WELLBORE FLOW CONTROL DEVICES COMPRISING COUPLED FLOW
REGULATING ASSEMBLIES AND METHODS FOR USE THEREOF
BACKGROUND
The present invention genera lly relates to wel lbore flow control devices
and thei r use in prod uci ng a f luid from a subterra nea n formation, and, more
specifica lly, to the cou pling of flow reg ulati ng assem blies for improved control of
f luid access to the interior of a wel lbore pipe.
It can often be beneficial to reg ulate the flow of formation f luids withi n a
wel lbore penetrati ng a subterra nea n formation . A variety of reasons or purposes
can necessitate such reg ulation incl uding, for example, prevention of water
and/or gas coni ng, minimizi ng water and/or gas prod uction, minimizi ng sand
prod uction, maximizi ng oil prod uction, bala nci ng prod uction from various
subterra nean zones, equal izi ng pressu re among various subterra nea n zones,
and/or the like.
A number of appa ratuses and structu res are avai la ble for reg ulati ng the
flow of f luids with in a wel lbore. Some of these appa ratuses and structu res are
non-d iscriminati ng for different types of formation f luids and can simply function
as a "gatekeeper" for reg ulati ng access to the interior of a wel lbore pipe, such as
a wel l stri ng . Such gatekeeper appa ratuses and structu res can be simple on/off
valves or they can be metered to regu late f luid flow over a conti nuum of flow
rates. Other types of appa ratuses and structu res for reg ulati ng the flow of
formation f luids can achieve at least some deg ree of discrim ination between
different types of formation f luids. Apparatuses and structu res that can achieve
at least some level of discrimination between different types of formation f luids
can incl ude, for example, t ubula r flow restrictors, autonomous inflow control
devices, non-autonomous inflow control devices, ports, nozzles, tortuous paths,
and the like. Autonomous inflow control devices can be particu larly
advantageous in subterranean operations, since they can automatica lly reg ulate
f luid flow without the need for operator control due to thei r design . In t his
rega rd, autonomous inflow control devices can be desig ned such that they
provide a greater resistance to the flow of undesi red f luids (e.g., gas and/or
water) than they do desi red f luids (e.g., oil), particu la rly as the percentage of
the undesi red f luids increases. A number of autonomous inflow control device
designs that are suita ble for use in subterranea n operations are known in the
art.
Althoug h the appa ratuses and structu res descri bed above can be desi rably
used for regu lati ng the flow of f luids withi n a wel lbore, there can be certai n
problems encou ntered when doi ng so. In the case of on/off or meteri ng valves,
sig nifica nt quantities of undesi red f luids can enter the wel lbore pipe. If the
prod uction of undesi red f luids becomes too great, this can someti mes
necessitate closi ng the valve to shut off prod uction from the subterra nea n zone
in which the valve is located . In the case of appa ratuses and structu res that can
discriminate between various types of formation flu ids (e.g., autonomous inflow
control devices), the desig n of the appa ratuses and structu res can be such that if
they are exposed to particu la r types of formation f luids or particu late matter
(e.g., sand), they can become plugged or abra ided such that they no longer
function as intended . Plugg ing of the appa ratus or structu re can resu lt in
incom plete production from a subterra nea n zone. Likewise, if the appa ratus or
structu re becomes damaged in some way, it can someti mes permit greater
access of undesi red f luids to the interior of the wel lbore pipe tha n is intended .
Althoug h the exit port of an inflow control device can be intentional ly
blocked to shut off f luid flow from the device, this action most often has been
performed with an added structu re either withi n the wel lbore pipe or disposed
between the inflow control device and the exterior of the wel lbore pipe. In
either case, the accom panyi ng vol ume red uction can prove detri menta l for
prod uction rates. I n addition, such downstrea m reg ulation of the inflow control
device provides no mecha nism by which the device can be protected from
potentia lly damaging conditions.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention genera lly relates to wel lbore flow control devices
and thei r use in prod uci ng a f luid from a subterra nea n formation, and, more
specifica lly, to the cou pling of flow reg ulati ng assem blies for improved control of
f luid access to the interior of a wel lbore pipe.
In some embod iments, the present invention provides a wel lbore flow
control device comprisi ng : a gate valve assem bly that is in f luid flow
communication with a flow restricti ng assem bly, each assem bly bei ng located on
the exterior of a wellbore pipe; wherein the flow restricting assembly is in fluid
flow communication with the interior of the wellbore pipe.
