Fluid flow control using channels

摘要

A fluid flow control device disposable in a bore can include channels that can direct fluid flow based on one or more properties of the fluid more robustly. The channels may include a side channel between two other channels. The side channel can allow fluid flow to affect fluid flowing in one of the channels. Devices according to some aspects can differentiate between fluids having close, but different, properties and direct the fluid accordingly. Examples of fluid properties based on which the device can direct fluid include fluid density, fluid velocity, fluid viscosity, and Reynolds number of the fluid flow.

主权项

1. A subassembly for a fluid flow control device adapted to be disposed in a subterranean wellbore, the subassembly comprising:
a chamber having an exit opening: a first channel for directing fluid from a first inlet toward the chamber; a second channel for directing fluid from a second inlet toward the chamber; and a side channel for allowing fluid to flow from the second channel to the first channel to affect fluid flowing in the first channel; a primary channel in fluid communication with the first channel, the primary channel being configured for directing fluid toward the exit opening; a first diverted channel in fluid communication with the first channel; and a second diverted channel in fluid communication with the second channel, wherein the first diverted channel and the second diverted channel are parallel to each other, separated by a common sidewall , and configured for directing fluid toward a tangential opening of the chamber, wherein the side channel is adapted to allow an amount of fluid to flow from the second channel to the first channel to guide fluid to flow toward the primary channel, the amount of fluid being based on at least one property of the fluid.