Differential pressure switch operated downhole fluid flow control system

Abstract

A downhole fluid flow control system includes a fluid control module having an upstream side, a downstream side and a main fluid pathway in parallel with a secondary fluid pathway each extending between the upstream and downstream sides. A valve element disposed within the main fluid pathway has open and closed positions. A viscosity discriminator including a viscosity sensitive channel forms at least a portion of the secondary fluid pathway. A differential pressure switch operable to open and close the valve element includes a first pressure signal from the upstream side, a second pressure signal from the downstream side and a third pressure signal from the secondary fluid pathway. The magnitude of the third signal is dependent upon the viscosity of the fluid flowing through the secondary fluid pathway such that the viscosity of the fluid operates the differential pressure switch, thereby controlling fluid flow through the main fluid pathway.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates, in general, to equipment utilized in conjunction with operations performed in subterranean production and injection wells and, in particular, to a downhole fluid flow control system and method that operate responsive to a viscosity dependent differential pressure switch.

BACKGROUND

During the completion of a well that traverses a hydrocarbon bearing subterranean formation, production tubing and various completion equipment are installed in the well to enable safe and efficient production of the formation fluids. For example, to control the flowrate of production fluids into the production tubing, it is common practice to install a fluid flow control system within the tubing string including one or more inflow control devices such as flow tubes, nozzles, labyrinths or other tortuous path devices. Typically, the production flowrate through these inflow control devices is fixed prior to installation based upon the design thereof.

It has been found, however, that due to changes in formation pressure and changes in formation fluid composition over the life of the well, it may be desirable to adjust the flow control characteristics of the inflow control devices and, in particular, it may be desirable to adjust the flow control characteristics without the requirement for well intervention. In addition, for certain completions, such as long horizontal completions having numerous production intervals, it may be desirable to independently control the inflow of production fluids into each of the production intervals.

Attempts have been made to achieve these results through the use of autonomous inflow control devices. For example, certain autonomous inflow control devices include one or more valve elements that are fully open responsive to the flow of a desired fluid, such as oil, but restrict production responsive to the flow of an undesired fluid, such as water or gas. It has been found, however, that systems incorporating current autonomous inflow control devices suffer from one or more of the following limitations: fatigue failure of biasing devices; failure of intricate components or complex structures; lack of sensitivity to minor fluid property differences, such as light oil viscosity versus water viscosity; and/or the inability to highly restrict or shut off unwanted fluid flow due to requiring substantial flow or requiring flow through a main flow path in order to operate.

Accordingly, a need has arisen for a downhole fluid flow control system that is operable to independently control the inflow of production fluids from multiple production intervals without the requirement for well intervention as the composition of the fluids produced into specific intervals changes over time. A need has also arisen for such a downhole fluid flow control system that does not require the use of biasing devices, intricate components or complex structures. In addition, a need has arisen for such a downhole fluid flow control system that has the sensitivity to operate responsive to minor fluid property differences. Further, a need has arisen for such a downhole fluid flow control system that is operable to highly restrict or shut off the production of unwanted fluid flow though the main flow path.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a downhole fluid flow control system that includes a fluid control module having an upstream side, a downstream side and a main fluid pathway in parallel with a secondary fluid pathway each extending between the upstream and downstream sides. A valve element is disposed within the fluid control module. The valve element is operable between an open position wherein fluid flow through the main fluid pathway is allowed and a closed position wherein fluid flow through the main fluid pathway is prevented. A viscosity discriminator is disposed within the fluid control module. The viscosity discriminator has a viscosity sensitive channel that forms at least a portion of the secondary fluid pathway. A differential pressure switch is operable to shift the valve element between the open and closed positions. The differential pressure switch includes a first pressure signal from the upstream side, a second pressure signal from the downstream side and a third pressure signal from the secondary fluid pathway. The first and second pressure signals bias the valve element toward the open position while the third pressure signal biases the valve element toward the closed position. The magnitude of the third pressure signal is dependent upon the viscosity of the fluid flowing through the secondary fluid pathway such that the differential pressure switch is operated responsive to changes in the viscosity of the fluid, thereby controlling fluid flow through the main fluid pathway.

In some embodiments, the valve element may have first, second and third areas such that the first pressure signal acts on the first area, the second pressure signal acts on the second area and the third pressure signal acts on the third area. In such embodiments, the differential pressure switch may be operated responsive to a difference between the first pressure signal times the first area plus the second pressure signal times the second area (P₁A₁+P₂A₂) and the third pressure signal times the third area (P₃A₃). In certain embodiments, the viscosity discriminator may be a viscosity discriminator disk. In such embodiments, the main fluid pathway may include at least one radial pathway through the viscosity discriminator disk. Also, in such embodiments, the viscosity sensitive channel may include a tortuous path of the viscosity discriminator such as a tortuous path formed on a surface of the viscosity discriminator or a tortuous path formed through the viscosity discriminator. In some embodiments, the tortuous path may include at least one circumferential path and/or at least one reversal of direction path.

