METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING FLUID FLOW IN AN
AUTONOMOUS VALVE USING A STICKY SWITCH
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application serial number
61/473,669, filed April 8, 201 1, which is incorporated herein by reference for all
purposes.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates generally to methods and apparatus of control of an
autonomous fluid valve using a "sticky switch" or biasing mechanism to control fluid
flow, and more specifically to use of such mechanisms to control fluid flow between a
hydrocarbon bearing subterranean formation and a tool string in a wellbore.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] During the completion of a well that traverses a hydrocarbon bearing
subterranean formation, production tubing and various equipment are installed in the well
to enable safe and efficient production of the 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 screens
positioned proximate the desired production intervals. In other completions, to control the
flow rate of production fluids into the production tubing, it is common practice to install
one or more inflow control devices with the completion string.
[0003] Production from any given production tubing section can often have multiple
fluid components, such as natural gas, oil and water, with the production fluid changing
in proportional composition over time. Thereby, as the proportion of fluid components
changes, the fluid flow characteristics will likewise change. For example, when the
production fluid has a proportionately higher amount of natural gas, the viscosity of the
l
fluid will be lower and density of the fluid will be lower than when the fluid has a
proportionately higher amount of oil. It is often desirable to reduce or prevent the
production of one constituent in favor of another. For example, in an oil-producing well,
it may be desired to reduce or eliminate natural gas production and to maximize oil
production. While various downhole tools have been utilized for controlling the flow of
fluids based on their desirability, a need has arisen for a flow control system for
controlling the inflow of fluids that is reliable in a variety of flow conditions. Further, a
need has arisen for a flow control system that operates autonomously, that is, in response
to changing conditions downhole and without requiring signals from the surface by the
operator. Further, a need has arisen for a flow control system without moving mechanical
parts which are subject to breakdown in adverse well conditions including from the
erosive or clogging effects of sand in the fluid. Similar issues arise with regard to
injection situations, with flow of fluids going into instead of out of the formation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] An apparatus and method are described for autonomously controlling flow of
fluid in a tubular positioned in a wellbore extending through a hydrocarbon-bearing
subterranean formation. In a method, a fluid is through an inlet passageway into a biasing
mechanism. A first fluid flow distribution is established across the outlet of the flow
biasing mechanism. The fluid flow is altered to a second flow distribution across the
outlet of the flow biasing mechanism in response to a change in the fluid characteristic
over time. In response, the fluid flow through a downstream sticky switch assembly is
altered, thereby altering fluid flow patterns in a downstream vortex assembly. The fluid
flow through the vortex assembly "selects" for fluid of a preferred characteristic, such as
more or less viscous, dense, of greater or lesser velocity, etc., by inducing more or less
spiraled flow through the vortex.
[0005] The biasing mechanism can take various embodiments. The biasing mechanism
can include a widening of the fluid passageway, preferably from narrower at the upstream
end and to wider at the downstream end. Alternately, the biasing mechanism can include
at least one contour element along at least one side of the biasing mechanism. The
contour elements can be hollows formed in the passageway wall or obstructions
extending from the passageway wall. The biasing mechanism can include fluid diodes,
Tesla fluid diodes, a chicane, an abrupt change in passageway cross-section, or a curved
section of passageway.
