Patent · US Expired

Flow restriction device for use in producing wells

US5896928A · kind A · utility

148Cited by
2References
31Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJul 1, 1996
Grant dateApr 27, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 1, 2016

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE21B2200/02
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

The present invention provides a fluid flow control device for controlling the formation fluid flow rates through a production string. The device includes a generally tubular body for placement into the wellbore. The tubular body has a screen at an outer surface for preventing sand from entering into tabular body. The fluid flowing through the screen passes through a labyrinth. A slidable sleeve on the labyrinth controls the fluid velocity there through. The slidable sleeve screen is moved by an electrically-operated device, such as a motor paced in the production string. The fluid leaving the labyrinth passes to a tubing in the tubular body for carrying the fluid to the surface. The flow control device further may include a control circuit in the production string for controlling the operation of the electrically-operated device. The control circuit may communicate with the a surface control unit, preferably a computer-based system, which may provide commands to the downhole control circuit for causing the electrically-operated device to adjust the position of the sleeve. The sleeve may be positioned at any place on the labyrinth, providing accurate control over the flow rate. The…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.