Method and apparatus for autonomous downhole fluid selection with pathway dependent resistance system

摘要

An apparatus is described for controlling flow of fluid in a subterranean formation based on a selected characteristic of fluid flow, such as viscosity, velocity or density, as that characteristic varies over time. A pathway-dependent resistance assembly, such as a vortex chamber having two inlets and an outlet, provides varying resistance to fluid flow based on the ratio of flow from the inlets, the direction of flow as directed by the inlets, and the characteristic of the fluid. The incoming flow ratio is preferably determined by flowing fluid through a plurality of passageways having differing flow rate responses to fluid having differing characteristics. Fluid of a selected characteristic will encounter lesser resistance to flow across the system, while fluid of an un-favored characteristic will encounter greater resistance to flow. Thus, flow of well fluids can be autonomously restricted as the fluid characteristics change over time.

主权项

1. A well device for installation in a wellbore in a subterranean zone, comprising:
a substantially tubular housing wall dividing an interior of the well device and an exterior of the device, the exterior radially outward from the interior, the exterior defining an annulus with the wellbore upon installation in the wellbore; and a fluid diode in fluid communication between the interior of the well device and the exterior of the well device through the housing wall.