Patent ID: 8550166
Filing Date: 2013-10-08
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for controlling a flow of a fluid between a wellbore tubular and a formation, comprising: a flow control device having a first opening, a second opening, and flow space forming a fluid path between the formation and the wellbore tubular formed therein, the fluid path being between the first opening and the second opening; and a flow control element positioned in the flow space, the flow control element being configured to flex radially outward from a first radial position to a second radial position in response to a change in a pressure differential along the flow space, wherein the fluid flows across the flow space when the flow control element is in the first radial position and the second radial position and wherein an increase in the pressure differential reduces a gap along the flow space, wherein the flow control element is configured to reduce a space between an inner surface of the flow control device and the flow control element as fluid flow increases in the space, and wherein the space remains after the flow control element flexes to a radially outward position, and wherein the flow control element expands radially outward in response to an increase in a pressure applied on a surface facing the flowing fluid.