FLUID FLOW CONTROL USING CHANNELS
Technical Field of the Invention
[0001] The present invention relates generally to assemblies for
controlling fluid flow in a bore in a subterranean formation and, more
particularly (although not necessarily exclusively), to assemblies that are
capable of restricting fluid flow by directing fluid using channels.
Background
[0002] Various devices can be installed in a well traversing a
hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formation. Some devices control the
flow rate of fluid between the formation and tubing, such as production or
injection tubing. An example of these devices is an autonomous fluid
selector that can select fluid, or otherwise control the flow rate of various
fluids into the tubing.
[0003] An autonomous fluid selector can select between wanted and
unwanted fluids based on relative viscosity of the fluids. For example, fluid
having a higher concentration of unwanted fluids (e.g. water and natural
gas) may have a certain viscosity in response to which the autonomous
fluid selector directs the unwanted fluid in a direction to restrict the flow
rate of the unwanted fluid into tubing. The autonomous fluid selector
includes a flow ratio control assembly and a vortex assembly usable to
select fluid based on viscosity. The flow ratio control assembly includes
two flow paths. Each flow path includes narrowed conduits that are
configured to restrict fluid flow based on viscosity of the fluid. For
example, one conduit in the first passageway may be narrower than the
second conduit in the second passageway, and configured to restrict fluid
having a certain relative viscosity more than fluid having a different relative
viscosity. The second conduit may offer relatively constant resistance to
fluid, regardless of the viscosity of the fluid.
[0004] Although this autonomous fluid selector is very effective in
meeting desired fluid selection downhole, additional types of autonomous
fluid selectors are desirable that can direct fluid for flow control based on
small differences in fluid properties.
Summary
[0005] Certain aspects of the present invention are directed to
affecting fluid flowing in channels of a fluid flow control device disposed in
a wellbore by using a channel subassembly capable of allowing fluid that
has a certain property to affect fluid flowing through one or more channels
of the channel subassembly.
[0006] One aspect relates to a subassembly for a fluid flow device
that can be disposed in a subterranean wellbore. The subassembly
includes a chamber, a first channel, a second channel, and a side channel.
The chamber includes an exit opening. The first channel can direct fluid
from a first inlet toward the chamber. The second channel can direct fluid
from a second inlet toward the chamber. The side channel can allow fluid
to flow from the second channel to the first channel to affect fluid flowing in
the first channel.
[0007] A feature relates to the side channel being adapted to allow
an amount of fluid to flow from the second channel to the first channel to
affect fluid flowing in the first channel. The amount of fluid can be based
on at least one fluid property.
[0008] Another feature relates to the property being at least one of
Reynolds number of the fluid, fluid density, fluid velocity, or fluid viscosity.
[0009] Another feature relates to including in the subassembly a
primary channel, a first diverted channel, and a second diverted channel.
The primary channel can be in fluid communication with the first channel.
The primary channel can direct fluid toward the exit opening. The first
diverted channel can be in fluid communication with the first channel. The
second diverted channel can be in fluid communication with the second
channel. The first diverted channel and the second diverted channel can
direct fluid toward a tangential opening of the chamber. The side channel
can allow an amount of fluid to flow from the second channel to the first
channel to guide fluid to flow toward the primary channel. The amount of
fluid can be based on at least one property of the fluid.
[0010] Another feature relates to including in the subassembly a first
primary channel, a second primary channel, and a diverted channel. The
first primary channel can be in fluid communication with the second
channel. The second primary channel can be in fluid communication with
the first channel. The diverted channel can direct fluid toward a tangential
opening of the chamber. The diverted channel can be in fluid
communication with the first channel. The first primary channel and the
second primary channel can direct fluid toward the exit opening. The side
channel can allow an amount of fluid to flow from the second channel to
the first channel to guide fluid to flow toward the diverted channel. The
amount of fluid can be based on at least one property of the fluid.