In some embodiments, the present invention provides a wellbore flow
control device comprising: a sliding sleeve assembly that is in fluid flow
communication with a first flow pathway upstream of the sliding sleeve
assembly, the sliding sleeve assembly and the first fluid flow pathway being
located on the exterior of a wellbore pipe; and a flow restricting assembly that is
in fluid flow communication with the sliding sleeve assembly via a second flow
pathway, the flow restricting assembly and the second flow pathway being
located on the exterior of the wellbore pipe; wherein the flow restricting
assembly is in fluid flow communication with the interior of the wellbore pipe.
In some embodiments, the present invention provides a method
comprising: installing a wellbore pipe in an uncompleted wellbore; wherein the
wellbore pipe comprises at least one wellbore flow control device on its exterior,
each wellbore flow control device comprising a sliding sleeve assembly that is in
fluid flow communication with a flow restricting assembly, and the flow
restricting assembly being in fluid flow communication with the interior of the
wellbore pipe.
The features and advantages of the present invention will be readily
apparent to one having ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the description
of the preferred embodiments that follows.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the
present invention, and should not be viewed as exclusive or preferred
embodiments. The subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable
modification, alteration, and equivalents in form and function, as will occur to
one having ordinary skill in the art and having the benefit of this disclosure.
FIGURE 1 shows a partial cross-sectional schematic of wellbore in which
wellbore flow control devices of the present disclosure can be used;
FIGURES 2A and 2B show a cross-sectional schematic of an illustrative
wellbore flow control device according to the present disclosure;
FIGURE 2C shows an expansion of the sliding sleeve assembly of the
wellbore flow control device when the sliding sleeve assembly is in the closed
position;
FIGURE 2D shows an expansion of the sliding sleeve assembly of the
wellbore flow control device when the sliding sleeve assembly is in the open
position; and
FIGURES 3A - 3C show expanded view schematics of an illustrative threeposition
sliding sleeve assembly in a wellbore flow control device of the present
disclosure, where the sliding sleeve assembly can block fluid flow (FIGURE 3A),
direct fluid flow to a flow restrictor (FIGURE 3B), or direct fluid flow directly to
the interior of a wellbore pipe (FIGURE 3C).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention generally relates to wellbore flow control devices
and their use in producing a fluid from a subterranean formation, and, more
specifically, to the coupling of flow regulating assemblies for improved control of
fluid access to the interior of a wellbore pipe.
Although the use of apparatuses and structures to regulate fluid flow
within a wellbore can be advantageous for production operations, particularly to
regulate access of formation fluids to the interior of a wellbore pipe, there can be
certain process difficulties encountered when doing so, including those described
above. The wellbore flow control devices and associated methods described
herein can advantageously address some of these process difficulties in order to
better regulate fluid flow within a wellbore. By using the present wellbore flow
control devices, more efficient production of desired fluids from a subterranean
formation can be realized.
In the various embodiments described herein, two assemblies that are
commonly used for regulating fluid flow within a wellbore can be placed in fluid
flow communication with one another, in contrast to their more common use
alone or independently of one another without fluid flow communication existing
therebetween. The coupling of the assemblies together in this manner can
better regulate the flow of fluids into the interior of the wellbore pipe,
particularly a formation fluid during production. As used in the disclosure that
follows, the term "coupled" will be used synonymously with the term "in fluid
flow communication with one another" to denote a connection in this manner
between two wellbore flow control assemblies. Use of the term "coupled" does
not necessarily imply that a direct coupling exists between the two assemblies,
nor is a direct cou pli ng precl uded . Instead, use of this term indicates that the
assem blies are config ured such that flu id can flow therebetween .
Specifical ly, we have discovered that cou pling of a gate valve assem bly
(e.g., a slidi ng sleeve assem bly) to a flow restricti ng assem bly (e.g., an
autonomous inflow control device) can resu lt in better control of f luid flow withi n
a wel lbore. The combination of a gate valve assembly and a flow restricti ng
assem bly as descri bed in the present embodi ments can provide particu lar
advantages that neither assem bly can provide when used alone or individ ual ly in
an uncou pled state. Fluid flow reg ulation of an autonomous inflow control device
or like flow restricting assem bly that occu rs before f luid enters the assem bly
wou ld allow the f luid flow throug h the assem bly to be reg ulated without a
vol ume red uction occu rri ng, while simultaneously red uci ng the risk of damage to
the assem bly. We bel ieve that there has been no recog nition in the art of how
to satisfactori ly reg ulate f luid flow from an autonomous inflow control device in
this manner, particu la rly usi ng the techniq ues descri bed in the present
embodi ments.
In add ition to the foregoing advantages that can be rea lized by cou pling a
gate valve assem bly to a flow restricti ng assem bly, the gate valve assem bly can
be further config ured to bypass the flow restricti ng assem bly altogether if the
flow restricti ng assem bly becomes plugged, damaged or otherwise inopera ble.
