Apparatus and a method for controlling fluid flow in, into or out of a well, and an orientation means for orienting the apparatus

US10822920B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Innowell Solutions AS · NO

Inventors

• Rune Killie · Oslo, NO
• Thorleif Lager · Asker, NO

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 17, 2017
• Grant date: Nov 3, 2020
• Expiry date: Oct 17, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16K31/22
• WIPO field: Civil engineering
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

An apparatus and a method are for controlling a fluid flow in, into or out of a well. An orientation means is for orienting the apparatus in the well. The apparatus has a main flow channel; a chamber in fluid communication with the main flow channel, and having a flow control element movable between a first non-blocking position and a second blocking position for the fluid flow. The flow control element is movable in response to density of fluid in the chamber. The main flow channel has with pressure changing means causing a pressure differential in a fluid return conduit providing fluid communication between the chamber and a portion of the main flow channel, so that fluid in said chamber is recirculated back to the main flow channel when the main flow channel is open.