
described with reference to producing fluid from a hydrocarbon bearing subterranean
formation, as an example.
[0003] During the completion of a well that traverses a hydrocarbon bearing
subterranean formation, production tubing and various completion equipment are installed in
the well to enable safe and efficient production of the formation fluids. For example, to
prevent the production of particulate material from an unconsolidated or loosely consolidated
subterranean formation, certain completions include one or more sand control screen
assemblies positioned proximate the desired production interval or intervals. In other
completions, to control the flow of production fluids into the production tubing or the flow of
injection fluids out of the production tubing, it is common practice to install one or more flow
control devices within the tubing string.
[0004] More recently, attempts have been made to utilize fluid flow control devices
within completions requiring sand control. For example, in certain sand control screens, after
production fluids flow through the filter medium, the fluids are directed into a flow control
section. The flow control section may include one or more flow control components such as
flow tubes, nozzles, labyrinths or the like. Typically, the production flowrate through these
flow control screens is fixed prior to installation by the number and design of the flow control
components.
[0005] It has been found, however, that during the installation of such flow control
screens, the flow control components may become plugged or clogged due to the presence of
drilling mud or other fluids or debris in the wellbore. If such a plugging agent becomes stuck
in a flow control component of a flow control screen, the flow control ability of that flow
control component may be compromised. In addition, if such plugging agents become stuck
in numerous flow control components of a flow control screen, the entire screen joint may be
unusable.
[0006] Accordingly, a need has arisen for a downhole fluid flow control system that is
operable to control the inflow of formation fluids and/or the outflow of injection fluids. In
addition, a need has arisen for such a downhole fluid flow control system that may be
incorporated into a flow control screen. Further, a need has arisen for such a downhole fluid
flow control system that is not susceptible to becoming plugged or clogged during
installation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention disclosed herein comprises a downhole fluid flow control
system for controlling the inflow of formation fluids and/or the outflow of injection fluids. In
addition, the downhole fluid flow control system of the present invention is operable to be
incorporated into a flow control screen. Further, the downhole fluid flow control system of
the present invention is not susceptible to becoming plugged or clogged during installation.
[0008] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a downhole fluid flow control
system. The downhole fluid flow control system includes a flow control component having
an internal flow path. A temporary sealing substance is disposed within the internal flow
path. The temporary sealing substance prevents fluid flow through the flow control
component.
[0009] In one embodiment, the temporary sealing substance is a degradable polymer
such as polysaccharide, chitin, chitosan, protein, aliphatic polyester, poly(lactide),
poly(glycolide), poly(e-caprolactone), poly(hydroxybutyrate), poly(anhydride), aliphatic
polycarbonate, poly(orthoester), poly(amino acid), poly(ethylene oxide) or polyphosphazene.
In another embodiment, the temporary sealing substance is poly(lactic acid), a stereoisomer
of a poly(lactide) or poly(phenyllactide). In a further embodiment, the temporary sealing
substance degrades when exposed to a water source in the well. For example, the water
source may be a hydrated organic or inorganic compound. The water source may be present
in the well prior to positioning the downhole fluid flow control system in the well or the
water source may be introduced into the well after positioning the downhole fluid flow
control system in the well.
[0010] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a flow control screen. The
flow control screen includes a base pipe with an internal passageway, a blank pipe section
and a perforated section. A filter medium is positioned around the blank pipe section of the
base pipe. A housing is positioned around the base pipe to define a fluid path between the
filter medium and the internal passageway. At least one flow control component is disposed
within the fluid path. The flow control component has an internal flow path. A temporary
sealing substance is disposed within the internal flow path. The temporary sealing substance
prevents fluid flow through the flow control component until the temporary sealing substance
degrades when exposed to a water source in the well.
