Patent · US Active

Valve responsive to fluid properties

US7980265B2 · kind B2 · utility

10Cited by
16References
17Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 6, 2007
Grant dateJul 19, 2011
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 13, 2028

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T137/7736
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

A valve for downhole use has the ability to throttle between fully open and closed and is fully variable in positions in between. The valve is preferably responsive to flowing fluid viscosity and uses a three dimensional flow through restrictor in combination with a relatively movable cover. At a given flow, a higher viscosity fluid will create a greater relative movement and make it possible for flowing fluid to bypass more of the flow through member. In a particular application involving production from a zone, an array of such valves can allow more production where the viscosity is higher and less production where the viscosity drops due to, for example, water production.

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