In certain embodiments, the third pressure signal may be from a location downstream of the viscosity sensitive channel and the third pressure signal may be a total pressure signal. In other embodiments, the third pressure signal may be from a location upstream of the viscosity sensitive channel and the third pressure signal may be a static pressure signal. In some embodiments, the magnitude of the third pressure signal increases with decreasing viscosity of the fluid flowing through the secondary fluid pathway. In certain embodiments, the magnitude of the third pressure signal created by inflow of a desired fluid may shift the valve element to the open position and the magnitude of the third pressure signal created by inflow of an undesired fluid may shift the valve element to the closed position. In some embodiments, the secondary fluid pathway may include a fluid diode having directional resistance to fluid flow positioned between the viscosity sensitive channel and the downstream side. In such embodiments, the fluid diode may provide greater resistant to fluid flow in an injection direction than in an inflow direction such that the magnitude of the third pressure signal created by injection fluid flow shifts the valve element to the open position. In certain embodiments, a fluid flowrate ratio between the main fluid pathway and the secondary fluid pathway may be between about 3 to 1 and about 10 to 1 when the valve element is in the open position. In some embodiments, the secondary fluid pathway may include a non viscosity sensitive channel positioned between the viscosity sensitive channel and the downstream side. In such embodiments, the third pressure signal may be from a location along the non viscosity sensitive channel such as an upstream location, a midstream location or a downstream location of the non viscosity sensitive channel.

In a second aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a flow control screen including a base pipe with an internal passageway, a filter medium positioned around the base pipe and a fluid flow control system positioned in a fluid flow path between the filter medium and the internal passageway. The fluid flow control system includes a fluid control module having an upstream side, a downstream side and a main fluid pathway in parallel with a secondary fluid pathway each extending between the upstream and downstream sides. A valve element is disposed within the fluid control module. The valve element is operable between an open position wherein fluid flow through the main fluid pathway is allowed and a closed position wherein fluid flow through the main fluid pathway is prevented. A viscosity discriminator is disposed within the fluid control module. The viscosity discriminator has a viscosity sensitive channel that forms at least a portion of the secondary fluid pathway. A differential pressure switch is operable to shift the valve element between the open and closed positions. The differential pressure switch includes a first pressure signal from the upstream side, a second pressure signal from the downstream side and a third pressure signal from the secondary fluid pathway. The first and second pressure signals bias the valve element toward the open position while the third pressure signal biases the valve element toward the closed position. The magnitude of the third pressure signal is dependent upon the viscosity of the fluid flowing through the secondary fluid pathway such that the differential pressure switch is operated responsive to changes in the viscosity of the fluid, thereby controlling fluid flow through the main fluid pathway.

In a third aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a downhole fluid flow control method including positioning a fluid flow control system at a target location downhole, the fluid flow control system including a fluid control module having an upstream side, a downstream side and a main fluid pathway in parallel with a secondary fluid pathway each extending between the upstream and downstream sides, a viscosity discriminator and a differential pressure switch, the viscosity discriminator having a viscosity sensitive channel that forms at least a portion of the secondary fluid pathway; producing a desired fluid from the upstream side to the downstream side through the fluid control module; operating the differential pressure switch to shift the valve element to the open position responsive to producing the desired fluid by applying a first pressure signal from the upstream side to a first area of the valve element, a second pressure signal from the downstream side to a second area of the valve element and a third pressure signal from the secondary fluid pathway to a third area of the valve element; producing an undesired fluid from the upstream side to the downstream side through the fluid control module; and operating the differential pressure switch to shift the valve element to the closed position responsive to producing the undesired fluid by applying the first pressure signal to the first area of the valve element, the second pressure signal to the second area of the valve element and the third pressure signal to the third area of the valve element; wherein, a magnitude of the third pressure signal is dependent upon the viscosity of a fluid flowing through the secondary fluid pathway such that the viscosity of the fluid operates the differential pressure switch, thereby controlling fluid flow through the main fluid pathway.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the detailed description along with the accompanying figures in which corresponding numerals in the different figures refer to corresponding parts and in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a well system operating a plurality of flow control screens according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a flow control screen including a downhole fluid flow control system according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 3A-3D are various views of a downhole fluid flow control system according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 4A-4B are top and bottom views of a viscosity discriminator plate for a downhole fluid flow control system according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 5A-5B are cross sectional views of a downhole fluid flow control module in an open position and a closed position, respectively, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 6A-6C are pressure versus distance graphs depicting the influence of a viscosity sensitive channel on fluids traveling therethrough according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 7A-7B are schematic illustrations of a downhole fluid flow control module according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 8A-8B are schematic illustrations of a downhole fluid flow control module according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 9A-9C are schematic illustrations of a downhole fluid flow control module according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 10A-10C are schematic illustrations of a downhole fluid flow control module according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the making and using of various embodiments of the present disclosure are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure provides many applicable inventive concepts, which can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative and do not delimit the scope of the present disclosure. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation may be described in the present disclosure. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

In the specification, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components and to the spatial orientation of various aspects of components as the devices are depicted in the attached drawings. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of the present disclosure, the devices, members, apparatuses, and the like described herein may be positioned in any desired orientation. Thus, the use of terms such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower” or other like terms to describe a spatial relationship between various components or to describe the spatial orientation of aspects of such components should be understood to describe a relative relationship between the components or a spatial orientation of aspects of such components, respectively, as the device described herein may be oriented in any desired direction. As used herein, the term “coupled” may include direct or indirect coupling by any means, including moving and/or non-moving mechanical connections.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, therein is depicted a well system including a plurality of downhole fluid flow control systems positioned in flow control screens embodying principles of the present disclosure that is schematically illustrated and generally designated 10. In the illustrated embodiment, a wellbore 12 extends through the various earth strata. Wellbore 12 has a substantially vertical section 14, the upper portion of which has cemented therein a casing string 16. Wellbore 12 also has a substantially horizontal section 18 that extends through a hydrocarbon bearing subterranean formation 20. As illustrated, substantially horizontal section 18 of wellbore 12 is open hole.