Likewise, the flow restricti ng assem bly can also be bypassed if there is no need
to selectively restrict f luid flow into the interior of the wel lbore pipe (e.g., if
significa nt quantities of an undesi red f luid are not present) . Specifica lly, the
gate valve assem bly can be config ured such that it is in f luid communication with
both the interior of the wel lbore pipe and the flow restricti ng assem bly, although
not both at the same t ime. By config ur ing the gate valve assem bly in this way,
the flow restricti ng assem bly can be bypassed so that prod uction from the
wel lbore can conti nue, even if the flow restricti ng assem bly fails. Althoug h
bypassi ng the flow restricti ng assem bly can, in some cases, resu lt in prod uction
of an undesi red f luid from the wel lbore, this outcome can be more desi rable tha n
havi ng to cease prod uction completely due to a failed flow restricti ng assem bly.
In some embod iments, wel lbore flow control devices descri bed herei n can
comprise a gate valve assem bly that is in f luid flow communication with a flow
restricti ng assem bly, where each assem bly is located on the exterior of a
wellbore pipe and the flow restricting assembly is in fluid flow communication
with the interior of the wellbore pipe. As used herein, the term "gate valve
assembly" refers to an on/off or metering valve that non-selectively limits the
rate of passage of all types of fluids through it.
In some embodiments, the gate valve assembly can be a sliding sleeve
assembly. Illustrative sliding sleeve assemblies are described in commonly
owned United States Patent Applications 12/378,932; 12/566,467; and
12/617,405, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Sliding sleeve assemblies are well known in the art and will not be described
further herein.
The design of the flow restricting assembly is not particularly limited. In
general, the flow restricting assembly can be any structure that limits the rate of
fluid passage through a fluid flow pathway. In some embodiments, the flow
restricting assembly can be non-selective such that it limits the rate of passage
of all fluid types, although not necessarily equally. In other embodiments, the
flow restricting assembly can be selective such that it limits the rate of passage
of certain fluids more than the rate of passage of other fluids. In various
embodiments, the flow restricting assembly can regulate fluid flow selectively or
non-selectively in response to the fluid velocity, viscosity and/or density when
one or more of the values rises above or falls below a given level. The design of
the flow restricting assembly can determine the value(s) at which the assembly
begins to regulate fluid flow therethrough or the values at which the fluid flow
becomes selective.
Suitable flow restricting assemblies can include, for example, autonomous
inflow control devices, non-autonomous inflow control devices, reduced volume
channels or tubing, nozzles, ports, any combination thereof, and the like. In
some embodiments, flow restricting assembly can comprise a torturous path
such that a fluid passing therethrough is impeded in its progress. In some
embodiments, the flow restricting assembly can induce rotational motion in the
fluid so as to impede its progress. Illustrative flow restricting assemblies that
induce rotational motion in the fluid can include, but are not limited to, those
described in commonly assigned United States Patent Applications 12/635,612;
12/700,685; 12/792; 117; 12/791,993; 12/792,146; and 12/869,836, each of
which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
In some embodiments, the wellbore flow control devices can further
comprise a housing for the gate valve assembly and the flow restricting
assembly. In some embodiments, the housing can be operatively coupled to the
wellbore pipe, for example, to the exterior of the wellbore pipe. As used herein,
the term "operatively coupled" is used to denote a physical connection between
the housing and the wellbore pipe. However, use of the term "operatively
coupled" does not imply any particular type of connection or strength of
connection therebetween. In some embodiments, the housing can further
comprise various flow pathways, as described in more detail hereinbelow.
In some embodiments, the wellbore flow control devices can further
comprise a well screen that is in fluid flow communication with the gate valve
assembly via a flow pathway that is upstream of the gate valve assembly.
Illustrative well screens are well known to one having ordinary skill in the art
and can include, for example, wire-wrapped well screens, sintered well screens,
expanded well screens, pre-packed well screens, wire mesh well screens, and
the like. Additional components such as, for example, shrouds, shunt tubes,
lines, sensors, instrumentation and the like can be used in combination with the
well screen, if desired. In some embodiments, the well screen can be a sand
control screen, which can protect the gate valve assembly and the flow
restricting assembly, as well as limit the production of sand from a subterranean
formation.
In some embodiments, the interior of the flow pathway between the well
screen and the gate valve assembly can be defined, at least in part, by at least
one of the wellbore pipe and/or the housing for the gate valve assembly and the
flow restricting assembly. In some embodiments, this flow pathway can be
defined by perforated tubing on the exterior of the wellbore pipe. I n some
embodiments, the exterior of the flow pathway between the well screen and the
gate valve assembly can be defined, at least in part, by a shroud that contains a
substantially sand tight seal and connects the well screen to the housing.