[0006] The downhole tubular can include a plurality of flow control systems. The flow
control systems can be used in production and injection methods. The flow control
systems autonomously select for fluid of a desired characteristic as that characteristic
changes over time.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] 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:
[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a well system including a plurality of
autonomous flow control systems embodying principles of the present invention;
[0009] Figure 2 is a side view in cross-section of a screen system and an embodiment
of a flow control system of the invention;
[0010] Figure 3 is a schematic representational view of a prior art, "control jet" type,
autonomous flow control system 60;
[0011 Figure 4A-B are flow charts comparing the prior art, control-jet type of
autonomous valve assembly and the sticky-switch type of autonomous valve assembly
presented herein;
[0012] Figure 5 is a schematic of a preferred embodiment of a sticky switch type
autonomous valve according to an aspect of the invention;
[0013] Figures 6A-B are graphical representations of a relatively more viscous fluid
flowing through the exemplary assembly;
[0014] Figure 7A-B are graphical representations of a relatively less viscous fluid
flowing through the exemplary assembly;
[0015 Figure 8 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of the invention
having a biasing mechanism employing wall contour elements;
[0016] Figure 9 is a detail schematic view of an alternate embodiment of the invention
having a biasing element including contour elements and a stepped cross-sectional
passageway shape;
[0017] Figure 10 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of the invention
having fluidic diode shaped cut-outs as contour elements in the biasing mechanism;
[0018] Figure 11 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of the invention
having Tesla diodes along the first side of the fluid passageway; and
[0019] Figure 12 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of the invention
having a chicane 214, or a section of the biasing mechanism passageway 141 having a
plurality of bends 216 created by flow obstacles 218 and 220 positioned along the sides
of the passageway. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that the use of
directional terms such as above, below, upper, lower, upward, downward 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. Where this is not the case
and a term is being used to indicate a required orientation, the Specification will state or
make such clear. Uphole and downhole are used to indicate relative location or direction
in relation to the surface, where upstream indicates relative position or movement
towards the surface along the wellbore and downstream indicates relative position or
movement further away from the surface along the wellbore, regardless of whether in a
horizontal, deviated or vertical wellbore. The terms upstream and downstream are used to
indicate relative position or movement of fluid in relation to the direction of fluid flow.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] While the making and using of various embodiments of the present invention
are discussed in detail below, a practitioner of the art will appreciate that the present
invention provides applicable inventive concepts which can be embodied in a variety of
specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are illustrative of specific
ways to make and use the invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention.
[00201] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a well system, indicated generally 10,
including a plurality of autonomous flow control systems embodying principles of the
present invention. A wellbore 12 extends through various earth strata. Wellbore 12 has a
substantially vertical section 14, the upper portion of which has installed therein a casing
string 16. Wellbore 12 also has a substantially deviated section 18, shown as horizontal,
which extends through a hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formation 20. As illustrated,
substantially horizontal section 18 of wellbore 12 is open hole. While shown here in an
open hole, horizontal section of a wellbore, the invention will work in any orientation,
and in open or cased hole. The invention will also work equally well with injection
systems, as will be discussed supra.
[0022] Positioned within wellbore 12 and extending from the surface is a tubing string
22. Tubing string 22 provides a conduit for fluids to travel from formation 20 upstream to
the surface. Positioned within tubing string 22 in the various production intervals
adjacent to formation 20 are a plurality of autonomous flow control systems 25 and a
plurality of production tubing sections 24. At either end of each production tubing
section 24 is a packer 26 that provides a fluid seal between tubing string 22 and the wall
of wellbore 12. The space in-between each pair of adjacent packers 26 defines a
production interval.
[00213] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the production tubing sections 24
includes sand control capability. Sand control screen elements or filter media associated
with production tubing sections 24 are designed to allow fluids to flow therethrough but
prevent particulate matter of sufficient size from flowing therethrough. While the
invention does not need to have a sand control screen associated with it, if one is used,
then the exact design of the screen element associated with fluid flow control systems is
not critical to the present invention. There are many designs for sand control screens that
are well known in the industry, and will not be discussed here in detail. Also, a protective
outer shroud having a plurality of perforations therethrough may be positioned around the
exterior of any such filter medium.
[00224] Through use of the flow control systems 25 of the present invention in one or
more production intervals, some control over the volume and composition of the
produced fluids is enabled. For example, in an oil production operation if an undesired
fluid component, such as water, steam, carbon dioxide, or natural gas, is entering one of
the production intervals, the flow control system in that interval will autonomously
restrict or resist production of fluid from that interval.
[00235] The term "natural gas" as used herein means a mixture of hydrocarbons (and
varying quantities of non-hydrocarbons) that exist in a gaseous phase at room
temperature and pressure. The term does not indicate that the natural gas is in a gaseous
phase at the downhole location of the inventive systems. Indeed, it is to be understood
that the flow control system is for use in locations where the pressure and temperature are
such that natural gas will be in a mostly liquefied state, though other components may be
present and some components may be in a gaseous state. The inventive concept will work
with liquids or gases or when both are present.
