SAND SCREEN WITH ACTIVE FLOW CONTROL

摘要

Apparatus and methods are disclosed for actively controlling the flow o f hydrocarbon fluids from a producing formation at the downhole sand screen. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a fluid flow annulus with in the production tube inside of the screen. In a first flow control configuration, fluid passing through the screen is required to flow along the annulus to fi nd a flow aperture into an interior flow bore. A static flow control device withi n the annulus between the sand screen and a first flow aperture dissipates flow energy by forcing the flow through a restricted area that helically winds about the flow annulus. Dissipation of the flow energy increases the pressure reduction from the screen into the production bore and reduces the flow velocity. In a second flow control configuration, flow control structure within the flow annulus obstructs all flow along the annulus. A third flow control configuration removes all flow restrictions within the flow annulus.