[0011] In a further aspect, the present invention is directed to a downhole fluid flow
control method. The method includes providing the downhole fluid flow control system
including a flow control component having an internal flow path with a temporary sealing
substance disposed within the internal flow path to prevent fluid flow through the flow
control component; positioning the downhole fluid flow control system in the well; and
degrading the temporary sealing substance, thereby permitting fluid flow through the flow
control component. The method may also include exposing the temporary sealing substance
to water in the well to degrade the temporary sealing substance or exposing the temporary
sealing substance to elevated temperature in the well to degrade the temporary sealing
substance.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present
invention, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention along with the
accompanying figures in which corresponding numerals in the different figures refer to
corresponding parts and in which:
[0013] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a well system operating a plurality of
downhole fluid flow control systems according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] Figures 2A-2B are quarter sectional views of successive axial sections of a
downhole fluid flow control system embodied in a flow control screen of the present
invention;
[0015] Figure 3 is a top view of a downhole fluid flow control system of a flow control
screen according to an embodiment of the present invention with the outer housing removed;
[0016] Figure 4 is a top view of a downhole fluid flow control system according to an
embodiment of the present invention depicted in an installation configuration with an outer
element of a flow control component removed; and
[0017] Figure 5 is a top view of a downhole fluid flow control system according to an
embodiment of the present invention depicted in an injection or production configuration
with an outer element of a flow control component removed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0018] While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention
are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present invention provides
many applicable inventive concepts which can be embodied in a wide variety of specific
contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways
to make and use the invention, and do not delimit the scope of the present invention.
[0019] Referring initially to figure 1, therein is depicted a well system including a
plurality of downhole fluid flow control systems embodying principles of the present
invention that is schematically illustrated and generally designated 10. In the illustrated
embodiment, a wellbore 12 extends through the various earth strata. Wellbore 12 has a
substantially vertical section 14, the upper portion of which has cemented therein a casing
string 16. Wellbore 12 also has a substantially horizontal section 18 that extends through a
hydrocarbon bearing subterranean formation 20. As illustrated, substantially horizontal
section 18 of wellbore 12 is open hole.
[0020] Positioned within wellbore 12 and extending from the surface is a tubing string
22. Tubing string 22 provides a conduit for formation fluids to travel from formation 20 to
the surface. At its lower end, tubing string 22 is coupled to a completions string that has been
installed in wellbore 12 and divides the completion interval into various production intervals
adjacent to formation 20. The completion string includes a plurality of fluid flow control
systems 24, each of which is positioned between a pair of packers 26 that provides a fluid
seal between the completion string and wellbore 12, thereby defining the production
intervals. In the illustrated embodiment, fluid flow control systems 24 serve the function of
filtering particulate matter out of the production fluid stream. In addition, each fluid flow
control system 24 has a flow control section that is operable to control the flow of a
production fluid stream during the production phase of well operations and is also operable to
control the flow of an injection fluid stream during a treatment phase of well operations.
[0021] As explained in greater detail below, the flow control sections include flow
control components having internal flow paths. The internal flow paths preferably include
relative narrow channels that are designed to provide the desired production and injection
flow control. During run in and installation, as the completion string is lowered and moved
into the desired position within wellbore 12, solid particles or other debris in the drilling mud
or other wellbore f uid may typically flow through the flow control components resulting in
potential plugging or clogging thereof. In the present invention, a temporary sealing
substance is disposed within the internal flow paths of the flow control components which
prevents fluid flow through the flow control components and therefore prevents plugging or
clogging thereof.
[0022] Even though figure 1 depicts the fluid flow control systems of the present
invention in an open hole environment, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that
the present invention is equally well suited for use in cased wells. Also, even though figure 1
depicts one fluid flow control system in each production interval, it should be understood by
those skilled in the art that any number of fluid flow control systems of the present invention
may be deployed within a production interval without departing from the principles of the
present invention. In addition, even though figure 1 depicts the fluid flow control systems of
the present invention in a horizontal section of the wellbore, it should be understood by those
skilled in the art that the present invention is equally well suited for use in wells having other
directional configurations including vertical wells, deviated wells, slanted wells, multilateral
wells and the like. Accordingly, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the
use of directional terms such as above, below, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right,
uphole, downhole and the like are used in relation to the illustrative embodiments as they are
depicted in the figures, the upward direction being toward the top of the corresponding figure
and the downward direction being toward the bottom of the corresponding figure, the uphole
direction being toward the surface of the well and the downhole direction being toward the
toe of the well.
[0023] Referring next to figures 2A-2B, therein is depicted successive axial sections of
a fluid flow control system according to the present invention that is representatively
illustrated and generally designated 100. Fluid flow control system 100 may be suitably
coupled to other similar fluid flow control systems, production packers, locating nipples,
production tubulars or other downhole tools to form a completion string as described above.