Accordingly, in some embodiments, fluids can pass through the well screen into
this flow pathway and be transported to the gate valve assembly.
In some embodiments, the gate valve assembly and the flow restricting
assembly can be in fluid flow communication with one another by a flow pathway
that is separate from the flow pathway connecting the well screen and the gate
valve assembly. When opened, the gate valve assembly can connect the two
flow pathways and permit a fluid to flow therethrough. That is, the gate valve
assembly, when open, can bridge between the flow pathways. Accordingly, the
gate valve assembly can be used to regulate the flow of a fluid to the flow
restricting assembly.
In some embodiments, the gate valve assembly can be further configured
to divert fluid flow away from the flow restricting assembly and directly into the
interior of the wellbore pipe. That is, the gate valve assembly can be at least a
three-position flow controller in such embodiments. As previously described, the
further configuration of the gate valve assembly to direct fluid flow away from
the flow restricting assembly can be advantageous if the flow restricting
assembly needs to be bypassed for any reason. In some embodiments, a
normal operating position of the gate valve assembly during production could be
such that a flow pathway between the gate valve assembly and the flow
restricting assembly is open, and a flow pathway between the gate valve
assembly and the interior of the wellbore pipe is closed. If the flow restricting
assembly needs to be bypassed and it is still desirable to produce a fluid from
the subterranean zone in which the wellbore flow control device is located, the
gate valve assembly can be moved from its normal operating position into
another operating position that still allows production to take place. Specifically,
in some embodiments, the gate valve assembly can be moved such that a flow
pathway between the gate valve assembly and the interior of the wellbore pipe
is open and a flow pathway between the gate valve assembly and the flow
restricting assembly is closed.
In some embodiments, the wellbore flow control devices described herein
can extend at least partially circumferentially around the exterior of the wellbore
pipe. In some embodiments, only a portion of the wellbore pipe's circumference
can be covered with the wellbore flow control devices, while in other
embodiments, the wellbore flow control devices can extend about the entire
circumference. The number of wellbore flow control devices extending at least
partially around the circumference of the wellbore pipe is not particularly limited,
and is typically one or greater for a given circumferential section of the wellbore
pipe. In some embodiments, between about 2 and about 20 wellbore flow
control devices can extend at least partially circumferentially about a given
section of wellbore pipe. As one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, by
increasing the number of wellbore flow control devices extending at least
partially circumferentially about the exterior of the wellbore pipe, the amount of
fluid being transported to the interior of the wellbore pipe can be increased,
thereby increasing the rate of production.
In alternative embodiments, the wellbore flow control devices described
herein can be housed in the exterior wall of the wellbore pipe rather than
extending at least partially about the wellbore pipe's circumference on its
exterior. That is, instead of the wellbore flow control devices being contained
within a housing extending over the wellbore pipe, the wellbore pipe can be
configured to directly house the wellbore flow control devices. One of ordinary
skill in the art will recognize that the embodiments described herein can be
readily modified to house the wellbore flow control devices within the exterior
wall of the wellbore pipe, while maintaining fluid flow communication with the
wellbore pipe's interior. Such modifications will be within the capabilities of one
having ordinary skill in the art. In embodiments in which the wellbore flow
control devices are housed in the exterior wall of the wellbore pipe, the wellbore
flow control devices can again extend partially or completely about the
circumference of the wellbore pipe.
Further, it is to be recognized that the orientation of the wellbore flow
control devices is not particularly limited. I n some embodiments, the wellbore
flow control devices can be oriented substantially parallel to the axis of the
wellbore pipe. In other embodiments, the wellbore flow control devices can be
oriented substantially perpendicular to the axis of the wellbore pipe. That is, the
flow pathway established by the wellbore flow control devices can be either
substantially parallel or substantially perpendicular to the wellbore pipe in
various embodiments. Hence, the embodiments described and depicted
hereinbelow in which the wellbore flow control devices are substantially parallel
to the axis of the wellbore pipe should not be considered to be limiting.
In some embodiments, the wellbore flow control devices described herein
can comprise a sliding sleeve assembly that is in fluid flow communication with a
flow pathway that is upstream of the sliding sleeve assembly, where the sliding
sleeve assembly and the fluid flow pathway are located on the exterior of a
wellbore pipe, and a flow restricting assembly that is in fluid flow communication
with the sliding sleeve assembly via another flow pathway, where the flow
restricting assembly and the flow pathway are located on the exterior of the
wellbore pipe, and where the flow restricting assembly is in fluid flow
communication with the interior of the wellbore pipe.
