Office Action 1: Non-Final Rejection (2024-10-30)
Rejection types: 102 - Lack of Novelty, 103 - Obviousness

CLAIMS:
CLAIMS

'What is claimed is:

1\. An inflow control device, comprising:
a first flow control structure that is porous and forms differing flowpaths for water and oil.
2\. The inflow control device of claim 1, wherein the first flow control structure is oleophobic.
3\. The inflow control device of claim 2, wherein the first flow control structure is hydrophilic.
4\. The inflow control device of claim 1, further comprising:
a second flow control structure that is a non-porous structure disposed downstream of the first flow control structure.
5\. The inflow control device of claim 4, further comprising:
a third flow control structure that is porous and forms differing flowpaths for water and oil disposed downstream of the second flow control structure.
6\. The inflow control device of claim 5, wherein the third flow control structure is oleophobic and hydrophilic.
7\. The inflow control device of claim 1, wherein the first flow control structure is cone-shaped.
8\. The inflow control device of claim 5, wherein the third flow control structure is cone-shaped.
9\. The inflow control device of claim 4, wherein the second flow control structure has a crescent-shaped cross-section.

10\. The inflow control device of claim 1, wherein the first flow control structure comprises a plurality of stacked discs with pores formed therebetween.

11\. The inflow control device of claim 1, wherein the first flow control structure is hydrophobic.

12\. The inflow control device of claim 11, wherein the first flow control structure is oleophilic.

13\. The inflow control device of claim 11, wherein the first flow control structure and the second flow control structure are a unitary structure.

14\. The inflow control device of claim 13, wherein the unitary structure has a cross-section that is a circle, and the first flow control structure comprises a plurality of pores that, near an outer surface of the circle, extends further downstream than a center of the circle.

15\. The inflow control device of claim 11, further comprising:
a second flow control structure that is a non-porous structure having a first portion disposed upstream of the first flow control structure and a second portion that is surrounded by the first flow control structure.

16\. The inflow control device of claim 15, wherein the second non-porous structure is almond-shaped.

17\. The inflow control device of claim 11, further comprising:
a second flow control structure that is oleophilic and hydrophobic disposed downstream of the first flow control structure that is cone-shaped, and a third flow control structure that is oleophilic and hydrophobic and cone-shaped disposed downstream of the second flow control structure.

18\. The inflow control device of claim 1, wherein the first flow control structure comprises a plurality of oleophilic and hydrophobic channels extending from

an upstream surface of the first control structure to a downstream surface of the first flow control structure.

19\. A method of controlling flow comprising:
flowing a fluid from a source to a destination through the inflow control device of claim 1; and
controlling flow via the first flow control structure such that oil flows through the inflow control device more easily than water.

20\. A method of controlling flow comprising:
flowing a fluid from a source to a destination through the inflow control device of claim 4; and
flowing a portion of water in the fluid through the first flow control structure to impinge on an upstream surface of the second flow control structure.

21\. The method of claim 20, wherein oil in the fluid glides over an upstream surface of the first flow control structure so as to have idealized flow passing the inflow control device.

22\. A wellbore system comprising:
a borehole in a subsurface formation;
a string disposed in the borehole; and
the inflow control device of claim 1 disposed within or as part of the string.