[001 ] Another feature relates to property of the fluid including a
viscosity of the fluid above a threshold. The threshold can be based on a
physical configuration of the fluid flow control device. The fluid flow control
device can restrict fluid flow by an amount that is based on the viscosity of
the fluid.
[0012] Another feature relates to the first inlet and the second inlet
being configured for allowing fluid to flow from a fluid delivery
subassembly, and the chamber being a vortex chamber.
[0013] Another feature relates to the first inlet being separate from
the second inlet.
[0014] Another aspect relates to a fluid flow control device that can
be disposed in a wellbore. The fluid flow control device includes a vortex
chamber, a fluid delivery subassembly, and a channel subassembly. The
vortex chamber includes an exit opening. The channel subassembly can
be positioned between the vortex chamber and the fluid delivery
subassembly. The channel subassembly includes a first channel, a
second channel, and a side channel. The first channel can provide a first
flow path for fluid from the fluid delivery subassembly toward the chamber.
The second channel can provide a second flow path for fluid from the fluid
delivery subassembly toward the chamber. The side channel can provide
fluid communication between the first channel and the second channel.
[001 5] Another feature relates to the side channel being adapted to
allow fluid to flow from the second channel to the first channel to affect fluid
flowing in the first channel.
[0016] Another feature relates to the side channel being adapted to
allow an amount of fluid to flow from the second channel to the first
channel to affect fluid flowing in the first channel, the amount of fluid being
based on at least one fluid property.
[0017] Another feature relates to the channel subassembly including
a primary channel, a first diverted channel, and a second diverted channel.
The primary channel can be in fluid communication with the first channel.
The primary channel can direct fluid toward the exit opening. The first
diverted channel can be in fluid communication with the first channel. The
second diverted channel can be in fluid communication with the second
channel. The first diverted channel and the second diverted channel can
direct fluid toward a tangential opening of the chamber.
[0018] Another feature relates to the side channel being adapted to
allow an amount of fluid to flow from the second channel to the first
channel to guide fluid to flow toward the primary channel. The amount of
fluid can be based on at least one property of the fluid.
[0019] Another feature relates to the channel subassembly including
a first primary channel, a second primary channel, and a diverted channel.
The first primary channel can be in fluid communication with the second
channel. The second primary channel can be in fluid communication with
the first channel. The diverted channel can direct fluid toward a tangential
opening of the chamber. The diverted channel can be in fluid
communication with the first channel. The first primary channel and the
second primary channel can direct fluid toward the exit opening.
[0020] Another feature relates to the side channel being adapted to
allow an amount of fluid to flow from the second channel to the first
channel to guide fluid to flow toward the diverted channel. The amount of
fluid can be based on at least one property of the fluid.
[0021] Another feature relates to the property of the fluid including a
viscosity of the fluid above a threshold. The threshold can be based on a
physical configuration of the fluid flow control device. The fluid flow control
device can restrict fluid flow by an amount that is based on the viscosity of
the fluid.
[0022] Another feature relates to the fluid flow control device
including a first inlet and a second inlet. The first inlet can allow fluid to
flow from the fluid delivery subassembly to the first channel. The second
inlet can allow fluid to flow from the fluid delivery subassembly to the
second channel.
[0023] Another feature relates to the fluid flow control device being
configured to restrict fluid flowing from a formation to a production tubular
disposed in the wellbore by an amount that is based on at least one
property of the fluid.
[0024] Another aspect relates to a channel subassembly for a fluicl
flow control device that can be disposed in a subterranean wellbore. The
channel subassembly includes a first channel, a second channel, and a
side channel. The first channel can direct fluid from a first inlet in fluid
communication with a fluid delivery subassembly toward a chamber having
an exit opening. The second channel can direct fluid from a second inlet in
fluid communication with the fluid delivery subassembly toward the
chamber. The side channel can allow an amount of fluid to flow from the
second channel to the first channel to direct fluid flowing in the first channel
toward a fourth channel that can allow fluid to flow to the chamber. The
amount of fluid is based on at least one property of the fluid.