The wellbore flow control device embodiments set forth herein will now be
described with reference to the drawings. FIGURE 1 shows a partial crosssectional
schematic of wellbore in which wellbore flow control devices of the
present disclosure can be used. As shown in FIGURE 1, well 10 contains
wellbore 12 having generally vertical uncased section 14, extending from cased
section 16, and generally horizontal uncased section 18 extending through
subterranean formation 20. Wellbore pipe 2 2 extends through wellbore 12,
where wellbore pipe 2 2 can be any fluid conduit that allows fluids to be
transported to and from wellbore 12. In some embodiments, wellbore pipe 2 2
can be a tubular string such as a production tubing string.
Continuing with FIGURE 1, multiple well screens 24, each in fluid flow
communication with wellbore flow control device 25, can be connected to
wellbore pipe 22. Packers 2 6 can seal annulus 28 defined by wellbore pipe 2 2
and the interior surface of horizontal uncased section 18. Packers 2 6 can
provide zonal isolation of various subterranean zones penetrated by wellbore
pipe 22, thereby allowing fluids 3 0 to be produced from some or all of the zones
of subterranean formation 20. Well screens 2 4 can filter fluids 3 0 as they move
toward the interior of wellbore pipe 22. Each wellbore flow control device 2 5
can regulate access of fluids 3 0 to the interior of wellbore pipe 2 2 and/or restrict
the flow of certain types of fluids 3 0 based upon certain characteristics thereof.
It is to be noted that the wellbore flow control devices described herein
are not limited to the configuration displayed in FIGURE 1, which has been
presented merely for purposes of illustration. For example, the type of wellbore
in which the present wellbore flow control devices can be used is not particularly
limited, and it is not necessary that wellbore 1 2 contain either vertical uncased
section 14 or horizontal uncased section 18. Furthermore, any section of
wellbore 1 2 can be cased or uncased, and wellbore pipe 2 2 can be placed in any
cased or uncased wellbore section. Still further, the wellbore flow control
devices can be used in a wellbore containing a gravel pack, if desired.
Fu rthermore, it is not necessari ly the case that f luids 3 0 are solely
prod uced from subterra nea n formation 20, since f luids can be injected into
subterra nea n formation 2 0 and produced therefrom in some embod iments. I n
add ition, the various elements cou pled to wel lbore pipe 2 2 that are presented in
FIGU RE 1 are all optional, and may not necessari ly be used in each subterranea n
zone. I n some embod iments, however, the various elements cou pled to
wel lbore pipe 2 2 can be duplicated in each subterranea n zone. Sti ll further,
zona l isolation usi ng packers 2 6 need not necessa r ily be performed, or other
types of zonal isolation techniq ues fam ilia r to one havi ng ord inary skil l in the art
can be used .
I n various non-l imiti ng embod iments, the present well bore flow control
devices can be used to prevent water coni ng or gas coni ng from subterra nea n
formation 20. I n some embod iments, the present wel lbore flow control devices
can be used to equalize pressu re and balance prod uction between heel 10 and
toe 1 1 of wel lbore 1 2 . I n other embod iments, the present wel lbore flow control
devices can be used to minimize the prod uction of undesi red f luids and maximize
the prod uction of desi red f luids. It is also be recog nized that the wel lbore flow
control devices can be used for injection operations as wel l to accom plish simila r
adva ntages to those noted above.
Whether a f luid is a desi red f luid or an undesi red f luid will usua lly be
determ ined by the natu re of the subterranea n operation bei ng cond ucted . For
example, if the goa l of a subterra nea n operation is to prod uce oil but not natu ral
gas or water, the oil can be considered a desi red f luid and the natu ral gas and
water can be considered undesi red f luids. Likewise, in some embod iments, gas
can be a desi red f luid, and water can be an undesi red f luid . I t shou ld be noted
that at downhole tem peratu res and pressu res, natu ral gas can be at least
partial ly liq uefied, and in the disclosu re presented herei n, the terms "natu ral
gas" or more simply "gas" will refer to a hyd rocarbon gas (e.g., metha ne) that is
ord inari ly in the gas phase at atmospheric pressu re and room temperatu re.
FIGU RES 2A and 2B show a cross-sectiona l schematic of an illustrative
wel lbore flow control device 4 0 accord ing to the present disclosu re, where the
gate valve assem bly is in the closed position in FIG URE 2A and open in FIGURE
2B. I n the embod iment shown in FIGU RES 2A and 2B, the gate valve assem bly
is a slid ing sleeve assem bly. It is to be recogn ized in view of the descri ption
provided above that a sliding sleeve assembly should be considered an
illustrative gate valve assembly, and any structure capable of similarly directing
fluid flow to the flow restricting assembly and, optionally, the interior of the
wellbore pipe can be used within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.