OFFICE ACTION:
DETAILED ACTION
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless —
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claims 1-3 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Jamison et al. (US 10689268).
Regarding claim 1: Jamison discloses an inflow control device comprising a first flow control structure that is porous and forms differing flowpaths for water and oil (Figs. 1A, 1B; col. 2, lines 40-52; col. 2, line 64-col. 3, line 6).
Regarding claim 2: Jamison discloses that the first flow control structure is oleophobic (Figs. 1A, 1B; col. 2, lines 40-52; col. 2, line 64-col. 3, line 6).
Regarding claim 3: Jamison discloses that the first flow control structure is hydrophilic (Figs. 1A, 1B; col. 2, lines 40-52; col. 2, line 64-col. 3, line 6).
Claims 1-4, 9, 11-13, 19, and 22 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Fripp et al. (US 20190040714).
Regarding claim 1: Fripp discloses an inflow control device comprising a first flow control structure 100, 102 that is porous and forms differing flowpaths for water and oil (Figs. 3A, 3B; [0021], [0022]).
Regarding claim 2: Fripp discloses that the first flow control structure is oleophobic (Figs. 3A, 3B; [0021], [0022]).
Regarding claim 3: Fripp discloses that the first flow control structure is hydrophilic (Figs. 3A, 3B; [0021], [0022]).
Regarding claim 4: Fripp discloses a second flow control structure (Fripp discloses many structures which read on this claim limitation) that is a non-porous structure disposed downstream of the first flow control structure (Figs. 3A, 3B, 4-9).
Regarding claim 9: Fripp discloses that the second flow control structure has a crescent-shaped cross-section (Figs. 3A, 3B, 4-9 – a cross section of the elements interpreted above as the second flow control structure could have a crescent shaped cross section).
Regarding claim 11: Fripp discloses that the first flow control structure is hydrophobic ([0022]).
Regarding claim 12: Fripp discloses that the first flow control structure is oleophilic ([0022]).
Regarding claim 13: Fripp discloses that the first flow control structure and the second flow control structure are a unitary structure (Figs. 3A, 3B – they are parts of valve 36 and therefore can be interpreted as unitary with respect to the valve).
Regarding claim 19: Fripp discloses a method of controlling flow comprising flowing a fluid from a source to a destination through the inflow control device and controlling flow via the first flow control structure such that oil flows through the inflow control device more easily than water (see above; Figs. 3A, 3B; [0021]-[0026]).
Regarding claim 22: Fripp discloses a wellbore system comprising a borehole in a subsurface formation, a string disposed in the borehole, and the inflow control device disposed within or as part of the string (see above; Figs. 1, 3A, 3B; [0014]-[0019], [0021]-[0026]).
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 103
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA  35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 103 which forms the basis for all obviousness rejections set forth in this Office action:
A patent for a claimed invention may not be obtained, notwithstanding that the claimed invention is not identically disclosed as set forth in section 102 of this title, if the differences between the claimed invention and the prior art are such that the claimed invention as a whole would have been obvious before the effective filing date of the claimed invention to a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the claimed invention pertains.  Patentability shall not be negated by the manner in which the invention was made.
Claims 5-6, 10, 14-15, 18, and 20-21 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Fripp et al. (US 20190040714), alone.
Fripp discloses the invention substantially as claimed and as discussed above.
Regarding claim 5: Fripp discloses many structures which read on the broadly claimed first, second, and third flow control structures (for example see rejections of claims 1 and 4 above). Further Fripp discloses several embodiments of in flow control devices. It is the examiner’s position that, as Fripp states that the figures are included to illustrate certain aspects of the present disclosure, and should not be viewed as exclusive embodiments, that the subject matter disclosed is capable of considerable modifications, alterations, combinations, and equivalents in form and function, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, that It is to be clearly understood that other types and combinations of fluid flow resistors may be used to achieve fluid flow control through the control valve, that while various examples have been illustrated in detail, the disclosure is not limited to the examples shown, that modifications and adaptations of the above examples may occur to those skilled in the art, and that such modifications and adaptations are in the scope of the disclosure, it would have been obvious to combine the various embodiments of Fripp.