[0025] These illustrative aspects and features are mentioned not to
limit or define the invention, but to provide examples to aid understanding
of the inventive concepts disclosed in this application. Other aspects,
advantages, and features of the present invention will become apparent
after review of the entire application.
[0026] Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of a well system having fluid
flow control devices that include channels according to one aspect of the
present invention.
[0027] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of a fluid flow control
device and a screen assembly according to one aspect of the present
invention.
[0028] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional top view of a fluid flow control
device that includes channels according to one aspect of the present
invention.
[0029] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional top view of part of the fluid flow
control device of Fig. 3 with a higher concentration of wanted fluid flowing
through channels according to one aspect of the present invention.
[0030] Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional top view of the fluid flow control
device of Fig. 3 with a higher concentration of unwanted fluid flowing
through the channels according to one aspect of the present invention.
[0031] Fig. 6 is a cross-sectional top view of a fluid flow control
device that includes channels according to a second aspect of the present
invention.
Detailed Description
[0032] Certain aspects and features relate to a fluid flow control
device having channels that can direct fluid flow based on one or more
properties of the fluid more robustly as compared to fluid flow control
devices that do not implement channels. For example, devices according
to some aspects can differentiate between fluids having close, but
different, fluid property values and direct the fluid accordingly. Examples
of fluid properties based on which the device can direct fluid include fluid
density, fluid velocity, fluid viscosity, and Reynolds number of the fluid flow.
[0033] One aspect includes a side channel that can provide fluid
communication between two channels that allow fluid to flow towards a
chamber having an exit opening. Fluid communication between two
channels includes the ability, but not the requirement, for fluid to flow from
one channel to another. The amount of fluid that may flow through the
side channel can depend on one or more properties of the fluid. The
amount of fluid that may flow through the side channel can affect fluid
flowing through the other channel. A channel may be a passageway, flow
path, or otherwise an area through which fluid may flow.
[0034] The channels may be in a fluid flow control device, such as a
valve, that can automaticaily reduce flow rate of unwanted fluid and that
can automatically allow wanted fluid to pass through the device with limited
to no restriction. Fluid can enter the device from an inlet and exit through
an exit opening. The fluid can travel through one or more of the channels.
Depending on the channel traveled by the fluid (which may in part depend
on one or more properties of the fluid), the fluid may be directed to spin in
a chamber or to travel substantially towards the exit opening. For
example, the device may be configured to cause fluid having a higher
concentration of unwanted fluid to spin and to cause fluid having a higher
concentration of wanted fluid to flow more directly to the exit opening.
Spinning fluid may result in a high pressure drop that reduces the flow rate
of the fluid exiting through the exit opening. Otherwise, the pressure drop
can be decreased to allow fluid to exit without substantial restriction.
[0035] These illustrative examples are given to introduce the reader
to the general subject matter discussed here and are not intended to limit
the scope of the disclosed concepts. The following sections describe
various additional features and examples with reference to the drawings in
which like numerals indicate like elements, and directional descriptions are
used to describe the illustrative aspects but, like the illustrative aspects,
should not be used to limit the present invention.
[0036] Fig. 1 depicts a well system 100 with fluid flow control devices
having channels according to certain aspects of the present invention. The
well system 100 includes a bore that is a wellbore 102 extending through
various earth strata. The wellbore 102 has a substantially vertical section
104 and a substantially horizontal section 106. The substantially vertical
section 104 and the substantially horizontal section 106 may include a
casing string 108 cemented at an upper portion of the substantially vertical
section 104. The substantially horizontal section 106 extends through a
hydrocarbon bearing subterranean formation 110.
[0037] A tubing string 112 extends from the surface within wellbore
102. The tubing string 112 can provide a conduit for formation fluids to
travel from the substantially horizontal section 106 to the surface. Fluid
flow control devices 114 and production tubular sections 116 in various
production intervals adjacent to the formation 10 are positioned in the
tubing string 112. On each side of each production tubular section 116 is a
packer 8 that can provide a fluid seal between the tubing string 112 and
the wall of the wellbore 102. Each pair of adjacent packers 118 can define
a production interval.