Thus, any embodiment specifically described herein using a sliding sleeve
assembly can be similarly practiced with a different type of gate valve assembly.
As shown in FIGURES 2A and 2B, wellbore pipe 5 0 is operably coupled to
housing 51, which contains sliding sleeve assembly 6 0 and flow restricting
assembly 7 0 that are in fluid flow communication with one another via flow
pathway 75. Wellbore flow control device 4 0 further contains sand control
screen 52, which is in fluid flow communication with sliding sleeve assembly 6 0
by flow pathway 80. As shown in FIGURES 2A and 2B, the interior surface of
flow pathway 8 0 is partially defined by wellbore pipe 50, housing 5 1 and shroud
53, which can further inhibit entry of sand and other debris into flow pathway
80.
As shown in FIGURES 2A and 2C, when sliding sleeve assembly 6 0 is in
the closed position, a fluid travelling through flow pathway 8 0 is prevented from
reaching flow restricting assembly 70, since access to flow pathway 7 5 is
blocked. FIGURE 2C shows an expansion of sliding sleeve assembly 6 0 of
wellbore flow control device 4 0 when the sliding sleeve assembly is in the closed
position, and FIGURE 2D shows an expansion of sliding sleeve assembly 6 0 of
wellbore flow control device 4 0 when the sliding sleeve assembly is in the open
position. As shown in FIGURE 2C, when sliding sleeve assembly 6 0 is closed,
exit 8 1 of flow pathway 8 0 is blocked by sliding sleeve assembly 60, and fluid
can progress no further through wellbore flow control device 40. In contrast, as
shown in FIGURE 2D, when sliding sleeve assembly 6 0 is open, exit 8 1 of flow
pathway 8 0 is no longer blocked, and fluid can flow along sliding sleeve
assembly 6 0 to entrance 7 6 of flow pathway 75. That is, sliding sleeve
assembly 6 0 establishes a flow pathway between exit 8 1 and entrance 76.
Upon entering flow pathway 75, fluid can then progress through flow
restricting assembly 7 0 prior to entering the interior of wellbore pipe 5 0 through
hole 90, which is in fluid flow communication with flow restricting assembly 70.
As described previously, flow restricting assembly 7 0 can be configured such
that it selectively restricts access of desired fluids to the interior of wellbore pipe
5 0 in order to faci litate prod uction of the desi red f luids. I n some embod iments,
flow restricti ng assem bly 7 0 can be an autonomous inflow control device.
I n some embodi ments, slid ing sleeve assem bly 6 0 of FIGURES 2A - 2D
can be further config ured to divert f luid flow away from flow restricti ng assem bly
7 0 and directly into the interior of wel lbore pipe 5 0 . As presented in FIGU RES
2A - 2D, slid ing sleeve assem bly 6 0 has two positions, where the assembly is
either opened or closed . I n some embod iments, a slidi ng sleeve assem bly can
be config ured to divert f luid flow to either flow restricti ng assem bly 7 0 or the
interior of wel lbore pipe 5 0 by making the slidi ng sleeve at least a t hree- position
slid ing sleeve. FIGURES 3A - 3C show expanded view schematics of an
illustrative t hree- position slid ing sleeve assem bly in a wel lbore flow control
device of the present disclosu re, where the assem bly can block flu id flow
(FIG URE 3A), direct f luid flow to flow restricti ng assem bly 7 0 (FIGURE 3B), or
direct f luid flow directly to the interior of wel lbore pipe 5 0 (FIGU RE 3C) .
Referri ng now to FIG URE 3A, slid ing sleeve assem bly 6 0 can be closed
when it is located in a f irst position in which neither of entra nces 6 1 or 6 3 on
slid ing sleeve assem bly 6 0 align with exit 8 1 of flow pathway 8 0 . Thus, when
slid ing sleeve assem bly 6 0 is in the f irst position, f luid flow is blocked by the
assem bly.
Referring now to FIGU RE 3B, slidi ng sleeve assem bly 6 0 can be located in
a second position in which it directs flu id flow to flow restricti ng assem bly 7 0
(not shown) but not to the interior of wel lbore pipe 50. When slid ing sleeve
assem bly 6 0 is located in the second position, entrance 6 1 on slid ing sleeve
assem bly 6 0 alig ns with exit 8 1 of flow pathway 80, and exit 6 4 alig ns with
entra nce 7 6 on flow pathway 7 5 to allow a flu id to flow therebetween . From
flow pathway 75, a f luid can then prog ress to flow restricti ng assem bly 7 0 . As
shown in FIGU RE 3B, when f luid flow into entra nce 7 6 occu rs, exit 6 2 on slid ing
sleeve assembly 6 0 does not align with entra nce 9 1 on well bore pipe 50, such
that a flu id does not flow to the interior of wel lbore pipe 5 0 .