Positioned within wellbore 12 and extending from the surface is a tubing string 22. Tubing string 22 provides a conduit for formation fluids to travel from formation 20 to the surface and/or for injection fluids to travel from the surface to formation 20. At its lower end, tubing string 22 is coupled to a completion string 24 that has been installed in wellbore 12 and divides the completion interval into various production intervals such as production intervals 26a, 26b that are adjacent to formation 20. Completion string 24 includes a plurality of flow control screens 28a, 28b, each of which is positioned between a pair of annular barriers depicted as packers 30 that provide a fluid seal between completion string 24 and wellbore 12, thereby defining production intervals 26a, 26b. In the illustrated embodiment, flow control screens 28a, 28b serve the function of filtering particulate matter out of the production fluid stream as well as providing autonomous flow control of fluids flowing therethrough utilizing viscosity dependent differential pressure switches.

For example, the flow control sections of flow control screens 28a, 28b may be operable to control the inflow of a production fluid stream during the production phase of well operations. Alternatively or additionally, the flow control sections of flow control screens 28a, 28b may be operable to control the flow of an injection fluid stream during a treatment phase of well operations. As explained in greater detail below, the flow control sections preferably control the inflow of production fluids from each production interval without the requirement for well intervention as the composition of the fluids produced into specific intervals changes over time in order to maximize production of desired fluid and minimize production of undesired fluid. For example, the present flow control screens may be tuned to maximize the production of oil and minimize the production of water. As another example, the present flow control screens may be tuned to maximize the production of gas and minimize the production of water. In yet another example, the present flow control screens may be tuned to maximize the production of oil and minimize the production of gas. Importantly, the flow control sections of the present disclosure have high sensitivity to viscosity changes in a production fluid such that the flow control sections are able, for example, to discriminate between light crude oil and water.

Even though FIG. 1 depicts the flow control screens of the present disclosure in an open hole environment, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present flow control screens are equally well suited for use in cased wells. Also, even though FIG. 1 depicts one flow control screen in each production interval, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that any number of flow control screens may be deployed within a production interval without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. In addition, even though FIG. 1 depicts the flow control screens in a horizontal section of the wellbore, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the present flow control screens are equally well suited for use in wells having other directional configurations including vertical wells, deviated wells, slanted wells, multilateral wells and the like. Further, even though the flow control systems in FIG. 1 have been described as being associated with flow control screens in a tubular string, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the flow control systems of the present disclosure need not be associated with a screen or be deployed as part of the tubular string. For example, one or more flow control systems may be deployed and removably inserted into the center of the tubing string or inside pockets of the tubing string.

Referring next to FIG. 2, therein is depicted a flow control screen according to the present disclosure that is representatively illustrated and generally designated 100. Flow control screen 100 may be suitably coupled to other similar flow control screens, production packers, locating nipples, production tubulars or other downhole tools to form a completions string as described above. Flow control screen 100 includes a base pipe 102 that preferably has a blank pipe section disposed to the interior of a screen element or filter medium 106, such as a wire wrap screen, a woven wire mesh screen, a prepacked screen or the like, with or without an outer shroud positioned therearound, designed to allow fluids to flow therethrough but prevent particulate matter of a predetermined size from flowing therethrough. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the art that the embodiments of the present disclosure not need have a filter medium associated therewith, accordingly, the exact design of the filter medium is not critical to the present disclosure.

Fluid produced through filter medium 106 travels toward and enters an annular area between outer housing 108 and base pipe 102. To enter the interior of base pipe 102, the fluid must pass through a fluid control module 110, seen through the cutaway section of outer housing 108, and a perforated section of base pipe 102, not visible, disposed to the interior of fluid control module 110. The flow control system of each flow control screen 100 may include one or more fluid control modules 110. In certain embodiments, fluid control modules 110 may be circumferentially distributed about base pipe 102 such as at 180 degree intervals, 120 degree intervals, 90 degree intervals or other suitable distribution. Alternatively or additionally, fluid control modules 110 may be longitudinally distributed along base pipe 102. Regardless of the exact configuration of fluid control modules 110 on base pipe 102, any desired number of fluid control modules 110 may be incorporated into a flow control screen 100, with the exact configuration depending upon factors that are known to those skilled in the art including the reservoir pressure, the expected composition of the production fluid, the expected production rate and the like. The various connections of the components of flow control screen 100 may be made in any suitable fashion including welding, threading and the like as well as through the use of fasteners such as pins, set screws and the like. Even though fluid control module 110 has been described and depicted as being coupled to the exterior of base pipe 102, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the fluid control modules of the present disclosure may be alternatively positioned such as within openings of the base pipe or to the interior of the base pipe so long as the fluid control modules are positioned between the upstream or formation side and the downstream or base pipe interior side of the formation fluid path.

Fluid control modules 110 may be operable to control the flow of fluid in both the production direction and the injection direction therethrough. For example, during the production phase of well operations, fluid flows from the formation into the production tubing through fluid flow control screen 100. The production fluid, after being filtered by filter medium 106, if present, flows into the annulus between base pipe 102 and outer housing 108. The fluid then enters one or more inlets of fluid control modules 110 where the desired flow operation occurs depending upon the viscosity and/or the density of the produced fluid. For example, if a desired fluid such as oil is produced, flow through a main flow pathway of fluid control module 110 is allowed. If an undesired fluid such as water is produced, flow through the main flow pathway of fluid control module 110 is restricted or prevented. In the case of producing a desired fluid, the fluid is discharged through fluid control modules 110 to the interior flow path of base pipe 102 for production to the surface. As another example, during the treatment phase of well operations, a treatment fluid may be pumped downhole from the surface in the interior flow path of base pipe 102. In this case, the treatment fluid then enters fluid control modules 110 where the desired flow control operation occurs including opening the main flow pathway. The fluid then travels into the annulus between base pipe 102 and outer housing 108 before injection into the surrounding formation.