[0038] Each of the production tubular sections 116 can provide sand
control capability. Sand control screen elements or filter media associated
with production tubular sections 116 can allow fluids to flow through the
elements or filter media, but prevent particulate matter of sufficient size
from flowing through the elements or filter media. In some aspects, a sand
control screen may be provided that includes a non-perforated base pipe
having a wire wrapped around ribs positioned circumferenttally around the
base pipe. A protective outer shroud that includes perforations can be
positioned around an exterior of a filter medium.
[0039] Fluid flow control devices 114 that include channels according
to some aspects that can allow for control over the volume and
composition of produced fluids. For example, fluid flow control devices
114 may autonomously restrict or resist production of formation fluid from a
production interval in which unwanted fluid, such as water or natural gas
for an oil production operation, is entering. "Natural gas" as used herein
means a mixture of hydrocarbons (and varying quantities of nonhydrocarbons)
that exists in a gaseous phase at room temperature and
pressure and in a liquid phase and/or gaseous phase in a downhole
environment.
[0040] Formation fluid flowing into a production tubular section 116
may include more than one type of fluid, such as natural gas, oil, water,
steam and carbon dioxide. Steam and carbon dioxide may be used as
injection fluids to cause hydrocarbon fluid to flow toward a production
tubular section 16. Natural gas, oil and water may be found in the
formation 110. The proportion of these types of fluids flowing into a
production tubular section 116 can vary over time and be based at least in
part on conditions within the formation and the wellbore 102. A fluid flow
control device 114 according to some aspects can reduce or restrict
production from an interval in which fluid having a higher proportion of
unwanted fluids is flowing through the fluid flow control device 114.
[0041] When a production interval produces a greater proportion of
unwanted fluids, a fluid flow control device 1 4 in that interval can restrict
or resist production from that interval. Other production intervals producing
a greater proportion of wanted fluid, can contribute more to the production
stream entering tubing string 1 2. For example, the fluid flow control
device 114 can include channels that can control fluid flow rate based on
one or more properties of fluid, where such properties depend on the type
of fluid - wanted or unwanted fluid.
[0042] Although Fig. 1 depicts fluid flow control devices 114
positioned in the substantially horizontal section 106, fluid flow control
devices 114 (and production tubular sections 116) according to various
aspects of the present invention can be located, additionally or
alternatively, in the substantially vertical section 104. Furthermore, any
number of fluid flow control devices 114, including one, can be used in the
well system 100 generally or in each production interval. In some aspects,
fluid flow control devices 4 can be disposed in simpler wellbores, such
as wellbores having only a substantially vertical section. Fluid flow control
devices 1 4 can be disposed in open hole environments, such as is
depicted in Fig. 1, or in cased welis.
[0043] Fig. 2 depicts a cross-sectional side view of a production
tubular section 116 that includes a fluid flow control device 114 and a
screen assembly 202. The production tubular defines an interior
passageway 204, which may be an annular space. Formation fluid can
enter the interior passageway 204 from the formation through screen
assembly 202, which can filter the fluid. Formation fluid can enter the fluid
flow control device 114 from the interior passageway through an inlet 206
to a flow path 208 of a chamber 210. Disposed in the flow path 208 of the
chamber 210 are channels 212. The channels 212 can direct fluid to flow
into a vortex or to an outlet 214. The vortex is usable by the chamber 210
to restrict or allow fluid to flow though the outlet 214 via an exit opening in
the chamber 210 by different amounts to an internal area of tubing 216.
Although one outlet 214 is depicted in Fig. 2, fluid flow control devices
according to various aspects and features may include any number of
outlets and/or exit openings.
[0044] Fluid flow control devices with channels may have a variety of
configurations by which the channels direct fluid for restriction or no
restriction, as the case may be. Fig. 3 depicts one example of a fluid flow
control device that includes a chamber 302, a fluid delivery subassembly
304, and a channel subassembly 306.