Referri ng now to FIGURE 3C, slid ing sleeve assem bly 6 0 can be located in
a t hird position in which it directs f luid flow to the interior of wel lbore pipe 5 0
but does not direct f luid flow to flow restricti ng assem bly 7 0 (not shown) . When
slid ing sleeve assem bly 6 0 is located in the thi rd position, entrance 6 3 on slidi ng
sleeve assem bly 6 0 alig ns with exit 8 1 of flow pathway 80, and exit 6 2 on
sliding sleeve assembly 6 0 aligns with entrance 9 1 on wellbore pipe 5 0 to allow
a fluid to flow to the interior of wellbore pipe 50. Thus, when sliding sleeve
assembly 6 0 is in the third position, flow restricting assembly 7 0 can be
bypassed when accessing the interior of wellbore pipe 50.
In some embodiments, the wellbore flow control devices described herein
can be used in various subterranean operations, particularly to produce a fluid
from a subterranean formation. I n particular, the wellbore flow control devices
can be used during production of a formation fluid from a subterranean
formation.
In some embodiments, methods for using the wellbore flow control
devices can comprise: installing into an uncompleted wellbore a wellbore pipe
that comprises at least one wellbore flow control device, where each wellbore
flow control device comprises a sliding sleeve assembly that is in fluid flow
communication with a flow restricting assembly and each assembly is located on
the exterior of the wellbore pipe, and where the flow restricting assembly is in
fluid flow communication with the interior of the wellbore pipe.
In some embodiments, the present wellbore flow control devices can be
used to control production from various subterranean zones in which the
wellbore flow control devices are deployed. In some embodiments, the present
methods can further comprise opening the sliding sleeve assembly of at least
some of the wellbore flow control devices, such that a formation fluid can flow
through each flow restricting assembly that is in fluid flow communication with
each opened sliding sleeve assembly. Doing so can allow access of the
formation fluid to the interior of the wellbore pipe such that production can occur
therefrom. In some embodiments, the present methods can further comprise
producing a formation fluid from the wellbore pipe.
In some embodiments, the present methods can further comprise closing
the sliding sleeve assembly of at least some of the wellbore flow control devices
in order to isolate a subterranean zone. In some embodiments, the methods
can further comprise opening the sliding sleeve assembly of the wellbore flow
control devices in at least some of the subterranean zones that were not
isolated, and thereafter producing a formation fluid from the wellbore pipe.
During use of the wellbore flow control devices, various techniques can be
used to open or close the gate valve assembly according to the present
embodiments. Operation of the gate valve assembly can take place manually,
electrically, hydraulically, or by like means in various embodiments. In some
embodiments, operation of the gate valve assembly, particularly a sliding sleeve
assembly, can take place using a tool inserted from the surface down the well
string. Tools appropriate for conducting such operations will be familiar to one
having ordinary skill in the art.
Therefore, the present invention is well adapted to attain the ends and
advantages mentioned as well as those that are inherent therein. The particular
embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the present invention may
be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those
skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no
limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown,
other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the
particular illustrative embodiments disclosed above may be altered, combined,
or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of
the present invention. The invention illustratively disclosed herein suitably may
be practiced in the absence of any element that is not specifically disclosed
herein and/or any optional element disclosed herein. While compositions and
methods are described in terms of "comprising," "containing," or "including"
various components or steps, the compositions and methods can also "consist
essentially of" or "consist of" the various components and steps. All numbers
and ranges disclosed above may vary by some amount. Whenever a numerical
range with a lower limit and an upper limit is disclosed, any number and any
included range falling within the range is specifically disclosed. In particular,
every range of values (of the form, "from about a to about b," or, equivalently,
"from approximately a to b," or, equivalently, "from approximately a-b")
disclosed herein is to be understood to set forth every number and range
encompassed within the broader range of values. Also, the terms in the claims
have their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise explicitly and clearly defined
by the patentee. Moreover, the indefinite articles "a" or "an," as used in the
claims, are defined herein to mean one or more than one of the element that it
introduces. If there is any conflict in the usages of a word or term in this
specification and one or more patent or other documents that may be
incorporated herein by reference, the definitions that are consistent with this
specification should be adopted.