Thus, the examiner finds that Fripp discloses a third flow control structure that is porous and forms differing flowpaths for water and oil disposed downstream of the second flow control structure (in this combination, Fripp’s second non-porous flow control structure would be disclosed by Fig. 6B and the third control structure would be one of the plurality of structure 120 – multiple porous sections 120 with a non-porous wall extending between them). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art and the benefit of the cited art to have combined the disclosed embodiments of Fripp so as to configure the system of Fripp so that a third flow control structure that is porous and forms differing flowpaths for water and oil disposed downstream of the second flow control structure. One having ordinary skill in the art would have seen from Fripp’s disclosure that the disclosed embodiments are structure, systems, and methods that can be used together to accomplish the desired operation. This combination of the Fripp embodiments is a simple substitution of one disclosed configuration for another substantially equivalent configuration. Such a simple substitution would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art and such a simple substitution would have been predictable with a reasonable expectation for success and with no unexpected results.
Regarding claim 6: Fripp discloses that the third flow control structure is oleophobic and hydrophilic (Fig. 6B; [0036]).
Regarding claim 10: Fripp discloses that the first flow control structure comprises a plurality of stacked discs with pores formed therebetween (Fig. 6A; [0030]-[0033]).
Regarding claim 14: Fripp discloses that the unitary structure has a cross-section that is a circle and that the first flow control structure comprises a plurality of pores that, near an outer surface of the circle, extends further downstream than a center of the circle (Fig. 6B).
Regarding claim 15: Fripp discloses a second flow control structure that is a non-porous structure having a first portion disposed upstream of the first flow control structure and a second portion that is surrounded by the first flow control structure (see above; Fig. 6B).
Regarding claim 18: Fripp discloses that the first flow control structure comprises a plurality of oleophilic and hydrophobic channels extending from an upstream surface of the first control structure to a downstream surface of the first flow control structure. (Fig. 6A-6D; [0030]-[0038]).
Regarding claim 20: Fripp discloses a method of controlling flow comprising flowing a fluid from a source to a destination through the inflow control device and flowing a portion of water in the fluid through the first flow control structure to impinge on an upstream surface of the second flow control structure (see above; Fig. 6A-6D; [0030]-[0038]).
Regarding claim 21: Fripp discloses that oil in the fluid glides over an upstream surface of the first flow control structure so as to have idealized flow passing the inflow control device (see above; Figs. 3A, 3B, 6A-6D; [0021]-[0026], [0030]-[0038] – the examiner finds nothing in Fripp that precludes an interpretation that the fluid “glides”).
Claims 7-8 and 17 are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Fripp et al. (US 20190040714) in view of Van Elten (US 20220121124 – “Van”).
Fripp discloses the invention substantially as claimed and as discussed above.
Regarding claims 7 and 8: Fripp discloses that the flow control structure can be various shapes (Figs. 3a-9; [0035]-[0038]) but does not explicitly disclose that the first flow control structure or that the third flow control structure is cone-shaped. Van discloses an in line flow control device wherein the upstream and downstream ends are cone-shaped (Fig. 2a). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art and the benefit of the cited art to have configured the inflow control devices of Fripp so that the  combined the disclosed embodiments of Fripp so as to configure the system of Fripp so that first flow control structure and/or that the third flow control structure is cone-shaped as taught by Van. As Fripp teaches that various shapes are acceptable and is silent regarding a cone shape, as Van explicitly teaches a cone shape, and as there is no special or technical teachings, by applicant, as to the advantage of a cone shape, it would have been obvious to substitute a Fripp shape for a cone shape. Such a simple substitution would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art and such a simple substitution would have been predictable with a reasonable expectation for success and with no unexpected results.
Regarding claim 17: Fripp, as modified by Van, discloses a second flow control structure that is oleophilic and hydrophobic (Fripp – [0031]) disposed downstream of the first flow control structure that is cone-shaped, and a third flow control structure that is oleophilic and hydrophobic and cone-shaped disposed downstream of the second flow control structure (see above; Figs. 3a-9; [0031], [0035]-[0038]; Van – Fig. 2a – cone shapes).
Claim 16 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 103 as being unpatentable over Fripp et al. (US 20190040714) in view of Silvis (US 20170074145).
Fripp discloses the invention substantially as claimed and as discussed above.
Regarding claim 16: Fripp discloses that the flow control structure can be various shapes (Figs. 3a-9; [0035]-[0038]) but does not explicitly disclose that the second non-porous structure is almond-shaped. Silvis discloses an in line flow control device is almond-shaped (Fig. 6; [0055]). Before the effective filing date of the claimed invention, it would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art and the benefit of the cited art to have configured the inflow control devices of Fripp so that the second non-porous structure is almond-shaped, as taught by Silvis, in order to minimize the flow restriction imparted by the plug (Silvis – [0055]). Such a simple substitution would have been obvious to one having ordinary skill in the art and such a simple substitution would have been predictable with a reasonable expectation for success and with no unexpected results.
Conclusion

