Autonomous inflow control device
US11371325B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jun 28, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 8, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/14
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A technique facilitates improved control over inflowing fluids with respect to, for example, a screen assembly or screen assemblies of a tubing string deployed in a wellbore. The improved control may be provided by at least one inflow control device comprising a housing defining a chamber having a first end and a second end through which fluid may flow. Additionally, the inflow control device comprises at least one inlet passage disposed at the first end and having a contour which provides a desired effect on the inflowing fluid according to the type of fluid, e.g. according to the viscosity of the fluid. The contour may comprise an expanding cross-sectional area, e.g. a cone or other expanding shape. In some embodiments, the entrance of the inlet passage may have a rounded edge to, for example, create an initially decreasing and then increasing cross-sectional area along the inlet passage.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.