Apparatus for autonomously controlling the inflow of production fluids from a subterranean well

摘要

A flow control apparatus ( 100 ) for controlling the inflow of production fluids ( 134, 140 ) from a subterranean well includes a tubular member ( 118 ) having at least one opening ( 138 ) that allows fluid flow between an exterior of the tubular member ( 118 ) and an interior flow path of the tubular member ( 118 ) and a flow restricting device ( 120 ) operably positioned in a fluid flow path between a fluid source and the at least one opening ( 138 ). The flow restricting device ( 120 ) includes a valve ( 128, 130 ) and an actuator ( 126 ). The actuator ( 126 ) includes a material that swells in response to contact with an undesired fluid ( 140 ), such as water or gas. The flow restricting device ( 120 ) is operable to autonomously reduce the fluid flow through the flow control apparatus ( 100 ) in response to contact between the material and the undesired fluid ( 140 ).