APPLICANT REBUTTAL: REMARKS
In response to the Office Action mailed on October 30, 2024, Applicant respectfully requests reconsideration based on the above claim amendments and the following remarks. Applicant respectfully submits that the claims as presented are in condition for allowance.
Claims 1-22 are pending in the present application. Claims 1, 4, 5, 9, 15, and 29 are amended. Applicant is not conceding in this application that the amended claims are not patentable over the art cited by the Examiner, as the present claim amendments are only for facilitating expeditious prosecution. Applicant respectfully reserves the right to pursue these and other claims in one or more continuations and/or divisional patent applications. Moreover, Applicant submits that no new matter has been added by way of these amendments.
Statement of Substance of the Examiner Interview
Applicant wishes to thank Examiner Bemko for taking the time to speak with Applicant's representative, Koichiro Nakamura, on November 12, 2024. The Examiner and Applicant's representative discussed aspects of the pending claims, as well as potential amendments to the independent claims. It was agreed during the Examiner Interview that the above amendments would overcome the pending rejections in the present Office Action. In light of the Examiner Interview, the present amendment and remarks are
respectfully submitted.
Rej
ections Under 35 U.S.C.
&
Claims 1-3 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Jamison, et al. (U.S. Patent No. 10,689,268, hereinafter "Jamison"). This rejection is respectfully traversed.
Applicant respectfully submits that "[a] claim is anticipated only if each and every element as set forth in the claim is found, either expressly or inherently described, in a single prior art reference." Verdegaal Bros. V. Union Oil Co. of California, 814 F.2d 628, 631, 2 USPQ2d 1051, 1053 (Fed. Cir. 1987) (emphasis added). Moreover, "[t]he identical invention must be shown in as complete detail as is contained in the *** claim." Richardson v. Suzuki Motor Co., 868 F.2d 1226, 1236, 9 USPQ2d 1913, 1920 (Fed. Cir. 1989). Furthermore, the single source must disclose all of the claimed elements "arranged as in the claim." Structural Rubber Prods. Co. v. Park Rubber Co., 749 F.2d 707, 716, 223 U.S.P.Q. 1264, 1271 (Fed. Cir. 1984). Missing elements may not be supplied by the knowledge of one skilled in the art or the disclosure of another reference. Titanium Metals Corp. v. Banner, 778 F.2d 775, 780, 227 U.S.P.Q. 773, 777 (Fed. Cir. 1985).
Amended claim 1 recites, inter alia, "a fluid inlet; a fluid outlet; a flowpath extending between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; a first flow control structure positioned within the flowpath that is porous and forms differing flowpaths for water and oil; and a second flow control structure positioned within the flowpath that is a non- porous structure disposed downstream of the first flow control structure, wherein the fluid inlet, the fluid outlet, the first flow control structure, and the second flow control structure are arranged co-axially."
The Office Action alleges that "Jamison discloses an inflow control device
comprising a first flow control structure that is porous and forms differing flowpaths for water and oil (Figs. IA, 1B; col. 2, lines 40-52; col. 2, line 64-col. 3, line 6)."
Amended claim 1 recites a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a flowpath, a first flow
control structure that is porous, and a second flow control structure that is a non-porous structure arranged co-axially.
Jamison is directed to a wastewater treatment system that uses a coated porous substrate 40 to separate contaminant from water. Jamison fails to teach a second flow control structure that is a non-porous structure disposed downstream of the first flow control structure. Additionally, inlet 16 of Jamison is not co-axial with the outlet 17 for the treated water or the contaminant removal line 36.
In view of the above, amended claim 1 is patentable over Jamison at least for the above reasons. Dependent claims are patentable over Jamison at least for the same reasons. Accordingly, withdrawal of this rejection is respectfully requested.
Claims 1-4, 9, 11-13, 19, and 22 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(1) as
being anticipated by Fripp, et al. (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2019/0040714, hereinafter "Fripp"). This rejection is respectfully traversed.
Amended claim 1 recites, inter alia, "a fluid inlet; a fluid outlet; a first flow control structure that is porous and forms differing flowpaths for water and oil; and a second flow control structure that is a non-porous structure disposed downstream of the first flow control structure, wherein the fluid inlet, the fluid outlet, the first flow control structure, and the second flow control structure are arranged co-axially."
The Office Action alleges that "Fripp discloses an inflow control device
comprising a first flow control structure 100, 102 that is porous and forms differing flowpaths for water and oil (Figs. 3A, 3B; [0021], [0022])," and that "Fripp discloses a second flow control structure (Fripp discloses many structures which read on this claim limitation) that is a non-porous structure disposed downstream of the first flow control structure (Figs. 3A, 3B, 4-9)."
Amended claim 1 recites a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a flowpath, a first flow
control structure that is porous, and a second flow control structure that is a non-porous structure arranged co-axially.
Fripp is directed to a downhole flow control system. As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4, and 5 of Fripp cited by the Examiner, the flow resistors 100, 102 are disposed in control passageways 54, 56 that are branched to the sides of the primary passageway 52. The flow resistors 100, 102 are not co-axial with the inlet 34 or the outlet 48.
Additionally, although the Office Action does not specify which specific
structures of Fripp is alleged to correspond to the claimed second flow structure, Fripp does not disclose a second flow control structure positioned within the flowpath that is a non-porous structure that is co-axial with the flow resistors 100, 102.
In view of the above, amended claim 1 is patentable over Fripp at least for the
above reasons. Dependent claims are patentable over Fripp at least for the same reasons.
Additionally, amended claim 4 recites, inter alia, "a first partial housing that
defines the first flow control structure and the second flow control structure, and a second partial housing mounted on the second partial housing to define the fluid inlet, the fluid outlet, and the flowpath therebetween."
Fripp fails to teach the flow resistors 100, 102 being defined in a first partial
housing or the inlet 34, the outlet 48, the flowpath between the inlet 34 and the outlet 48 defined by mounting a second partial housing on the first partial housing.
In view of the above, amended claim 4 is patentable over Fripp at least for the above additional reasons. Accordingly, withdrawal of this rejection is respectfully requested.
Rej
ections Under 35 U.S.C.
&
Claims 5-6, 10, 14-15, 18, and 20-21 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as being unpatentable over Fripp. This rejection is respectfully traversed.
As explained above, amended claim 1 is patentable over Fripp. Dependent claims are patentable for at least the same reasons.
Amended claim 15 recites, inter alia, "a fluid inlet; a fluid outlet; a flowpath extending between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; a first flow control structure positioned within the flowpath that is a porous and forms differing flowpaths for water and oil; and a second flow control structure positioned within the flowpath that is a non- porous structure having a first portion disposed upstream of the first flow control structure and a second portion that is surrounded by the first flow control structure, wherein the fluid inlet, the fluid outlet, the flowpath, the first flow control structure, and the second flow control structure are arranged co-axially."
Amended claim 15 recites a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a flowpath, a first flow
control structure that is porous, and a second flow control structure that is a non-porous structure arranged co-axially.
Fripp is directed to a downhole flow control system. As shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4, and 5 of Fripp cited by the Examiner, the flow resistors 100, 102 are disposed in control passageways 54, 56 that are branched to the sides of the primary passageway 52. The flow resistors 100, 102 are not co-axial with the inlet 34 or the outlet 48.
Additionally, although the Office Action does not specify which specific
structures of Fripp is alleged to correspond to the claimed second flow structure, Fripp does not disclose a second flow control structure positioned within the flowpath that is a non-porous structure that is co-axial with the flow resistors 100, 102.
In view of the above, amended claim 15 is patentable over Fripp at least for the above reasons. Dependent claims are patentable over Fripp at least for the same reasons.
Accordingly, withdrawal of this rejection is respectfully requested.
Claims 7-8 and 17 stand rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as being unpatentable over Fripp, in view of Van Elten, et al. (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2022/0121124, hereinafter "Van Elten"). This rejection is respectfully traversed.
As explained above, amended claim 1 is patentable over Fripp. Van Elten fails to supply that which Fripp lacks with respect to amended claim 1. Thus, amended claim 1 is patentable over Fripp and Van Elten, whether considered separately or in combination, at least for the above reasons. Dependent claims are patentable for at least the same reasons. Accordingly, withdrawal of this rejection is respectfully requested.
Claim 16 stands rejected under 35 U.S.C. § 103 as being unpatentable over Fripp, in view of Silvis, et al. (U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0074145, hereinafter "Silvis"). This rejection is respectfully traversed.
As explained above, amended claim 15 is patentable over Fripp. Silvis fails to supply that which Fripp lacks with respect to amended claim 15. Thus, amended claim 15 is patentable over Fripp and Silvis, whether considered separately or in combination, at least for the above reasons. Dependent claim 16 is patentable for at least the same reasons. Accordingly, withdrawal of this rejection is respectfully requested.
Conclusion