[00246] The fluid flowing into the production tubing section 24 typically comprises
more than one fluid component. Typical components are natural gas, oil, water, steam or
carbon dioxide. Steam and carbon dioxide are commonly used as injection fluids to drive
the hydrocarbon towards the production tubular, whereas natural gas, oil and water are
typically found in situ in the formation. The proportion of these components in the fluid
flowing into each production tubing section 24 will vary over time and based on
conditions within the formation and wellbore. Likewise, the composition of the fluid
flowing into the various production tubing sections throughout the length of the entire
production string can vary significantly from section to section. The flow control system
is designed to reduce or restrict production from any particular interval when it has a
higher proportion of an undesired component.
[00257] Accordingly, when a production interval corresponding to a particular one of
the flow control systems produces a greater proportion of an undesired fluid component,
the flow control system in that interval will restrict or resist production flow from that
interval. Thus, the other production intervals which are producing a greater proportion of
desired fluid component, in this case oil, will contribute more to the production stream
entering tubing string 22. In particular, the flow rate from formation 20 to tubing string
22 will be less where the fluid must flow through a flow control system (rather than
simply flowing into the tubing string). Stated another way, the flow control system
creates a flow restriction on the fluid.
[00268] Though Figure 1 depicts one flow control system in each production interval, it
should be understood that any number of systems of the present invention can be
deployed within a production interval without departing from the principles of the present
invention. Likewise, the inventive flow control systems do not have to be associated with
every production interval. They may only be present in some of the production intervals
in the wellbore or may be in the tubing passageway to address multiple production
intervals.
[0029] Figure 2 is a side view in cross-section of a screen system 28, and an
embodiment of a flow control system 25 of the invention. The production tubular defines
an interior screen annulus or passageway 32. Fluid flows from the formation 20 into the
production tubing section 24 through screen system 28. The specifics of the screen
system are not explained in detail here. Fluid, after being filtered by the screen system 28,
flows into the interior passageway 32 of the production tubing section 24. As used here,
the interior passageway 32 of the production tubing section 24 can be an annular space,
as shown, a central cylindrical space, or other arrangement.
[0030] A port 42 provides fluid communication from the screen annulus 32 to a flow
control system having a fluid passageway 44, a switch assembly 46, and an autonomous,
variable flow resistance assembly 50, such as a vortex assembly. If the variable flow
resistance assembly is an exemplary vortex assembly, it includes a vortex chamber 52 in
fluid communication with an outlet passageway 38. The outlet passageway 38 directs
fluid into a passageway 36 in the tubular for production uphole, in a preferred
embodiment. The passageway 36 is defined in this embodiment by the tubular wall 31.
[0031] The methods and apparatus herein are intended to control fluid flow based on
changes in a fluid characteristic over time. Such characteristics include viscosity,
velocity, flow rate, and density. These characteristics are discussed in more detail in the
references incorporated herein. The term "viscosity" as used herein means any of the
rheological properties including kinematic viscosity, yield strength, viscoplasticity,
surface tension, wettability, etc. As the proportional amounts of fluid components, for
example, oil and natural gas, in the produced fluid change over time, the characteristic of
the fluid flow also changes. When the fluid contains a relatively high proportion of
natural gas, for example, the density and viscosity of the fluid will be less than for oil.
The behavior of fluids is dependent on the characteristics of the fluid flow. Further,
certain configurations of passageway will restrict flow, or provide greater resistance to
flow, depending on the characteristics of the fluid flow.
[0032] Figure 3 is a schematic representational view of a prior art, "control jet" type
autonomous flow control system 60. The control jet type system 60 includes a fluid
selector assembly 70, a fluidic switch 90, and a variable flow resistance assembly, here a
vortex assembly 100. The fluid selector assembly 70 has a primary fluid passageway 72
and a control jet assembly 74. An exemplary embodiment is shown; prior art systems are
fully discussed in the references incorporated herein. An exemplary system will be
discussed for comparison purposes.
[0033] The fluid selector assembly 70 has a primary fluid passageway 72 and a
control jet assembly 74. The control jet assembly 74 has a single control jet passageway
76. Other embodiments may employ additional control jets. The fluid F enters the fluid
selector assembly 70 at the primary passageway 72 and flows towards the fluidic switch
90. A portion of the fluid flow splits off from the primary passageway 72 to the control
jet assembly 74. The control jet assembly 74 includes a control jet passageway 76 having
at least one inlet 77 providing fluid communication to the primary passageway 72, and an
outlet 78 providing fluid communication to the fluidic switch assembly 90. A nozzle 7 1
can be provided if desired to create a "jet" of fluid upon exit, but it not required. The
outlet 78 is connected to the fluidic switch assembly 90 and directs fluid (or
communicates hydrostatic pressure) to the fluidic switch assembly. The control jet outlet
78 and the downstream portion 79 of the control jet passageway 72 longitudinally overlap
the lower portion 92 of the fluidic switch assembly 90, as shown.