[0045] The chamber 302 includes an exit opening 308 that can allow
fluid to exit the fluid flow control device. In some aspects, the chamber
302 is a vortex chamber having a circular-shaped path in cross-section
that can allow fluid entering the chamber 302 in one direction to rotate,
creating a vortex about the exit opening 308. The fluid delivery
subassembly 304 may be any type of fluid delivery device or devices that
can allow fluid to flow to the channel subassembly 306.
[0046] The channel subassembly 306 can include channels for
directing fluid in one or more directions toward the chamber 302. The
channel subassembly 306 in Fig. 3 includes two channels 310, 312 that
provide fluid communication between the fluid delivery subassembly 304
and a primary channel 314, two diverted channels 316, 318, and a side
channel 320. The primary channel 314, two diverted channels 316, 318,
and the side channel 320 are included in the channel subassembly 306.
"Primary channel" as used herein is used to identify one channel in the
channel subassembly 306 and should not be interpreted as signifying any
status to the channel unless expressly noted. Similarly, "diverted
channels" as used herein is used to identify two or more channels in
addition to a primary channel and should not be interpreted to convey any
structural configuration unless expressly noted in addition, a "side
channel," which may be referred to as an auxiliary channel, as used herein
should not be interpreted as requiring necessarily a "side" configuration in
some manner unless expressly noted.
[0047] The first channel 310 includes an inlet 322 for receiving fluid
from the fluid delivery subassembly 304 and can direct fluid toward the
primary channel 314 and a first diverted channel 316, depending on a
property of the fluid. The second channel 312 includes an inlet 324 for
receiving fluid from the fluid delivery subassembly 304 that can direct fluid
toward the second diverted channel 318 and the side channel 320,
depending on one or more properties of the fluid.
[0048] In some aspects, the diverted channels 316, 318 may provide
alternate flow paths to the chamber 302 as compared to the flow path
provided by the primary channel 314. In Fig. 3, for example, the diverted
channels 316, 318 are offset to one side of the primary channel 314, as
viewed from the cross-sectional top view of the fluid flow control device,
and provide alternate flow paths that converge near a tangential opening to
the chamber 302. Fig. 3 depicts the diverted channels 316, 318 as being
on the left-hand side of the primary channel 314 in the view depicted in
Fig. 3. Diverted channels 316, 318 according to other aspects may be
positioned on the right-hand side of the primary channel 314, or in other
configurations, in the same view as currently depicted in Fig. 3 .
[0049] The side channel 320 provides fluid communication between
the first channel 310 and the second channel 312. Fluid can flow from the
second channel 312 through the side channel 320 to the first channel 310
and affect an amount of fluid that flows toward the primary channel 314.
[0050] For example, fluid having a higher proportion of wanted fluid
flowing through the fluid flow control device may result in more fluid flowing
through the side channel 320 to the first channel 310. Wanted fluid having
certain fluid properties may, for example, be attracted to a higher amount
of wanted fluid having similar fluid properties that is flowing through the
first channel 310 such that more fluid flowing through the second channel
312 desires to flow through the side channel 320. When more fluid flows
through the side channel 320, the fluid from the side channel 320 can
direct or influence more fluid in the first channel 310 to the primary channel
314. The primary channel 314 can direct fluid toward the exit opening 308
of the chamber 302. The primary channel 314 includes a divider 326
defining two flow paths. In other aspects, the primary channel 314 does
not include the divider 326.
[0051] Fluid having a higher proportion of unwanted fluid flowing
through the fluid flow control device may result in less fluid flowing through
the side channel 320 to the first channel 310 and more fluid flowing
through second diverted channel 318. For example, unwanted fluid may
have a lower viscosity such that it has less desire to travel through the side
channel 320. Less fluid flowing through the side channel 320 can allow
more fluid flowing through first channel 310 to flow through the first
diverted channel 316. Diverted channels 316, 318 can direct fluid toward
the chamber 302 in a tangential direction. Fluid directed toward the
chamber 302 in a tangential direction can cause fluid to flow into a vortex
in the chamber 302 to restrict the fluid from exiting the chamber through
exit opening 308.