NEXT OFFICE ACTION: DETAILED ACTION
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Applicant’s 1 Amendment, filed 11/20/2024, has been entered. Claims 1-22 are pending and allowed.
Examiner’s Amendment
An examiner’s amendment to the record appears below. Should the changes and/or additions be unacceptable to applicant, an amendment may be filed as provided by 37 CFR 1.312. To ensure consideration of such an amendment, it MUST be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee. Authorization for this examiner's amendment was given in a telephonic interview with Peter Schroeder on 9/4/2024.
The application has been amended as follows:
In the Claims:
In claim 1, line 5, after “a first flow control structure positioned” the following was deleted “within” and the following was inserted – surrounded by --.
In claim 1, line 7, after “a second flow control structure positioned” the following was deleted “within” and the following was inserted – surrounded by --.
In claim 1, line 10, after “control structure are arranged” the following was deleted “co-axially” and the following was inserted – on a common axis --.
In claim 4, line 6, after “second partial housing mounted on the” the following was deleted “second” and the following was inserted – first  --.
In claim 15, line 6, after “a first flow control structure positioned” the following was deleted “within” and the following was inserted – surrounded by --.
In claim 15, line 8, after “a second flow control structure positioned” the following was deleted “within” and the following was inserted – surrounded by --.
In claim 15, line 12, after “control structure are arranged” the following was deleted “co-axially” and the following was inserted – on a common axis --.
Allowable Subject Matter
Claims 1-22 are allowed.
The following is an examiner’s statement of reasons for allowance.
Inflow control devices and their various structures are very well known in the art. Separating water and oil is also very well known in the art.  Representative art which appears close to the claimed invention includes Jamison et al. (US 10689268), Fripp et al. (US 220190040714), Van Elten et al. (US 20220121124), Silvas (US 201700741145), DiFoggio (US 20220162936), Snitkoff et al. (US 20230075579), Dykstra et al. (US 9506320), Dykstra et al. (US 20140048282), Agrawal et al. (US 20150361773), Stojkovic et al. (US 20200095851), Lo Casio et al. (US 20210180440), and Mazyar et al. (US 20130014944). In general, this art, alone or in combination, discloses various recited features, including but not limited to, an inflow control device, inlets and outlets, multiple flow control structures being porous and/or non-porous, and various positional relationships between the multiple flow control structures. However, this art fails to disclose or fairly suggest the specifically positioned flow control structures with regards to each other, the inlets and outlets, and the flow paths. It could be argued that the individual structure is generally known in the art and thus, could just be assembled to disclose the claimed invention. However, the instant invention clearly and specifically recites structural relationships, steps, and combinations, which require a greater effort than just cobbling together known structures. Further, the claimed structures are sufficiently detailed to be distinguishable when configured as claimed. The examiner can find no motivation to combine or modify the references which would define a fully functioning apparatus as claimed in the instant application. Thus, it would not have been within routine skill to glean the specifically combined limitations of the instant invention, from the art, without the benefit of hindsight reasoning or extensive experimentation.
Any comments considered necessary by applicant must be submitted no later than the payment of the issue fee and, to avoid processing delays, should preferably accompany the issue fee.  Such submissions should be clearly labeled “Comments on Statement of Reasons for Allowance.”
Conclusion

CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US10689268B1: Claims:
A method comprising: contacting an aqueous waste stream comprising a contaminant with a coated porous substrate, wherein the coated porous substrate is coated with a hydrophilic or oleophobic coating, wherein the hydrophilic or oleophobic coating comprises graphene oxide; and passing the aqueous waste stream through the coated porous substrate to provide treated water, whereby the concentration of the contaminant in the treated water is less than the concentration of the contaminant in the aqueous waste stream, and wherein the aqueous waste stream comprises a waste or catchment stream from (i) a hydrocarbon (HC) exploration, production, transportation, or storage facility, (ii) a chemical production, transportation, or storage facility, or (iii) a combination thereof.
contacting an aqueous waste stream comprising a contaminant with a coated porous substrate, wherein the coated porous substrate is coated with a hydrophilic or oleophobic coating, wherein the hydrophilic or oleophobic coating comprises graphene oxide; and
passing the aqueous waste stream through the coated porous substrate to provide treated water,
whereby the concentration of the contaminant in the treated water is less than the concentration of the contaminant in the aqueous waste stream,
and wherein the aqueous waste stream comprises a waste or catchment stream from (i) a hydrocarbon (HC) exploration, production, transportation, or storage facility, (ii) a chemical production, transportation, or storage facility, or (iii) a combination thereof.
The method of claim 1 , wherein the aqueous waste stream comprises the waste or catchment stream from the HC exploration, production, transportation, or storage facility, and wherein the waste or catchment stream includes water recovered from rainfall, from cleaning, from daily operations, or a combination thereof.
The method of claim 1 , wherein the aqueous waste stream comprises a waste or catchment stream from a HC production or exploration wellsite, and wherein the waste or catchment stream comprises slop water.
The method of claim 3 , wherein the slop water includes water collected from one or more drains on a well drilling platform.
The method of claim 4 , wherein the well drilling platform is an offshore well drilling platform.
The method of claim 5 , wherein the offshore well drilling platform is a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) unit, and wherein the slop includes deck drainage from one or more FPSO fluid compartments of the FPSO unit.
The method of claim 1 , wherein the aqueous waste stream comprises the waste or catchment stream from the chemical production, transportation, or storage facility, and wherein the waste or catchment stream includes water recovered from rainfall, from cleaning, from daily operations, or a combination thereof.
The method of claim 1 : (a) wherein the coated porous substrate comprises a membrane, a particulate, a tube, or a combination thereof; (b) wherein the coated porous substrate comprises a polymer, a ceramic, a zeolite, a molecular sieve, or a combination thereof; (c) wherein the contacting is effected at a differential pressure across the coated porous substrate of less than or equal to about 10 psi; (d) wherein the treated water is potable water, or (e) any combination of (a), (b), (c), or (d).
(a) wherein the coated porous substrate comprises a membrane, a particulate, a tube, or a combination thereof;
(b) wherein the coated porous substrate comprises a polymer, a ceramic, a zeolite, a molecular sieve, or a combination thereof;
(c) wherein the contacting is effected at a differential pressure across the coated porous substrate of less than or equal to about 10 psi;
(d) wherein the treated water is potable water, or
(e) any combination of (a), (b), (c), or (d).
The method of claim 8 wherein the potable water comprises (i) a total dissolved solids (TDS) content, as measured by conductivity and/or water evaporation, of less than or equal to about 5000 ppm, (ii) a hydrocarbon content, as measured by 40 CFR Part 136 Method 608.3, 624.1, and/or 625.1, of less than or equal to about 500 mg/L, (iii) a salt content, as measured by electrical conductivity, of less than or equal to about 5000 ppm, or (iv) any combination of (i), (ii), or (iii).
The method of claim 1 further comprising: removing at least some of a component other than water from the aqueous waste stream during a pretreatment that precedes the contacting.
The method of claim 10 , wherein pretreatment comprises subjecting the aqueous waste stream to: centrifugation, filtering, dissolved air flotation (DAF), exposure to ultraviolet light, electrophoresis, contact with an oxidizer, contact with an enzyme, contact with a gel breaker, contact with an acid, or a combination thereof.
The method of claim 1 , wherein the contaminant is selected from the group consisting of an oil, a solid, a salt, and a combination thereof.
The method of claim 1 further comprising utilizing at least a portion of the treated water onsite, disposing of at least a portion of the treated water onsite or offsite, or a combination thereof.
The method of claim 13 , wherein utilizing at least a portion of the treated water onsite and/or disposing of at least a portion of the treated water onsite or offsite are effected without further treatment of the treated water for the removal of one or more contaminants therefrom; and/or wherein the utilizing further comprises utilizing the onsite treated water portion as a component of a wellbore servicing fluid, a component of a chemical process fluid, as drinking water, or a combination selected from a component of a wellbore servicing fluid, a component of a chemical process fluid, and as drinking water.
wherein utilizing at least a portion of the treated water onsite and/or disposing of at least a portion of the treated water onsite or offsite are effected without further treatment of the treated water for the removal of one or more contaminants therefrom; and/or
wherein the utilizing further comprises utilizing the onsite treated water portion as a component of a wellbore servicing fluid, a component of a chemical process fluid, as drinking water, or a combination selected from a component of a wellbore servicing fluid, a component of a chemical process fluid, and as drinking water.