[0034] The exemplary control jet assembly further includes a plurality of inlets 77, as
shown. The inlets preferably include flow control features 80, such as the chambers 82
shown, for controlling the volume of fluid F which enters the control jet assembly from
the primary passageway dependent on the characteristic of the fluid. That is, the fluid
selector assembly 70 "selects" for fluid of a preferred characteristic. In the embodiment
shown, where the fluid is of a relatively higher viscosity, such as oil, the fluid flows
through the inlets 77 and the control passageway 76 relatively freely. The fluid exiting
the downstream portion 79 of the control jet passageway 72 through nozzle 78, therefore,
"pushes" the fluid flowing from the primary passageway after its entry into the fluidic
switch 90 at mouth 94. The control jet effectively directs the fluid flow towards a selected
side of the switch assembly. In this case, where the production of oil is desired, the
control jet directs the fluid flow through the switch 90 along the "on" side. That is, fluid
is directed through the switch towards the switch "on" passageway 96 which, in turn,
directs the fluid into the vortex assembly to produce a relatively direct flow toward the
vortex outlet 102, as indicated by the solid arrow.
[0035] A relatively less viscous fluid, such as water or natural gas, will behave
differently. A relatively lower volume of fluid will enter the control jet assembly 74
through the inlets 77 and control features 80. The control features 80 are designed to
produce a pressure drop which is communicated, through the control jet passageway 76,
outlet 78 and nozzle 71, to the mouth 94 of the sticky switch. The pressure drop "pulls"
the fluid flow from the primary passageway 72 once it enters the sticky switch mouth 94.
The fluid is then directed in the opposite direction from the oil, toward the "off
passageway 98 of the switch and into the vortex assembly 100. In the vortex assembly,
the less viscous fluid is directed into the vortex chamber 104 by switch passageway 98 to
produce a relatively tangential spiraled flow, as indicated by the dashed arrow.
[0036] The fluidic switch assembly 90 extends from the downstream end of the
primary passageway 72 to the inlets into the vortex assembly 60 (and does not include the
vortex assembly). The fluid enters the fluidic switch from the primary passageway at inlet
port 93, the defined dividing line between the primary passageway 72 and the fluidic
switch 90. The fluidic switch overlaps longitudinally with the downstream portion 79 of
the control jet passageway 76, including the outlet 78 and nozzle 71. The fluid from the
primary passageway flows into the mouth 94 of the fluidic switch where it is joined and
directed by fluid entering the mouth 94 from the control jet passageway 76. The fluid is
directed towards one of the fluidic switch outlet passageways 96 and 98 depending on the
characteristic of the fluid at the time. The "on" passageway 96 directs fluid into the
vortex assembly to produce a relatively radial flow towards the vortex outlet and a
relatively low pressure drop across the valve assembly. The "off passageway 98 directs
the fluid into the vortex assembly to produce a relatively spiraled flow, thereby inducing
a relatively high pressure drop across the autonomous valve assembly. Fluid will often
flow through both outlet passageways 96 and 98, as shown. Note that a fluidic switch and
a sticky switch are distinct types of switch.
[0037] The vortex assembly 100 has inlet ports 106 and 108 corresponding to outlet
passageways 96 and 98 of the sticky switch. The fluid behavior within the vortex
chamber 104 has already been described. The fluid exits through the vortex outlet 102.
Optional vanes or directional devices 110 may be employed as desired.
[0038] More complete descriptions of, and alternative designs for, the autonomous
valve assembly employing control jets can be found in the references incorporated herein.
For example, in some embodiments, the control jet assembly splits the flow into multiple
control passageways, the ratio of the flow through the passageways dependent on the
flow characteristic, passageway geometries, etc.