[0052] The side channel 320 can amplify small differences in fluid
properties since a relatively small amount of fluid with some wanted fluid
properties can travel through the side channel 320 to help push the wanted
fluid towards the primary channel 314. For example, the side channel 320
can cause disruption to forces in unwanted and wanted fluid. The
disruption can be added to the effect of different channels through which
unwanted and wanted fluid are already directed to increase an amount of
force for directing fluid toward the proper channel - primary or diverted
channel. Although two channels 310, 312 and two diverted channels 316,
318 are depicted, any number of channels - diverted, channels from a fluid
delivery subassembly, or otherwise - can be used.
[0053] Sizes and geometric configurations of channels may be
modified to direct more or less fluid having different levels of one or more
properties. For example, the channels can be sized and configured such
that fluid having a viscosity level within a range, or above or below a
threshold, may be directed within the fluid flow control device as wanted
fluid. For example, a side channel may be configured with a slightly less
straight path to the first channel from the second channel such that less
fluid have some portion of wanted fluid flows through the side channel.
[0054] Figs. 4-5 depict fluid flow through the fluid flow control device
of Fig. 3 without depicting the fluid delivery subassembly 304. Fluid flow is
depicted in Figs. 4-5 using arrows in which the length of the arrow
represents an amount of fluid flow. For example, a longer arrow
represents a greater amount of fluid flow while a shorter arrow represents
a lower amount of fluid flow.
[0055] Fig. 4 depicts the fluid flow control device in which a higher
proportion of wanted fluid is flowing through the fluid flow control device.
The fluid delivery subassembly (not shown) can direct the fluid through
inlet 322 to the first channel 310 and some fluid through inlet 324 to the
second channel 312. Fluid flowing through the first channel 310 flows
toward the primary channel 314 and the first diverted channel 316. More
of the fluid flows toward the primary channel 314 than the first diverted
channel 316. For example, the fluid flow control device may be configured
to allow more wanted fluid having a certain property to flow straighter from
the inlet 322 to the primary channel 314 than to the first diverted channel
316.
[0056] The fluid delivery subassembly can deliver some of the
wanted fluid through inlet 324 to the second channel 312. Fluid flowing
through the second channel can flow toward the second diverted channel
318 and the side channel 320. The fluid flow control device is configured
to allow fluid to flow through the side channel 320 that desires to travel
straight based on one or more properties of the fluid. Fluid flowing through
the side channel 320 can flow to the first channel 310 and can direct more
wanted fluid to flow into the primary channel 314 than to the first diverted
channel 316 such that more wanted fluid is provided to the chamber 302
through the primary channel 314 and allowed to exit the exit opening 308
without substantial restriction. Some of the fluid may flow through diverted
channels 316, 318 and be directed tangentially into the chamber 302. The
amount of fluid directed tangentially into the chamber 302 may be low
enough, however, to avoid restricting fluid from exiting the chamber 302.
[0057] The side channel 320 can amplify selection of wanted fluid by
allowing more wanted fluid having one or more certain properties to be
directed towards the chamber 302 via the primary channel 314.
[0058] In Fig. 5, a higher proportion of unwanted fluid is flowing
through the fluid flow control device. The fluid delivery subassembly (not
shown) can cause some fluid to enter inlet 322 and flow through channel
310 toward the first diverted channel 316 and primary channel 314. The
fluid delivery subassembly can cause fluid to enter inlet 324 and flow
through the second diverted channel 318 such that some fluid flows into
the chamber 302 tangentially. Fluid flowing tangentially into the chamber
302 can cause more fluid to flow into a vortex in the chamber 302 and
restrict fluid flowing into the chamber 302 from primary channel 314 or
diverted channels 316, 318, for at least some amount of time, from exiting
through the exit opening 308. The channel subassembly 306 is configured
such that unwanted fluid have certain one or more properties does not flow
through the side channel 320 such that fluid flowing through channel 310 is
not directed towards the primary channel 314. In other aspects, some fluid
may flow through the side channel 320, but not enough to direct much fluid
toward the primary channel 314.