Referring next to FIGS. 3A-3D, a fluid control module for use in a downhole fluid flow control system of the present disclosure is representatively illustrated and generally designated 110. Fluid control module 110 includes a housing member 112 and a housing cap 114 that are coupled together with a plurality of bolts 116. An O-ring seal 118 is disposed between housing member 112 and housing cap 114 to provide a fluid seal therebetween. As best seen in FIG. 3C, housing member 112 defines a generally cylindrical cavity 120. In the illustrated embodiment, a viscosity discriminator disk 122 is closely received within cavity 120. Viscosity discriminator disk 122 includes an upper viscosity discriminator plate 122a and a lower viscosity discriminator plate 122b. A generally cylindrical seal element 124 is disposed between a lower surface of lower viscosity discriminator plate 122b and a lower chamber 125a of housing member 112.

As best seen in FIG. 3C, viscosity discriminator disk 122 defines a generally cylindrical cavity 126 having a contoured and stepped profile. In the illustrated embodiment, a valve element 128 is received within cavity 126. Valve element 128 includes an upper valve plate 128a and a lower valve plate 128b. A generally cylindrical seal element 130 is disposed between upper valve plate 128a and lower valve plate 128b. In addition, a radially outer portion of seal element 130 is disposed between upper viscosity discriminator plate 122a and lower viscosity discriminator plate 122b. In the illustrated embodiment, an inner ring 130a of seal element 130 is received within glands of upper valve plate 128a and lower valve plate 128b. An outer ring 130b of seal element 130 is received within a gland of lower viscosity discriminator plate 122b. Upper valve plate 128a, lower valve plate 128b and seal element 130 are coupled together with a bolt 132 and washer 134 such that upper valve plate 128a and lower valve plate 128b act as a signal valve element 128.

Fluid control module 110 includes a main fluid pathway extending between an upstream side 135a and a downstream side of 135b of fluid control module 110 illustrated along streamline 136 in FIG. 3C. In the illustrated embodiment, main fluid pathway 136 includes an inlet 136a between a lower surface of upper viscosity discriminator plate 122a and an upper surface of valve element 128. Main fluid pathway 136 also includes three radial pathways 136b (only one being visible in FIG. 3C) that extend through upper viscosity discriminator plate 122a, three longitudinal pathways 136c (only one being visible in FIG. 3C) that extend through upper viscosity discriminator plate 122a, three longitudinal pathways 136d (only one being visible in FIG. 3C) that extend through lower viscosity discriminator plate 122b and three longitudinal pathways 136e (only one being visible in FIG. 3C) that extend through housing member 112. As best seen in FIG. 3B, main fluid pathway 136 includes three outlets 136f. Even though main fluid pathway 136 has been depicted and described as having a particular configuration with a particular number of pathways, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that a main fluid pathway of the present disclosure may have a variety of designs with any number of pathways, branches and/or outlets both greater than or less than three as long as the main fluid pathway provides a fluid path between the upstream and downstream sides of the fluid control module.

Fluid control module 110 includes a secondary fluid pathway extending between upstream side 135a and downstream side of 135b of fluid control module 110 illustrated as streamline 138 in FIG. 3C. In the illustrated embodiment, secondary fluid pathway 138 includes an inlet 138a in upper viscosity discriminator plate 122a. Secondary fluid pathway 138 also includes a viscosity sensitive channel 138b that extends through upper viscosity discriminator plate 122a, a longitudinal pathway 138c that extends through lower viscosity discriminator plate 122b, a longitudinal pathway 138d that extend through housing member 112, a radial pathway 138e that extend through housing member 112 and a longitudinal pathway 138f that extend through housing member 112. As best seen in FIG. 3B, secondary fluid pathway 138 includes an outlet 138g. Secondary fluid pathway 138 is in fluid communication with lower chamber 125a via a pressure port 140 that is in fluid communication with radial pathway 138e. In the illustrated embodiment, pressure port 140 intersect secondary fluid pathway 138 at a location downstream of viscosity sensitive channel 138b. In other embodiments, pressure port 140 could intersect secondary fluid pathway 138 at a location upstream of viscosity sensitive channel 138b or other suitable location along secondary fluid pathway 138. Fluid control module 110 includes a pressure port 142 that extends through lower viscosity discriminator plate 122b and housing member 112 to provide fluid communication between downstream side of 135b and an upper chamber 125b defined between seal element 124 and seal element 130. The fluid flowrate ratio between main fluid pathway 136 and the secondary fluid pathway 138 may be between about 3 to 1 and about 10 to 1 or higher and is preferably greater than 4 to 1 when main fluid pathway 136 is open.