[0039] Figure 4A-B are flow charts comparing the prior art, control-jet type of
autonomous valve assembly and the sticky-switch type of autonomous valve assembly
presented herein. The sticky switch type autonomous valve flow diagram at Figure 4A
begins with fluid, F, flowing through an inlet passageway at step 112, then through and
affected by a biasing mechanism at step 113 which biases fluid flow into the sticky
switch based on a characteristic of the fluid which changes over time. Fluid then flows
into the sticky switch at step 114 where the fluid flow is directed towards a selected side
of the switch (off or on, for example). No control jets are employed.
[0040] Figure 4B is a flow diagram for a standard autonomous valve assembly. At
step 115 the fluid, F, flows through inlet passageway, then into a fluid selector assembly
at step 116. The fluid selector assembly selects whether the fluid will be produced or not
based on a fluid characteristic which changes over time. Fluid flows through at least one
control jet at steps 117a and 117b and then into a fluidic switch, such as a bistable switch,
at step 118.
[0041] Figure 5 is a schematic of a preferred embodiment of a sticky switch type
autonomous valve according to an aspect of the invention. The sticky switch type
autonomous control valve 120 has an inlet passageway 130, a biasing mechanism 140, a
sticky switch assembly 160, and a variable flow resistance assembly, here a vortex
assembly 180.
[0042] The inlet passageway 130 communicates fluid from a source, such as
formation fluid from a screen annulus, etc., to the biasing mechanism 140. Fluid flow and
fluid velocity in the passageway is substantially symmetric. The inlet passageway extends
as indicated and ends at the biasing mechanism. The inlet passageway has an upstream
end 132 and a downstream end 134.
[0043] The biasing mechanism 140 is in fluid communication with the inlet
passageway 130 and the sticky switch assembly 160. The biasing mechanism 140 may
take various forms, as described herein.
[0044] The exemplary biasing mechanism 140 has a biasing mechanism passageway
141 which extends, as shown, from the downstream end of the inlet passageway to the
upstream end of the sticky switch. In a preferred embodiment, the biasing mechanism
140 is defined by a widening passageway 142, as shown. The widening passageway 142
widens from a first cross-sectional area (for example, measured using the width and
height of a rectangular cross-section where the inlet and widening passageways are
rectangular tubular, or measured using a diameter where the inlet passageway and
widening passageways are substantially cylindrical) at its upstream end 144, to a larger,
second cross-sectional area at its downstream end 146. The discussion is in terms of
rectangular cross-section passageways. The biasing mechanism widening passageway
142 can be thought of as having two longitudinally extending "sides," a first side 148 and
a second side 150 defined by a first side wall 152 and a second side wall 154. The first
side wall 152 is substantially coextensive with the corresponding first side wall 136 of the
inlet passageway 130. The second side wall 154, however, diverges from the
corresponding second side wall 138 of the inlet passageway, thereby widening the
biasing mechanism from its first to its second cross-sectional areas. The walls of the inlet
passageway are substantially parallel. In a preferred embodiment, the widening angle a
between the first and second side walls 152 and 154 is approximately five degrees.
[0045] The sticky switch 160 communicates fluid from the biasing mechanism to the
vortex assembly. The sticky switch has an upstream end 162 and a downstream end 164.
The sticky switch defines an "on" and an "off outlet passageways 166 and 168,
respectively, at its downstream end. The outlet passageways are in fluid communication
with the vortex assembly 180. As its name implies, the sticky switch directs the fluid
flow toward a selected outlet passageway. The sticky switch can thought of as having
first and second sides 170 and 172, respectively, corresponding to the first and second
sides of the biasing mechanism. The first and second side walls 174 and 176, diverge
from the first and second biasing mechanism walls, creating a widening cross-sectional
area in the switch chamber 178. The departure angles b and d are defined, as shown, as
the angle between the sticky switch wall and a line normal to the inlet passageway walls
(and the first side wall of the biasing mechanism). The departure angle d on the second
side is shallower than the departure angle b on the first side. For example, the departure
angle b can be approximately 80 degrees while the departure angle d is approximately 75
degrees.
[0046] The vortex assembly 180 has inlet ports 186 and 188 corresponding to outlet
passageways 166 and 168 of the sticky switch. The fluid behavior within a vortex
chamber 184 has already been described. The fluid exits through the vortex outlet 182.
Optional vanes or directional devices 190 may be employed as desired.