A system comprising: a storage vessel for a aqueous waste stream comprising waste or catchment from a hydrocarbon (HC) exploration, production, transportation, or storage facility, a chemical production, transportation, or storage facility, or a combination thereof; and a water purification unit comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a coated porous substrate, wherein the coated porous substrate is coated with a hydrophilic or oleophobic coating, wherein the storage vessel is fluidly connected with the inlet of the water purification unit such that the aqueous waste stream can be introduced into the water purification apparatus from the storage vessel via the inlet, whereby the aqueous waste stream contacts the coated porous substrate, and water passes through the coated porous substrate to provide treated water that is removed from the water purification apparatus via the outlet, wherein the concentration of a contaminants in the treated water is less than the concentration of the contaminants in the aqueous waste stream.
a storage vessel for a aqueous waste stream comprising waste or catchment from a hydrocarbon (HC) exploration, production, transportation, or storage facility, a chemical production, transportation, or storage facility, or a combination thereof; and
a water purification unit comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a coated porous substrate, wherein the coated porous substrate is coated with a hydrophilic or oleophobic coating,
wherein the storage vessel is fluidly connected with the inlet of the water purification unit such that the aqueous waste stream can be introduced into the water purification apparatus from the storage vessel via the inlet, whereby the aqueous waste stream contacts the coated porous substrate, and water passes through the coated porous substrate to provide treated water that is removed from the water purification apparatus via the outlet, wherein the concentration of a contaminants in the treated water is less than the concentration of the contaminants in the aqueous waste stream.
The system of claim 15 , wherein the storage vessel contains the waste or catchment from a hydrocarbon (HC) production or exploration wellsite, wherein the waste or catchment comprises slop water, and wherein the slop water includes deck drainage from one or more deck drains on a well drilling platform.
The system of claim 16 , wherein the well drilling platform comprises an offshore well drilling platform, optionally wherein the offshore well drilling platform is a floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) unit and wherein the slop includes deck drainage from one or more FPSO fluid compartments of the FPSO unit.
The system of claim 15 , wherein the storage vessel contains the waste or catchment from the chemical production, transportation, or storage facility.
The system of claim of claim 15 , wherein the hydrophilic or oleophobic coating comprises graphene oxide.
The system of claim 15 : (a) wherein the coated porous substrate comprises a membrane, a particulate, a tube, or a combination thereof; (b) wherein the coated porous substrate comprises a polymer, a ceramic, a zeolite, a molecular sieve, or a combination thereof; (c) wherein the aqueous waste stream contacts the coated porous substrate at a differential pressure across the coated porous substrate of less than or equal to about 10 psi; (d) wherein the treated water is potable water, or (e) any combination of (a), (b), (c), or (d).
(c) wherein the aqueous waste stream contacts the coated porous substrate at a differential pressure across the coated porous substrate of less than or equal to about 10 psi;
Ref US20190040714A1: Claims:
A downhole fluid control valve comprising: an inlet; an outlet; a primary flow passageway extending from the inlet and in fluid communication with the outlet; at least one control passageway branching from the primary flow passageway; and at least one surface energy dependent flow resistor having a support structure extending across the at least one control passageway such that the flow of a fluid composition between the inlet and the outlet is permitted or restricted based on the wettability of the support structure by the fluid composition.
a primary flow passageway extending from the inlet and in fluid communication with the outlet;
at least one control passageway branching from the primary flow passageway; and
at least one surface energy dependent flow resistor having a support structure extending across the at least one control passageway such that the flow of a fluid composition between the inlet and the outlet is permitted or restricted based on the wettability of the support structure by the fluid composition.
The downhole fluid control valve according to claim 1 , wherein the support structure of the at least one surface energy dependent flow resistor is constructed of at least one surface energy sensitive material selected from the group consisting of a hydrophobic material, a hydrophilic material, an oleophilic material and a oleophobic material.
The downhole fluid control valve according to claim 2 , wherein the at least one surface energy sensitive material comprises a hydrophobic ceramic material comprising a lanthanide oxide.
The downhole fluid control valve according to claim 2 , wherein the support structure is coated with the at least one surface energy sensitive material.
The downhole fluid control valve according to claim 4 , wherein the support structure comprises discrete sand, gravel or conglomerate particulates coated with the at least one surface energy sensitive material.
The downhole fluid control valve according to claim 2 , wherein the at least one control passageway includes a pair of discrete control passageways branching from the primary flow passageway, and wherein a first control passageway of the pair of control passageways includes a hydrophobic or oleophilic support structure extending thereacross and wherein a second control passageway of the pair of control passageways includes a hydrophilic or oleophobic support structure extending thereacross.
The downhole fluid control valve according to claim 6 , wherein the first and second passageways each include a control port directed at the primary flow passageway such that flow from the control ports directs flow from the primary flow passageway along relatively high resistance and relatively low resistance pathways through the control valve.