Referring additionally to FIGS. 4A-4B, an exemplary upper viscosity discriminator plate 122a of a viscosity discriminator 122 is depicted. As best seen in FIG. 4A, an upper surface 144 of upper viscosity discriminator plate 122a includes inlet 138a of secondary fluid pathway 138. Inlet 138a is aligned with a beginning portion 146 of viscosity sensitive channel 138b. As best seen in FIG. 4B, a lower surface 148 of upper viscosity discriminator plate 122a includes three longitudinal pathways 136c of main fluid pathway 136 and an alignment notch 150 that mates with a lug of lower viscosity discriminator plate 122b to assure that upper viscosity discriminator plate 122a and lower viscosity discriminator plate 122b are properly oriented relative to each other. Lower surface 148 also includes viscosity sensitive channel 138b of secondary fluid pathway 138. In the illustrated embodiment, viscosity sensitive channel 138b includes beginning portion 146, an inner circumferential path 152, a turn depicted as reversal of direction path 154, an outer circumferential path 156 and an end portion 158. End portion 158 is in fluid communication with longitudinal pathway 138c that extends through lower viscosity discriminator plate 122b.

Viscosity sensitive channel 138b provides a tortuous path for fluids traveling through secondary fluid pathway 138. In addition, viscosity sensitive channel 138b preferably has a characteristic dimension that is small enough to make the effect of the viscosity of the fluid flowing therethrough non-negligible. When a low viscosity fluid such as water is being produced, the flow through viscosity sensitive channel 138b may be turbulent having a Reynolds number in a range of 10,000 to 100,000 or higher. When a high viscosity fluid such as oil is being produced, the flow through viscosity sensitive channel 138b may be less turbulent or even laminar having a Reynolds number in a range of 1,000 to 10,000.

Even through upper viscosity discriminator plate 122a has been depicted and described as having a particular shape with a viscosity sensitive channel having a tortuous path with a particular orientation, it should understood by those having skill in the art that an upper viscosity discriminator plate of the present disclosure could have a variety of shapes and could have a tortuous path with a variety of different orientations. In addition, even though viscosity discriminator 122 has been depicted and described as having upper and lower viscosity discriminator plates, it should understood by those having skill in the art that a viscosity discriminator of the present disclosure may have other numbers of plates both less than and greater than two. Further, even though viscosity sensitive channel 138b has been depicted and described as being on a surface of a viscosity discriminator plate, it should understood by those having skill in the art that a viscosity sensitive channel could alternatively be formed within a viscosity discriminator, such as a viscosity discriminator formed from a signal component.

Referring next to FIGS. 5A-5B, a downhole fluid flow control module in its open and closed positions is representatively illustrated and generally designated 110. Fluid control module 110 has a housing member 112 and a housing cap 114 that are coupled together with a plurality of bolts (see FIG. 3C) with a seal element 118 therebetween. A viscosity discriminator 122 and a seal element 124 are disposed within a cavity 120 of housing member 112. A valve element 128 and a seal element 130 are disposed within a cavity 126 of viscosity discriminator 122. Fluid control module 110 defines a main fluid pathway 136 and a secondary fluid pathway 138 each extending between upstream side 135a and downstream side 135b of fluid control module 110. Viscosity discriminator 122 includes a viscosity sensitive channel 138b that forms a portion of secondary fluid pathway 138. In addition, viscosity discriminator 122 and housing member 112 form a pressure port 142 that provides fluid communication from downstream side 135b to an upper chamber 125b. A pressure port 140 in housing member 112 provides fluid communication from secondary fluid pathway 138 to lower chamber 125a.

As can be seen by comparing FIGS. 5A and 5B, valve element 128 is operable for movement within fluid control module 110 and is depicted in its fully open position in FIG. 5A and its fully closed position in FIG. 5B. It should be noted by those skilled in the art that valve element 128 also has a plurality of choking positions between the fully open and fully closed positions. Valve element 128 is operated between the open and closed positions responsive to a differential pressure switch. The differential pressure switch includes a pressure signal P₁ from upstream side 135a acting on an upper surface A₁ of upper valve plate 128a to generate a force F₁ that biases valve element 128 toward the open position. The differential pressure switch also includes a pressure signal P₂ from downstream side 135b via pressure port 142 acting on an upper surface A₂ of lower valve plate 128b to generate a force F₂ that biases valve element 128 toward the open position. In addition, the differential pressure switch includes a pressure signal P₃ from secondary fluid pathway 138 via pressure port 140 acting on a lower surface A₃ of valve element 128 to generate a force F₃ that biases valve element 128 toward the closed position.

As best seen in FIG. 5A, when (P₁A₁)+(P₂A₂)>(P₃A₃) or F₁+F₂>F₃, valve element 128 is biased to the open position. This figure may represent a production scenario when a desired fluid having a high viscosity such as oil is being produced. As best seen in FIG. 5B, when (P₁A₁)+(P₂A₂)<(P₃A₃) or F₁+F₂<F₃, valve element 128 is biased to the closed position. This figure may represent a production scenario when an undesired fluid having a low viscosity such as water is being produced. The differential pressure switch operates responsive to changes in the magnitude of the pressure signal P₃ from secondary fluid pathway 138 which determines the magnitude of F₃. The magnitude of pressure signal P₃ is established based upon the viscosity of the fluid traveling through secondary fluid pathway 138. More specifically, the tortuous path created by viscosity sensitive channel 138b has a different influence on high viscosity fluids, such as oil, compared to low viscosity fluids, such as water. For example, the tortuous path will have a greater influence relative to the velocity of high viscosity fluids traveling therethrough compared to the velocity of low viscosity fluids traveling therethrough, which results in a greater reduction in the dynamic pressure P_D of high viscosity fluids compared to low viscosity fluids traveling through viscosity sensitive channel 138b. In this manner, using the fluid flow control system of the present disclosure having a viscosity dependent differential pressure switch enables autonomous operation of the valve element as the viscosity of a production fluid changes over the life of a well to enable production of a desired fluid, such as oil, though the main flow pathway while restricting or shutting off the production of an undesired fluid, such as water or gas, though the main flow pathway.