[0047] In use, a more viscous fluid, such as oil, "follows" the widening. Stated
another way, the more viscous fluid tends to "stick" to the diverging (second) wall of the
biasing mechanism in addition to sticking to the non-diverging (first) wall. That is, the
fluid flow rate and/or fluid velocity distribution across the cross-section at the biasing
mechanism downstream end 146 are relatively symmetrical from the first to the second
sides. With the shallower departure angle d upon exiting the biasing mechanism, the more
viscous fluid follows, or sticks to, the second wall of the sticky switch. The switch,
therefore, directs the fluid toward the selected switch outlet.
[0048] Conversely, a less viscous fluid, such as water or natural gas, does not tend to
"follow" the diverging wall. Consequently, a relatively less symmetric flow distribution
occurs at the biasing mechanism outlet. The flow distribution at a cross-section taken at
the biasing mechanism downstream end is biased to guide the fluid flow towards the first
side 170 of the sticky switch. As a result, the fluid flow is directed toward the first side of
the sticky switch and to the "off outlet passageway of the switch.
[0049] Figure 6 is a graphical representation of a relatively more viscous fluid flowing
through the exemplary assembly. Like parts are numbered and will not be discussed
again. The less viscous fluid, such as oil, flows through the inlet passageway and into the
biasing mechanism. The oil follows the diverging wall of the biasing mechanism,
resulting in a relatively symmetrical flow distribution at the biasing mechanism
downstream end. The detail shows a graphical representation of a velocity distribution
196 at the downstream end. The velocity curve is generally symmetric across the
opening. Similar distributions are seen for flow rates, mass flow rates, etc.
[0050] Note a difference between the fluidic switch (as in Figure 3) and the sticky
switch of the invention. An asymmetric exit angle in the fluidic switch assembly directs
the generally symmetric flow (of the fluid entering the fluidic switch) towards the
selected outlet. The biasing mechanism in the sticky switch creates an asymmetric flow
distribution at the exit of the biasing mechanism (and entry of the switch), which
asymmetry directs the fluid towards the selected outlet. (Not all of the fluid will typically
flow through a single outlet; it is to be understood that an outlet is selected with less than
all of the fluid flowing therethrough.)
[0051] Figure 7 is a graphical representation of a relatively less viscous fluid flowing
through the exemplary assembly. Like parts are numbered and will not be discussed
again. The less viscous fluid, such as water or natural gas, flows through the inlet
passageway and into the biasing mechanism. The water fails to follow the diverging wall
of the biasing mechanism (in comparison to the more viscous fluid), resulting in a
relatively asymmetrical or biased flow distribution at the biasing mechanism downstream
end. The detail shows a graphical representation of a velocity distribution 198 at the
downstream end. The velocity curve is generally asymmetric across the opening.
[0052] The discussion above addresses viscosity as the fluid characteristic of concern,
however, other characteristics may be selected such as flow rate, velocity, etc. Further,
the configuration can be designed to "select" for relatively higher or lower viscosity fluid
by reversing which side of the switch produces spiral flow, etc. These variations are
discussed at length in the incorporated references.
[0053] Additional embodiments can be employed using various biasing mechanisms
to direct fluid flow toward or away from a side of the sticky switch. The use of these
variations will not be discussed in detail where their use is similar to that described
above. Like numbers are used throughout where appropriate and may not be called out.
[0054] Figure 8 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of the invention
having a biasing mechanism employing wall contour elements. The inlet passageway 130
directs fluid into the biasing mechanism 140. The second side 150 of the biasing
mechanism is relatively smooth in contour. The first side 148 of the biasing mechanism
passageway has one or more contour elements 200 are provided in the first side wall 152
of the biasing mechanism. Here, the contour elements are circular hollows extending
laterally from the biasing mechanism passageway. As the fluid, F, flows along the biasing
mechanism, the contour elements 200 shift the centerline of the flow and alter the fluid
distribution in the biasing mechanism. (The distributions may or may not be
symmetrical.) In a manner analogous to refraction of light, the contours seem to add
resistance to the fluid and to refract the fluid flow. This fluid refraction creates a bias
used by the switch to control the direction of the fluid flow. As a result, a more viscous
fluid, such as oil, flows in the direction of the second side 172 of the sticky switch, as
indicated by the solid arrow. A relatively less viscous fluid, such as water or natural gas,
is directed the other direction, toward the first side 170 of the sticky switch, as indicated
by the dashed line.