CLAIMS
The invention claimed is:
1. A wellbore flow control device comprising :
a gate valve assembly that is in fluid flow communication with a flow
restricting assembly, each assembly being located on the exterior of a
wellbore pipe;
wherein the flow restricting assembly is in fluid flow
communication with the interior of the wellbore pipe.
2 . The wellbore flow control device of claim 1, wherein the gate valve assembly
comprises a sliding sleeve assembly.
3 . The wellbore flow control device of claim 2, wherein the flow restricting
assembly comprises a structure selected from the group consisting of an
autonomous inflow control device, a non-autonomous inflow control device,
tubing, a nozzle, a port, a tortuous path, and any combination thereof.
4 . The wellbore flow control device of claim 1, further comprising :
a housing for the gate valve assembly and the flow restricting
assembly that is operatively coupled to the wellbore pipe.
5 . The wellbore flow control device of claim 1, further comprising :
a well screen that is in fluid flow communication with the gate valve
assembly via a first flow pathway that is upstream of the gate valve
assembly.
6 . The wellbore flow control device of claim 5, wherein the gate valve assembly
and the flow restricting assembly are in fluid flow communication with one
another via a second flow pathway.
7 . The wellbore flow control device of claim 6, wherein the gate valve assembly,
when open, bridges between the first flow pathway and the second flow
pathway.
8 . The wellbore flow control device of claim 1, wherein the gate valve assembly
is further configured to divert fluid flow away from the flow restricting
assembly and directly into the interior of the wellbore pipe.
DM
9 . A wellbore flow control device comprising :
a sliding sleeve assembly that is in fluid flow communication with a
first flow pathway upstream of the sliding sleeve assembly, the sliding sleeve
assembly and the first fluid flow pathway being located on the exterior of a
wellbore pipe; and
a flow restricting assembly that is in fluid flow communication with the
sliding sleeve assembly via a second flow pathway, the flow restricting
assembly and the second flow pathway being located on the exterior of the
wellbore pipe;
wherein the flow restricting assembly is in fluid flow
communication with the interior of the wellbore pipe.
10. The wellbore flow control device of claim 9, wherein the flow restricting
assembly comprises a structure selected from the group consisting of an
autonomous inflow control device, a non-autonomous inflow control device,
tubing, a nozzle, a port, a tortuous path, and any combination thereof.
11. The wellbore flow control device of claim 9, further comprising :
a well screen that is in fluid flow communication with the sliding sleeve
assembly via the first flow pathway.
12. The wellbore flow control device of claim 9, wherein the sliding sleeve
assembly is further configured to divert fluid flow away from the flow
restricting assembly and directly into the interior of the wellbore pipe.
13. The wellbore flow control device of claim 9, further comprising :
a housing for the sliding sleeve assembly and the flow restricting
assembly that is operatively coupled to the wellbore pipe.
14. A method comprising :
installing a wellbore pipe in an uncompleted wellbore;
wherein the wellbore pipe comprises at least one wellbore flow
control device on its exterior, each wellbore flow control device comprising a
sliding sleeve assembly that is in fluid flow communication with a flow
restricting assembly, and the flow restricting assembly being in fluid flow
communication with the interior of the wellbore pipe.
DM
15. The method of claim 14, further comprising :
opening the sliding sleeve assembly of at least some of the wellbore
flow control devices, such that a formation fluid flows through each flow
restricting assembly that is in fluid flow communication with each opened
sliding sleeve assembly and into the interior of the wellbore pipe; and
producing the formation fluid from the wellbore pipe.
16. The method of claim 14, further comprising :
closing the sliding sleeve assembly of at least some of the wellbore
flow control devices to isolate a subterranean zone.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising :
opening the sliding sleeve assembly of the wellbore flow control
devices in at least some of the subterranean zones that were not isolated,
such that a formation fluid flows through the flow restricting assembly that is
in fluid flow communication with each opened sliding sleeve assembly and
into the interior of the wellbore pipe; and
producing the formation fluid from the wellbore pipe.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein the flow restricting assembly comprises a
structure selected from the group consisting of an autonomous inflow control
device, a non-autonomous inflow control device, tubing, a nozzle, a port, a
tortuous path, and any combination thereof.
19. The method of claim 14, wherein each wellbore flow control device further
comprises a well screen that is in fluid flow communication with the sliding
sleeve assembly via a first flow pathway.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the sliding sleeve assembly, when open,
bridges between the first flow pathway and a second flow pathway leading to
the flow restricting assembly.
21. The method of claim 14, wherein the sliding sleeve assembly is further
configured t o divert fluid flow away from the flow restricting assembly and
directly into the interior of the wellbore pipe.
22. The method of claim 14, further comprising :
producing a formation fluid from the subterranean formation.