According to Bernoulli's principle, the sum of the static pressure P_S, the dynamic pressure P_D and a gravitation term is a constant and is referred to herein as the total pressure P_T. In the present case, the gravitational term is negligible due to low elevation change. FIG. 6A is a pressure versus distance graph illustrating the influence of the tortuous path on the dynamic pressure P_D of a high viscosity fluid compared to a low viscosity fluid traveling through viscosity sensitive channel 138b. FIG. 6B is a pressure versus distance graph illustrating the influence of the tortuous path on the static pressure P_S of a high viscosity fluid compared to a low viscosity fluid traveling through viscosity sensitive channel 138b. FIG. 6C is a pressure versus distance graph illustrating the influence of the tortuous path on the total pressure P_T of a high viscosity fluid compared to a low viscosity fluid traveling through viscosity sensitive channel 138b. In the graphs, it is assumed that in both the high viscosity fluid and the low viscosity fluid cases, the pressure at upstream side 135a is constant and the pressure at downstream side 135b is constant. As best seen in FIG. 6C, the total pressure P_T of the high viscosity fluid proximate a downstream location of viscosity sensitive channel 138b is less than the total pressure P_T of the low viscosity fluid at the same location, such as location L₁ in the graph. Thus, the magnitude of pressure signal P₃ taken at a location downstream of viscosity sensitive channel 138b for a high viscosity fluid will be less than the magnitude of pressure signal P₃ taken at the same location for a low viscosity fluid. This difference in magnitude of pressure signal P₃ is sufficient to trigger the differential pressure switch to shift valve element 128 between the open position when a high viscosity fluid, such as oil, is flowing and the closed position when low viscosity fluid, such as water, is flowing.

Referring next to FIGS. 7A-7B, a downhole fluid flow control module 110 is represented as a circuit diagram. Fluid control module 110 includes main fluid pathway 136 having a valve element 128 disposed therein. Fluid control module 110 also includes secondary fluid pathway 138 having viscosity sensitive channel 138b. Fluid control module 110 further includes a differential pressure switch 150 including a pressure signal 152 from upstream side 135a biasing valve element 128 to the open position, a pressure signal 154 from downstream side 135b biasing valve element 128 to the open position and a pressure signal 156 from secondary fluid pathway 138 biasing valve element 128 to the closed position.

In FIG. 7A, a high viscosity fluid, such as oil, is being produced through fluid control module 110 and is represented by solid arrows 158. As discussed herein, viscosity sensitive channel 138b has a large influence on the velocity of a high viscosity fluid flowing therethrough such that the magnitude of pressure signal 156 will cause differential pressure switch 150 to operate valve element 128 to the open position, as indicated by the high volume of arrows 158 passing through fluid control module 110. In FIG. 7B, a low viscosity fluid, such as water, is being produced through fluid control module 110 and is represented by hollow arrows 160. As discussed herein, viscosity sensitive channel 138b has a small influence on the velocity of a low viscosity fluid flowing therethrough such that the magnitude of pressure signal 156 will cause differential pressure switch 150 to operate valve element 128 to the closed position, as indicated by the low volume of arrows 160 passing through fluid control module 110, which may represent flow passing only through secondary fluid pathway 138. In the illustrated embodiment, pressure signal 156 is a total pressure P_T signal taken at a location downstream of viscosity sensitive channel 138b.

Referring next to FIGS. 8A-8B, a downhole fluid flow control module 210 is represented as a circuit diagram. Fluid control module 210 includes main fluid pathway 236 having a valve element 228 disposed therein. Fluid control module 210 also includes secondary fluid pathway 238 having viscosity sensitive channel 238b. Fluid control module 210 further includes a differential pressure switch 250 including a pressure signal 252 from upstream side 235a biasing valve element 228 to the open position, a pressure signal 254 from downstream side 235b biasing valve element 228 to the open position and a pressure signal 256 from secondary fluid pathway 238 biasing valve element 228 to the closed position.

In FIG. 8A, a high viscosity fluid, such as oil, is being produced through fluid control module 210 and is represented by solid arrows 258. As discussed herein, viscosity sensitive channel 238b has a large influence on the velocity of a high viscosity fluid flowing therethrough such that the magnitude of pressure signal 256 will cause differential pressure switch 250 to operate valve element 228 to the open position, as indicated by the high volume of arrows 258 passing through fluid control module 210. In FIG. 8B, a low viscosity fluid, such as water, is being produced through fluid control module 210 and is represented by hollow arrows 260. As discussed herein, viscosity sensitive channel 238b has a small influence on the velocity of a low viscosity fluid flowing therethrough such that the magnitude of pressure signal 256 will cause differential pressure switch 250 to operate valve element 228 to the closed position, as indicated by the low volume of arrows 260 passing through fluid control module 210, which may represent flow passing only through secondary fluid pathway 238. In the illustrated embodiment, pressure signal 256 is a static pressure P_S signal taken at a location upstream of viscosity sensitive channel 238b.

Referring next to FIGS. 9A-9C, a downhole fluid flow control module 310 is represented as a circuit diagram. Fluid control module 310 includes main fluid pathway 336 having a valve element 328 disposed therein. Fluid control module 310 also includes secondary fluid pathway 338 having viscosity sensitive channel 338b and a non viscosity sensitive channel 360. Fluid control module 310 further includes a differential pressure switch 350 including a pressure signal 352 from upstream side 335a biasing valve element 328 to the open position, a pressure signal 354 from downstream side 335b biasing valve element 328 to the open position and a pressure signal 356 from secondary fluid pathway 338 biasing valve element 328 to the closed position.

