Patent ID: 8235128
Filing Date: 2012-08-07
Classification: E21B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A system for variably resisting flow of a fluid composition in a subterranean well, the system comprising: a first flow passage; and a first set of one or more branch passages which intersect the first flow passage, whereby a proportion of the fluid composition diverted from the first flow passage to the first set of branch passages varies based on at least one of a) viscosity of the fluid composition in the first flow passage, and b) velocity of the fluid composition in the first flow passage, wherein the first set of branch passages directs the fluid composition to a first control passage of a flow path selection device, and wherein the flow path selection device selects which of multiple flow paths a majority of fluid flows through from the device, based at least partially on the proportion of the fluid composition diverted to the first control passage, and wherein the flow path selection device variably resists flow of the fluid composition in at least one direction between an interior of a tubular string and an earth formation intersected by the subterranean well.