Fluid flow control system 100 includes a base pipe 102 that has a blank pipe section 104 and
a perforated section 106 including a plurality of production ports 108. Positioned around an
uphole portion of blank pipe section 104 is a screen element or filter medium 112, such as a
wire wrap screen, a woven wire mesh screen, a prepacked screen or the like, with or without
an outer shroud positioned therearound, designed to allow fluids to flow therethrough but
prevent particulate matter of a predetermined size from flowing therethrough. It will be
understood, however, by those skilled in the art that the present invention does not need to
have a filter medium associated therewith, accordingly, the exact design of the filter medium
associated with fluid flow control system 100 is not critical to the present invention.
[0024] Positioned downhole of filter medium 112 is a screen interface housing 114 that
forms an annulus 116 with base pipe 102. Securably connected to the downhole end of
screen interface housing 114 is a flow control housing 118. At its downhole end, flow
control housing 118 is securably connected to a support assembly 120 which is securably
coupled to base pipe 102. The various connections of the components of fluid flow control
system 100 may be made in any suitable fashion including welding, threading and the like as
well as through the use of fasteners such as pins, set screws and the like. Even though a
particular arrangement of tubular members has been described and depicted as forming fluid
flow control system 100, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that other
numbers and arrangements of tubular members may be used.
[0025] Positioned between support assembly 120 and flow control housing 118 are a
plurality of flow control components 122, only one of which is visible in figure 2B. In the
illustrated embodiment, flow control components 122 are circumferentially distributed about
base pipe 102 at ninety degree intervals such that four flow control components 122 are
provided. Even though a particular arrangement of flow control components 122 has been
described and depicted, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that other numbers
and arrangements of flow control components 122 may be used. For example, either a
greater or lesser number of circumferentially distributed flow control components at uniform
or nonuniform intervals may be used. Additionally or alternatively, flow control components
122 may be longitudinally distributed along base pipe 102.
[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, each flow control component 122 is formed from
an inner flow control element 124 and an outer flow control element 126. Inner flow control
element 124 has an opening 128 that is aligned with one of the openings 108 of base pipe
102. Even though a two part flow control component has been depicted and described, those
skilled in the art will recognize that a flow control component of the present invention could
be formed from a different number of elements both less than or greater than two including a
single element design. In the illustrated embodiment, an annular region 130 is created
between base pipe 102 and flow control housing 118. In addition, base pipe 102 includes an
interior flow path 132. As discussed in greater detail below, formed between inner flow
control element 124 and outer flow control element 126 is an internal flow path 134.
Depending upon the desired flow characteristics through flow control components 122,
internal flow paths 134 may include relatively narrow channels that may be susceptible to
plugging or clogging with wellbore solids or debris during run in and installation of the
completion string. To prevent this outcome, the present invention utilizes a temporary
sealing substance 136 disposed within internal flow paths 134 to prevent fluid flow through
flow control components 122 during run in and installation of the completion string. In
addition, the illustrated embodiment includes temporary sealing substance 136 in the region
138 between flow control components 122 and flow control housing 118 which provides
added protection to flow control components 122 prior to and during run in and installation of
the completion string. Even though temporary sealing substance 136 is depicted and
described as being disposed within internal flow paths 134 and gaps 138, it should be noted
by those skilled in the art that temporary sealing substance 136 may also be disposed within
or on filter medium 112 if desired to temporarily prevent fluid flow therethrough or within
base pipe 102 or both.
[0027] Referring next to figure 3, a flow control section of fluid flow control system
100 is representatively illustrated. In the illustrated section, a support assembly 120 is
securably coupled to base pipe 102. Support assembly 120 is operable to receive and support
four flow control components 122. The illustrated flow control components 122 are each
formed from an inner flow control element 124 and an outer flow control element 126
forming a fluid flow path 134 therebetween (see figure 2B). Support assembly 120 is
positioned about base pipe 102 such that openings 128 will be circumferentially and
longitudinally aligned with openings 108 of base pipe 102 (see figure 2B). Support assembly
120 includes a plurality of channels for directing fluid flow between flow control components
122 and annular region 130. Specifically, support assembly 120 includes a plurality of
longitudinal channels 142 and a plurality of circumferential channels 144. Together,
longitudinal channels 142 and circumferential channels 144 provide a pathway for fluid flow
between fluid ports 146 of flow control components 122 and annular region 130.
[0028] Referring next to figure 4, a flow control section of fluid flow control system
100 is representatively illustrated during an installation phase of well operations. In the
illustrated example, the outer flow control element has been removed from one of the flow
control components 122 to aid in the description of the present invention. As illustrated, flow
control components 122 are each formed from an inner flow control element 124 and an outer
flow control element 126. Flow control components 122 each have a fluid flow path 134
including a pair of fluid ports 146, a vortex chamber 148 and an opening 128. In addition,
flow control components 122 have a plurality of fluid guides 150 in vortex chambers 148.