[0055] It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that other curved, linear, or
curvilinear contour elements could be used, such as triangular cuts, saw-tooth cuts, Tesla
fluidic diodes, sinusoidal contours, ramps, etc.
[0056] Figure 9 is a detail schematic view of an alternate embodiment of the invention
having a biasing element including contour elements and a stepped cross-sectional
passageway shape. The biasing mechanism 140 has a plurality of contour elements 202
along one side of the biasing mechanism passageway 141. The contour elements 202 here
are differently sized, curved cut-outs or hollows extending laterally from the biasing
mechanism passageway 141. The contour elements affect fluid distribution in the
passageway.
[0057] Also shown is another type of biasing mechanism, a step-out 204, or abrupt
change in passageway cross-section. The biasing mechanism passageway 141 has a first
cross-section 206 along the upstream portion of the passageway. At a point downstream,
the cross-section abruptly changes to a second cross-section 208. This abrupt change
alters the fluid distribution at the biasing mechanism downstream end. The crosssectional
changes can be used alone or in combination with additional elements (as
shown), and can be positioned before or after such elements. Further, the cross-section
change can be from larger to smaller, and can change in shape, for example, from circular
to square, etc.
[0058] The biasing mechanism causes the fluid to flow towards one side of the sticky
switch for a more viscous fluid and toward the other side for a less viscous fluid.
[0059] Figure 9 also shows an alternate embodiment for the sticky switch outlet
passageways 166 and 168. Here a plurality of "on" outlet passageways 166 direct fluid
from the sticky switch to the vortex assembly 180. The fluid is directed substantially
radially into the vortex chamber 184 resulting in more direct flow to the vortex outlet 182
and a consequent lower pressure drop across the device. The "off outlet passageway 168
of the sticky switch directs fluid into the vortex chamber 184 substantially tangentially
resulting in a spiral flow in the chamber and a relatively greater pressure drop across the
device than would otherwise be created.
[0060] Figure 10 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of the invention
having fluidic diode shaped cut-outs as contour elements in the biasing mechanism. The
biasing mechanism 140 has one or more fluidic diode- shaped contour elements 210 along
one side wall which affect the flow distribution in the biasing mechanism passageway
141 and at its downstream end. The flow distribution, which changes in response to
changes in the fluid characteristic, directs the fluid toward selected sides of the sticky
switch.
[0061] Figure 11 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of the invention
having Tesla diodes 212 along the first side 148 of the fluid passageway 141. The Tesla
diodes affect the flow distribution in the biasing mechanism. The flow distribution
changes in response to changes in the fluid characteristic, thereby directing the fluid
toward selected sides of the sticky switch.
[0062] Figure 12 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of the invention
having a chicane 214, or a section of the biasing mechanism passageway 141 having a
plurality of bends 216 created by flow obstacles 218 and 220 positioned along the sides
of the passageway. The chicane affects the flow distribution in the biasing mechanism.
The flow distribution changes in response to changes in the fluid characteristic, thereby
directing the fluid toward selected sides of the sticky switch. In the exemplary
embodiment shown, the flow obstacles 218 along the opposite side are semi-circular in
shape while the flow obstacles 220 are substantially triangular or ramp-shaped. Other
shapes, numbers, sizes and positions can be used for the chicane elements.
[0063] Figure 13 is a schematic view of an alternate embodiment of the invention
having a biasing mechanism passageway 141 with a curved section 222. The curved
section operates to accelerate the fluid along the concave side of the passageway. The
curved section affects flow distribution in the biasing mechanism. The flow distribution
changes in response to changes in the fluid characteristic, thereby directing the fluid
toward selected sides of the sticky switch. Other and multiple curved sections can be
employed.
[0064] The invention can also be used with other flow control systems, such as inflow
control devices, sliding sleeves, and other flow control devices that are already well
known in the industry. The inventive system can be either parallel with or in series with
these other flow control systems.
[0065] 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.
