Patent ID: 8312931
Filing Date: 2012-11-20
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for controlling a flow of a fluid into a wellbore tubular in a wellbore, comprising: a flow path configured to convey the fluid from a formation into a flow bore of the wellbore tubular; and a plurality of flow control elements along the flow path, the plurality of flow control elements configured to cause a segmented pressure drop along the flow path by using a plurality of changes in inertial direction of the fluid flowing in the flow path, the segmented pressure drop including at least a first pressure drop associated with a passage formed in at least one of the flow control elements and a second pressure drop associated with a channel formed between two flow control elements, wherein the second pressure drop is more graduated that the first pressure drop, wherein the plurality of flow control elements are ribs formed on a tubular positioned in the flow path, and wherein the plurality of flow control elements separate the fluid into at least two flow paths at a first juncture in the channel and rejoin the separated fluid at a second juncture in the channel.