In FIG. 9A, a high viscosity fluid, such as oil, is being produced through fluid control module 310 and is represented by solid arrows 358. As discussed herein, viscosity sensitive channel 338b has a large influence on the velocity of a high viscosity fluid flowing therethrough such that the magnitude of pressure signal 356 will cause differential pressure switch 350 to operate valve element 328 to the open position, as indicated by the high volume of arrows 358 passing through fluid control module 310. In the illustrated embodiment, pressure signal 356 is a total pressure P_T signal taken downstream of viscosity sensitive channel 338b and from an upstream location 360a of non viscosity sensitive channel 360. In FIG. 9B, pressure signal 356 is a total pressure P_T signal taken downstream of viscosity sensitive channel 338b and from a midstream location 360b of non viscosity sensitive channel 360. In FIG. 9C, pressure signal 356 is a total pressure P_T signal taken downstream of viscosity sensitive channel 338b and from a downstream location 360c of non viscosity sensitive channel 360. Use of the non viscosity sensitive channel 360 in combination with viscosity sensitive channel 338b in secondary fluid pathway 338 enables flexibility in the design of flow control module 310. Similar to fluid control modules 110 and 210 described herein, when a low viscosity fluid, such as water, is being produced through fluid control module 310 viscosity sensitive channel 338b has a small influence on the velocity of a low viscosity fluid flowing therethrough such that the magnitude of pressure signal 356 will cause differential pressure switch 350 to operate valve element 328 to the closed position.

Referring next to FIGS. 10A-10C, a downhole fluid flow control module 410 is represented as a circuit diagram. Fluid control module 410 includes main fluid pathway 436 having a valve element 428 disposed therein. Fluid control module 410 also includes secondary fluid pathway 438 having viscosity sensitive channel 438b and a fluid diode having directional resistance depicted as tesla valve 460. Fluid control module 410 further includes a differential pressure switch 450 including a pressure signal 452 from upstream side 435a biasing valve element 428 to the open position, a pressure signal 454 from downstream side 435b biasing valve element 428 to the open position and a pressure signal 456 from secondary fluid pathway 438 biasing valve element 428 to the closed position.

In FIG. 10A, a high viscosity fluid, such as oil, is being produced through fluid control module 410 and is represented by solid arrows 458. As discussed herein, viscosity sensitive channel 438b has a large influence on the velocity of a high viscosity fluid flowing therethrough such that the magnitude of pressure signal 456 will cause differential pressure switch 450 to operate valve element 428 to the open position, as indicated by the high volume of arrows 458 passing through fluid control module 410. In the illustrated configuration, tesla valve 460 has little or no effect on fluids flowing in the production direction.

In FIG. 10B, a low viscosity fluid, such as water, is being produced through fluid control module 410 and is represented by hollow arrows 462. As discussed herein, viscosity sensitive channel 438b has a small influence on the velocity of a low viscosity fluid flowing therethrough such that the magnitude of pressure signal 456 will cause differential pressure switch 450 to operate valve element 428 to the closed position, as indicated by the low volume of arrows 462 passing through fluid control module 410, which may represent flow passing only through secondary fluid pathway 438. In the illustrated configuration, tesla valve 460 has little or no effect on fluids flowing in the production direction.

In FIG. 10C, a treatment fluid represented by solid arrows 464 is being pumped from the surface through fluid control module 410 for injection into the surrounding formation or wellbore. Tesla valve 460 provides significant resistance to fluid flow in the injection direction creating a significant pressure loss in fluid flowing therethrough such that the magnitude of pressure signal 456 will cause differential pressure switch 450 to operate valve element 428 to the open position, as indicated by the high volume of arrows 464 passing through fluid control module 410.

The foregoing description of embodiments of the disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the disclosure. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principals of the disclosure and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments as well as other embodiments 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.

Claims

1. A downhole fluid flow control system comprising: a fluid control module having an upstream side and a downstream side, the fluid control module including a main fluid pathway in parallel with a secondary fluid pathway each extending between the upstream and downstream sides;a valve element disposed within the fluid control module, the valve element operable between an open position wherein fluid flow through the main fluid pathway is allowed and a closed position wherein fluid flow through the main fluid pathway is prevented;a viscosity discriminator statically disposed within the fluid control module, the viscosity discriminator having a viscosity sensitive channel that forms at least a portion of the secondary fluid pathway; anda differential pressure switch operable to shift the valve element between the open and closed positions, the differential pressure switch including a first pressure signal from the upstream side, a second pressure signal from the downstream side and a third pressure signal from the secondary fluid pathway, the first and second pressure signals biasing the valve element toward the open position, the third pressure signal biasing the valve element toward the closed position;wherein, a magnitude of the third pressure signal is dependent upon the viscosity of a fluid flowing through the secondary fluid pathway; andwherein, the differential pressure switch is operated responsive to changes in the viscosity of the fluid, thereby controlling fluid flow through the main fluid pathway.

2. The flow control system as recited in claim 1 wherein the valve element has first, second and third areas and wherein the first pressure signal acts on the first area, the second pressure signal acts on the second area and the third pressure signal acts on the third area such that the differential pressure switch is operated responsive to a difference between the first pressure signal times the first area plus the second pressure signal times the second area and the third pressure signal times the third area.