[0066] Further, the invention can be used to select for more viscous fluids over less
viscous fluids or vice versa. For example, it may be desirable to produce natural gas but
restrict production of water, etc. The following U.S. Patents and Applications for patent,
referenced by Patent Number or Patent Application Serial Numbers, are each hereby
incorporated herein by reference for all purposes, including providing support for any
claimed subject matter: U.S. Patent App. Serial Nos. 12/700685, Method and Apparatus
for Autonomous Downhole Fluid Selection with Pathway Dependent Resistance System;
12/750476, Tubular Embedded Nozzle Assembly for Controlling the Flow Rate of Fluids
Downhole; 12/791993, Flow Path Control Based on Fluid Characteristics to Thereby
Variably Resist Flow in a Subterranean Well; 12/792095, Alternating Flow Resistance
Increases and Decreases for Propagating Pressure Pulses in a Subterranean Well;
12/7921 17, Variable Flow Resistance System for Use in a Subterranean Well; 12/792146,
Variable Flow Resistance System With Circulation Inducing Structure Therein to
Variably Resist Flow in a Subterranean Well; 12/879846, Series Configured Variable
Flow Restrictors For Use In A Subterranean Well; 12/869836, Variable Flow Restrictor
For Use In A Subterranean Well; 12/958625, A Device For Directing The Flow Of A
Fluid Using A Pressure Switch; 12/974212, An Exit Assembly With a Fluid Director for
Inducing and Impeding Rotational Flow of a Fluid; and 12/966772, Downhole Fluid
Flow Control System and Method Having Direction Dependent Flow Resistance. Each of
the incorporated references described further details concerning methods and apparatus
for autonomous fluid control.

It is claimed:
1. A method for controlling flow of fluid in a wellbore extending through a
subterranean formation, the fluid having a characteristic which changes over time, the
fluid flowing through an inlet passageway, a flow biasing mechanism, and a variable
flow resistance assembly, the method comprising the following steps:
flowing fluid through the inlet passageway;
establishing a first fluid flow distribution across an outlet of the flow biasing
mechanism; then
altering the first fluid flow distribution to a second flow distribution across the
outlet of the flow biasing mechanism in response to a change in the fluid characteristic;
and
changing the fluid flow resistance of the variable flow resistance assembly in
response to the altering of the distribution of flow from the outlet of the flow biasing
mechanism.
2. A method as in claim 1, further comprising the step of flowing the fluid to the
surface or into the formation.
3. A method as in claim 1, further comprising the steps of establishing a first flow
pattern in the variable flow resistance assembly, and then changing the flow in the
variable flow resistance assembly to a second flow pattern in response to the altering of
the fluid flow through the outlet of the flow biasing mechanism.
4. A method as in claim 1, wherein the characteristic of the fluid is one of fluid
velocity, density, flow rate, and velocity.
5. A method as in claim 1, wherein the biasing mechanism is a widening
passageway narrower at the upstream end and wider at the downstream end.
6. A method as in claim 5, wherein the downstream end of the biasing mechanism
defines two sides which connect to corresponding first and second sides of a fluidic
switch assembly, corresponding first and second departure angles defined at the
connections, and; wherein the first departure angle is shallower than the second
departure angle.
7. A method as in claim 1, wherein the first fluid flow distribution is substantially
symmetric.
8. A method as in claim 1, wherein the biasing mechanism includes at least one
contour element along at least one side of the biasing mechanism.
9. A method as in claim 8, wherein each contour element comprises a laterally
extending hollow.
10. A method as in claim 9, wherein each contour element includes a substantially
cylindrical section.
11. A method as in claim 1, wherein the biasing mechanism includes a first section
having a first cross-sectional size and an adjoining second section having a second crosssectional
size, different from the first cross- sectional size.
12. A method as in claim 1, wherein the biasing mechanism includes one or more
diodes formed along the biasing mechanism wall.
13. A method as in claim 1, wherein the biasing mechanism includes a chicane
defined in the biasing mechanism.
14. A method as in claim 13, wherein the chicane includes a plurality of flow
obstructions on a first and second side of the biasing mechanism.
15. A method as in claim 1, further comprising the step of flowing fluid through a
curved section of a biasing mechanism passageway.
16. A method as in claim 1, wherein the variable flow resistance assembly includes
an autonomous valve assembly.
17. A method as in claim 1, further comprising the step of flowing fluid through a
fluidic switch between the biasing mechanism and the variable flow resistance assembly.
18. A method as in claim 17, the fluidic switch defining at least one flow
passageway having an inlet coincident with the outlet of the inlet passageway.
19. A method as in claim 2, further comprising the step of increasing the fluid flow
resistance of an undesirable fluid.
20. A method as in claim 16, wherein the autonomous valve assembly further
includes a vortex assembly.