Also disposed within vortex chambers 148 is temporary sealing substance 136 that may be
injected into flow control components 122 in a liquid or slurry state then allowed to harden
into a solid that fills vortex chambers 148. During run in and installation of the completion
string including fluid flow control system 100, temporary sealing substance 136 blocks fluid
flow through flow control components 122.
[0029] After installation of the completion string including fluid flow control system
100, temporary sealing substance 136 is degraded when exposed to the subterranean well
environment. For example, temporary sealing substance 136 may degrade when exposed to
water at an elevated temperature in the well. In one embodiment, temporary sealing
substance 136 is a degradable polymer, such as one or more of polysaccharide, chitin,
chitosan, protein, aliphatic polyester, poly(actide), poly(glycolide), poly(e-caprolactone),
poly(hydroxybutyrate), poly(anhydride), aliphatic polycarbonate, poly(orthoester),
poly(amino acid), poly(ethylene oxide), or polyphosphazene. Temporary sealing substance
136 may include a plasticizer, poly(lactic acid), a poly(lactide) or poly(phenyllactide).
[0030] Temporary sealing substance 136 may degrade in the presence of a hydrated
organic or inorganic compound solid, which may be carried with fluid flow control system
100 or as part of the completion string, so that a source of water is available in the well after
installation. For example, the hydrated organic or inorganic compound could be provided in
or carried by filter medium 112. Alternatively, a water source, such as an aqueous solution,
may be delivered to temporary sealing substance 136 after installation via the interior of the
completion string. As another alternative, a water source already in the well such as in the
drilling mud or other wellbore fluid or formation water may be used to degrade temporary
sealing substance 136.
[0031] Once the temporary sealing substance 136 has been degraded and removed from
the vortex chambers 148, as best seen in figure 5, flow control components 122 may perform
their flow control operations. For example, during the treatment phase of well operations, a
treatment fluid may be pumped downhole from the surface in the interior flow path 132 of
base pipe 102 (see figure 2A-2B). The treatment fluid then enters the flow control
components 122 through openings 128 and passes through vortex chambers 148 where the
desired flow resistance is applied to the fluid flow achieving the desired pressure drop and
flowrate therethrough. In the illustrated example, the treatment fluids entering vortex
chamber 148 primarily travel in a radial direction within vortex chamber 148 before exiting
through fluid ports 146 with little spiraling within vortex chamber 144 and without
experiencing the associated frictional and centrifugal losses. Consequently, injection fluids
passing through flow control components 122 encounter little resistance and pass
therethrough relatively unimpeded enabling a much higher flowrate with significantly less
pressure drop than in a production scenario. The fluid then travels into annular region 130
between base pipe 102 and flow control housing 118 before entering annulus 116 and passing
through filter medium 112 for injection into the surrounding formation.
[0032] As another example, during the production phase of well operations, fluid flows
from the formation into the production tubing through fluid flow control system 100. The
production fluid, after being filtered by filter medium 112, if present, flows into annulus 116.
The fluid then travels into annular region 130 between base pipe 102 and flow control
housing 118 before entering the flow control section. The fluid then enters fluid ports 146 of
flow control components 122 and passes through vortex chambers 148 where the desired
flow resistance is applied to the fluid flow achieving the desired pressure drop and flowrate
therethrough. In the illustrated example, the production fluids entering vortex chamber 148
travel primarily in a tangentially direction and will spiral around vortex chamber 148 with the
aid of fluid guides 150 before eventually exiting through openings 128. Fluid spiraling
around vortex chamber 148 will suffer from frictional losses. Further, the tangential velocity
produces centrifugal force that impedes radial flow. Consequently, production fluids passing
through flow control components 122 encounter significant resistance. Thereafter, the fluid
is discharged through openings 128 to the interior flow path 132 of base pipe 102 for
production to the surface. Even though a particular fluid flow path 134 through flow control
components 122 has been depicted and described, those skilled in the art will recognize that
the fluid flow path within a flow control component could have an alternate design based
upon factors such as the desired flowrate, the desired pressure drop, the type and composition
of the production fluids and the like without departing from the principles of the present
invention.
[0033] While this invention has been described with reference to illustrative
embodiments, this description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various
modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments as well as other
embodiments of the invention will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to
the description. It is, therefore, intended that the appended claims encompass any such
modifications or embodiments.