3. The flow control system as recited in claim 1 wherein the viscosity discriminator further comprises a viscosity discriminator disk.

4. The flow control system as recited in claim 3 wherein the main fluid pathway further comprises at least one radial pathway through the viscosity discriminator disk.

5. The flow control system as recited in claim 3 wherein the viscosity sensitive channel further comprises a tortuous path of the viscosity discriminator.

6. The flow control system as recited in claim 5 wherein the tortuous path is formed on a surface of the viscosity discriminator.

7. The flow control system as recited in claim 5 wherein the tortuous path is formed through the viscosity discriminator.

8. The flow control system as recited in claim 5 wherein the tortuous path further comprises at least one circumferential path.

9. The flow control system as recited in claim 5 wherein the tortuous path further comprises at least one reversal of direction path.

10. The flow control system as recited in claim 1 wherein the third pressure signal is from a location downstream of the viscosity sensitive channel and wherein the third pressure signal is a total pressure signal.

11. The flow control system as recited in claim 1 wherein the magnitude of the third pressure signal increases with decreasing viscosity of the fluid flowing through the secondary fluid pathway.

12. The flow control system as recited in claim 1 wherein the magnitude of the third pressure signal created by the flow of a desired fluid through the secondary fluid path shifts the valve element to the open position and wherein the magnitude of the third pressure signal created by the flow of an undesired fluid through the secondary fluid path shifts the valve element to the closed position.

13. The flow control system as recited in claim 1 wherein a fluid flowrate ratio between the main fluid pathway and the secondary fluid pathway is between about 3 to 1 and about 10 to 1 when the valve element is in the open position.

14. The flow control system as recited in claim 1 wherein the secondary fluid pathway further comprises a non viscosity sensitive channel positioned between the viscosity sensitive channel and the downstream side; and wherein the third pressure signal is from a location along the non viscosity sensitive channel.

15. A flow control screen comprising: a base pipe with an internal passageway;a filter medium positioned around the base pipe; anda fluid control module having an upstream side and a downstream side, the fluid control module including a main fluid pathway in parallel with a secondary fluid pathway each extending between the upstream and downstream sides;a valve element disposed within the fluid control module, the valve element operable between an open position wherein fluid flow through the main fluid pathway is allowed and a closed position wherein fluid flow through the main fluid pathway is prevented;a viscosity discriminator statically disposed within the fluid control module, the viscosity discriminator having a viscosity sensitive channel that forms at least a portion of the secondary fluid pathway; anda differential pressure switch operable to shift the valve element between the open and closed positions, the differential pressure switch including a first pressure signal from the upstream side, a second pressure signal from the downstream side and a third pressure signal from the secondary fluid pathway, the first and second pressure signals biasing the valve element toward the open position, the third pressure signal biasing the valve element toward the closed position;wherein, a magnitude of the third pressure signal is dependent upon the viscosity of a fluid flowing through the secondary fluid pathway; andwherein, the differential pressure switch is operated responsive to changes in the viscosity of the fluid, thereby controlling fluid flow through the main fluid pathway.

16. The flow control screen as recited in claim 15 wherein the valve element has first, second and third areas and wherein the first pressure signal acts on the first area, the second pressure signal acts on the second area and the third pressure signal acts on the third area such that the differential pressure switch is operated responsive to a difference between the first pressure signal times the first area plus the second pressure signal times the second area and the third pressure signal times the third area.

17. The flow control screen as recited in claim 15 wherein the viscosity discriminator further comprises a viscosity discriminator disk, wherein the main fluid pathway further comprises at least one radial pathway through the viscosity discriminator disk and wherein the viscosity sensitive channel further comprises a tortuous path of the viscosity discriminator.

18. The flow control screen as recited in claim 15 wherein the magnitude of the third pressure signal increases with decreasing viscosity of the fluid flowing through the secondary fluid pathway.

19. The flow control screen as recited in claim 15 wherein the magnitude of the third pressure signal created by the flow of a desired fluid through the secondary fluid path shifts the valve element to the open position and wherein the magnitude of the third pressure signal created by the flow of a undesired fluid through the secondary fluid path shifts the valve element to the closed position.

20. A downhole fluid flow control method comprising: positioning a fluid flow control system at a target location downhole, the fluid flow control system including a fluid control module having an upstream side and a downstream side, a viscosity discriminator and a differential pressure switch, the fluid control module including a main fluid pathway in parallel with a secondary fluid pathway each extending between the upstream and downstream sides, the viscosity discriminator statically disposed within the fluid control module and having a viscosity sensitive channel that forms at least a portion of the secondary fluid pathway;producing a desired fluid from the upstream side to the downstream side through the fluid control module;operating the differential pressure switch to shift the valve element to the open position responsive to producing the desired fluid by applying a first pressure signal from the upstream side to a first area of the valve element, a second pressure signal from the downstream side to a second area of the valve element and a third pressure signal from the secondary fluid pathway to a third area of the valve element;producing an undesired fluid from the upstream side to the downstream side through the fluid control module; andoperating the differential pressure switch to shift the valve element to the closed position responsive to producing the undesired fluid by applying the first pressure signal to the first area of the valve element, the second pressure signal to the second area of the valve element and the third pressure signal to the third area of the valve element;wherein, a magnitude of the third pressure signal is dependent upon the viscosity of a fluid flowing through the secondary fluid pathway such that the viscosity of the fluid operates the differential pressure switch, thereby controlling fluid flow through the main fluid pathway.