[0059] Fluid flow control devices according to various aspects could
of course have different configurations. Fig. 6 depicts a fluid flow control
device according to a second aspect. The fluid flow control device shown
in Fig. 6 includes a chamber 402 and a channel subassembly 404. The
chamber 402 includes an exit opening 405.
[0060] The channel subassembly 404 includes a first channel 406
and a second channel 408 that provide flow paths from a fluid delivery
subassembly or other subassembly. The channel subassembly 404 also
includes two primary channels 410, 412, a diverted channel 414, and a
side channel 416. The two primary channels 410, 412 can direct fluid flow
into the chamber 402 toward the exit opening 405. The diverted channel
414 can direct fluid tangentially toward the chamber 402.
[0061] The side channel 416 can provide a flow path between the
first channel 406 and the second channel 408. In some aspects, the fluid
flow control device can be configured such that unwanted fluid, such as
fluid have one or more certain properties, that may flow through the
second channel 408 is directed through the side channel 416 to the first
channel 406. The unwanted fluid flowing through the side channel 416 to
the first channel 406 may direct more unwanted fluid flowing through the
first channel 406 to flow towards the diverted channel 414 instead of
flowing through the second primary channel 412 such that more fluid
restriction occurs in the chamber 402. The fluid flow control device can be
configured such that a lower amount, or no, wanted fluid flowing through
the second channel 408 flows through the side channel 416 such that fluid
flowing through the first channel 406 is not directed from flowing through
the second primary channel 412.
[0062] The foregoing description of the aspects, including illustrated
aspects, of the invention has been presented only for the purpose of
illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Numerous modifications,
adaptations, and uses thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art
without departing from the scope of this invention.

Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A subassembly for a fluid flow control device adapted to be
disposed in a subterranean weilbore, the subassembly comprising:
a chamber having an exit opening:
a first channel for directing fluid from a first inlet toward the chamber;
a second channel for directing fluid from a second inlet toward the
chamber; and
a side channel for allowing fluid to flow from the second channel to
the first channel to affect fluid flowing in the first channel.
2 . The subassembly of claim , wherein the side channel is adapted to
allow an amount of fluid to flow from the second channel to the first
channel to affect fluid flowing in the first channel, the amount of fluid being
based on at least one fluid property.
3 . The subassembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one fluid property
comprises:
Reynolds number of the fluid;
fluid density;
fluid velocity; or
fluid viscosity.
4. The subassembly of claim , further comprising:
a primary channel in fluid communication with the first channel, the
primary channel being configured for directing fluid toward the exit
opening;
a first diverted channel in fluid communication with the first channel;
and
a second diverted channel in fluid communication with the second
channel,
wherein the first diverted channel and the second diverted channel
are configured for directing fluid toward a tangential opening of the
chamber,
wherein the side channel is adapted to allow an amount of fluid to
flow from the second channel to the first channel to guide fluid to flow
toward the primary channel, the amount of fluid being based on at least
one property of the fluid.
5 . The subassembly of claim , further comprising:
a first primary channel in fluid communication with the second
channel;
a second primary channel in fluid communication with the first
channel; and
a diverted channel for directing fluid toward a tangential opening of
the chamber, the diverted channel being in fluid communication with the
first channel,
wherein the first primary channel and the second primary channel
are configured for directing fluid toward the exit opening,
wherein the side channel is adapted to allow an amount of fluid to
flow from the second channel to the first channel to guide fluid to flow
toward the diverted channel, the amount of fluid being based on at least
one property of the fluid.
6. The subassembly of claim 5, wherein the at least one property of the
fluid comprises a viscosity of the fluid above a threshold, the threshold
being based on a physical configuration of the fluid flow control device, the
fluid flow control device being configured for restricting fluid flow by an
amount that is based on the viscosity of the fluid.