What is claimed is:
1. A downhole fluid flow control system comprising:
a flow control component having an internal flow path; and
a temporary sealing substance disposed within the internal flow path, the temporary
sealing substance preventing fluid flow through the flow control component.
2. The system as recited in claim 1 wherein the temporary sealing substance
further comprises a degradable polymer.
3. The system as recited in claim 2 wherein the degradable polymer is selected
from the group consisting of polysaccharide, chitin, chitosan, protein, aliphatic polyester,
poly(lactide), poly(glycolide), poly(e-caprolactone), poly(hydroxybutyrate), poly(anhydride),
aliphatic polycarbonate, poly(orthoester), poly(amino acid), poly(ethylene oxide) and
polyphosphazene.
4. The system as recited in claim 1 wherein the temporary sealing substance
further comprises poly(lactic acid).
5. The system as recited in claim 1 wherein the temporary sealing substance
further comprises a stereoisomer of a poly(lactide).
6. The system as recited in claim 1 wherein the temporary sealing substance
further comprises poly(phenyllactide).
7. The system as recited in claim 1 wherein the temporary sealing substance
degrades when exposed to a water source in a well.
8. The system as recited in claim 7 wherein the water source comprises a
hydrated organic or inorganic compound.
9. The system as recited in claim 7 wherein the water source is present in the
well prior to positioning the downhole fluid flow control system in the well.
10. The system as recited in claim 7 wherein the water source is introduced into
the well after positioning the downhole fluid flow control system in the well.
11. A flow control screen for positioning in a subterranean well, the flow control
screen comprising:
a base pipe with an internal passageway, a blank pipe section and a perforated section;
a filter medium positioned around the blank pipe section of the base pipe;
a housing positioned around the base pipe defining a fluid path between the filter
medium and the internal passageway;
at least one flow control component disposed within the fluid path, the flow control
component having an internal flow path; and
a temporary sealing substance disposed within the internal flow path, the temporary
sealing substance preventing fluid flow through the flow control component until the
temporary sealing substance degrades when exposed to a water source in the well.
12. The system as recited in claim 11 wherein the temporary sealing substance
further comprises a degradable polymer.
13. The system as recited in claim 12 wherein the degradable polymer is selected
from the group consisting of polysaccharide, chitin, chitosan, protein, aliphatic polyester,
poly(lactide), poly(glycolide), poly(e-caprolactone), poly(hydroxybutyrate), poly(anhydride),
aliphatic polycarbonate, poly(orthoester), poly(amino acid), poly(ethylene oxide) and
polyphosphazene.
14. The system as recited in claim 11 wherein the temporary sealing substance
further comprises poly(lactic acid).
15. The system as recited in claim 11 wherein the temporary sealing substance
further comprises a stereoisomer of a poly(lactide).
16. The system as recited in claim 11 wherein the temporary sealing substance
further comprises poly(phenyllactide).
17. A method of installing a downhole fluid flow control system in a subterranean
well, the method comprising:
providing the downhole fluid flow control system including a flow control component
having an internal flow path with a temporary sealing substance disposed within the internal
flow path to prevent fluid flow through the flow control component;
positioning the downhole fluid flow control system in the well; and
degrading the temporary sealing substance, thereby permitting fluid flow through the
flow control component.
18. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein degrading the temporary sealing
substance further comprises exposing the temporary sealing substance to water in the well.
19. The method as recited in claim 17 wherein degrading the temporary sealing
substance further comprises exposing the temporary sealing substance to elevated
temperature in the well.
20. The method as recited in claim 17 wherein the temporary sealing substance
further comprises a degradable polymer.
21. The method as recited in claim 20 wherein the degradable polymer is selected
from the group consisting of polysaccharide, chitin, chitosan, protein, aliphatic polyester,
poly(lactide), poly(glycolide), poly(e-caprolactone), poly(hydroxybutyrate), poly(anhydride),
aliphatic polycarbonate, poly(orthoester), poly(amino acid), poly(ethylene oxide) and
polyphosphazene.
22. The method as recited in claim 17 wherein the temporary sealing substance
further comprises poly(lactic acid).
23. The method as recited in claim 17 wherein the temporary sealing substance
further comprises a stereoisomer of a poly(lactide).
24. The method as recited in claim 17 wherein the temporary sealing substance
further comprises poly(phenyllactide).