7 . The subassembly of claim 1, wherein the first inlet and the second
inlet are configured for allowing fluid to flow from a fluid delivery
subassembly,
wherein the chamber is a vortex chamber.
8 . The subassembly of claim , wherein the first inlet is separate from
the second inlet.
9 . A fluid flow control device configured for being disposed in a
wellbore, the fluid flow control device comprising:
a vortex chamber having an exit opening;
a fluid delivery subassembly; and
a channel subassembly positioned between the vortex chamber and
the fluid delivery subassembly, wherein the channel subassembly
comprises:
a first channel for providing a first flow path for fluid from the
fluid delivery subassembly toward the chamber;
a second channel for providing a second flow path for fluid
from the fluid delivery subassembly toward the chamber; and
a side channel for providing fluid communication between the
first channel and the second channel.
0. The fluid flow control device of claim 9, wherein the side channel is
adapted to allow fluid to flow from the second channel to the first channel
to affect fluid flowing in the first channel.
11. The fluid flow control device of claim 10, wherein the side channel
is adapted to allow an amount of fluid to flow from the second channel to
the first channel to affect fluid flowing in the first channel, the amount of
fluid being based on at least one fluid property.
12. The fluid flow control device of claim 11, wherein the at least one
fluid property comprises:
Reynolds number of the fluid;
fluid density;
fluid velocity; or
fluid viscosity.
13. The fluid flow control device of claim 9, wherein the channel
subassembly further comprises:
a primary channel in fluid communication with the first channel, the
primary channel being configured for directing fluid toward the exit
opening;
a first diverted channel in fluid communication with the first channel;
and
a second diverted channel in fluid communication with the second
channel,
wherein the first diverted channel and the second diverted channel
are configured for directing fluid toward a tangential opening of the
chamber.
14. The fluid flow control device of claim 13 , wherein the side channel is
adapted to allow an amount of fluid to flow from the second channel to the
first channel to guide fluid to flow toward the primary channel, the amount
of fluid being based on at least one property of the fluid.
15 . The fluid flow control device of claim 9 , wherein the channel
subassembly further comprises:
a first primary channel in fluid communication with the second
channel;
a second primary channel in fluid communication with the first
channel; and
a diverted channel for directing fluid toward a tangential opening of
the chamber, the diverted channel being in fluid communication with the
first channel,
wherein the first primary channel and the second primary channel
are configured for directing fluid toward the exit opening.
6. The fluid flow control device of claim 15, wherein the side channel is
adapted to allow an amount of fluid to flow from the second channel to the
first channel to guide fluid to flow toward the diverted channel, the amount
of fluid being based on at least one property of the fluid.
17 . The fluid flow control device of claim 16, wherein the at least one
property of the fluid comprises a viscosity of the fluid above a threshold,
the threshold being based on a physical configuration of the fluid flow
control device, the fluid flow control device being configured for restricting
fluid flow by an amount that is based on the viscosity of the fluid.
8 . The fluid flow control device of claim 9 , further comprising:
a first inlet for allowing fluid to flow from the fluid delivery
subassembly to the first channel; and
a second inlet separate from the first inlet, the second inlet being for
allowing fluid to flow from the fluid delivery subassembly to the second
channel.
19. The fluid flow control device of claim 9 , wherein the fluid flow control
device is configured to restrict fluid flowing from a formation to a production
tubular disposed in the wellbore by an amount that is based on at least one
property of the fluid.
20. A channel subassembly for a fluid flow control device adapted to be
disposed in a subterranean wellbore, the channel subassembly
comprising:
a first channel for directing fluid from a first inlet in fluid
communication with a fluid delivery subassembly toward a chamber having
an exit opening;
a second channel for directing fluid from a second inlet in fluid
communication with the fluid delivery subassembly toward the chamber;
and
a side channel for allowing an amount of fluid to flow from the
second channel to the first channel to direct fluid flowing in the first channel
toward a fourth channel that is configured to allow fluid to flow to the
chamber, wherein the amount of fluid is based on at least one property of
the fluid.