The downhole fluid control valve according to claim 7 , further comprising a vortex chamber and wherein the relatively low resistance pathway includes a first vortex inlet passageway extending into the vortex chamber along a substantially radial direction with respect to the vortex chamber and wherein the relatively high resistance pathway includes a second vortex inlet passageway extending into the vortex chamber along a substantially tangential direction with respect to the vortex chamber.
The downhole fluid control valve according to claim 6 , further comprising a closure member disposed to move between open and closed positions to respectively permit and restrict flow through the primary flow passageway, and wherein the closure member is operably coupled to a pressure output terminal in each of control passageways to move between the open and closed positions based on a pressure difference between the pressure output terminals.
The downhole fluid control valve according to claim 1 , wherein the control valve is responsive to changes in fluid compositions having a difference in viscosity of less than 1 centipose to permit and restrict flow of the fluid composition between the inlet and the outlet.
The downhole fluid control valve according to claim 1 , wherein the support structure comprises a weave, braid, knit, link or fabric extending across the at least one control passageway.
The downhole fluid control valve according to claim 1 , wherein the support structure comprises a bundle of tubes extending across the at least one control passageway.
The downhole fluid control valve according to claim 1 , wherein the support structure is supported in a chamber having a transverse dimension larger than a transverse dimension of the at least one control passageway.
A downhole flow control system comprising an inlet fluidly coupled to a subterranean reservoir defined in a geologic formation; an outlet extending to an interior passageway of a tubing string extending to a surface location; a primary flow passageway extending from the inlet and in fluid communication with the outlet; at least one control passageway branching from the primary flow passageway; and
an inlet fluidly coupled to a subterranean reservoir defined in a geologic formation;
an outlet extending to an interior passageway of a tubing string extending to a surface location;
The downhole fluid control system according to claim 14 , further comprising a screen defined between the downhole reservoir and the inlet, the screen operable to prohibit particulates of a particular size to flow to the inlet.
The downhole fluid control system according to claim 14 , wherein the support structure comprises discrete sand, gravel or conglomerate or particulates coated with a hydrophobic material.
The downhole fluid control system according to claim 14 , wherein the support structure comprises an intrinsically hydrophobic ceramic material.
A method of controlling a downhole fluid flow, the method comprising: flowing a fluid composition through an inlet into a primary flow passageway; branching a portion of the fluid composition from the primary flow passageway to at least one control passageway including at least one surface energy dependent flow resistor therein; and permitting or resisting flow of the fluid composition from the primary flow passageway to an outlet based on the wettability of a support structure of the at least one surface energy dependent flow resistor extending across the at least one control passageway by the fluid composition.
flowing a fluid composition through an inlet into a primary flow passageway;
branching a portion of the fluid composition from the primary flow passageway to at least one control passageway including at least one surface energy dependent flow resistor therein; and
permitting or resisting flow of the fluid composition from the primary flow passageway to an outlet based on the wettability of a support structure of the at least one surface energy dependent flow resistor extending across the at least one control passageway by the fluid composition.
The method according to claim 18 , further comprising permitting flow of a first fluid composition based on the wettability of the support structure by the first fluid composition and restricting flow of a second fluid composition based on the wettability of the support structure by the second fluid composition, and wherein a viscosity difference between the first and second fluid compositions is less than 1 centipose.
The method according to claim 19 , wherein the first fluid composition has a relatively high proportion of oil and wherein the second fluid composition has a relatively high proportion of water.
Ref US20220121124A1: Claims:
A flow restriction for being arranged in a pipe so as to restrict the flow of a fluid in the pipe, the flow restriction comprising: a body extending along an axis, the body comprising: a central portion having an essentially constant cross section along the axis; an upstream portion connected to an upstream side of the central portion along the axis, wherein the cross-sectional area of the upstream portion monotonically increases in a downstream direction along the axis; and a downstream portion connected to a downstream side of the central portion, wherein the cross-sectional area of the downstream portion monotonically decreases in the downstream direction; and a plurality of central portion projections for engaging the inner surface of the pipe, wherein each central portion projection projects from the surface of the central portion in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the central portion by a distance of less than 500 Î¼m.
a body extending along an axis, the body comprising: a central portion having an essentially constant cross section along the axis;
a central portion having an essentially constant cross section along the axis;
an upstream portion connected to an upstream side of the central portion along the axis, wherein the cross-sectional area of the upstream portion monotonically increases in a downstream direction along the axis; and
a downstream portion connected to a downstream side of the central portion, wherein the cross-sectional area of the downstream portion monotonically decreases in the downstream direction; and
a plurality of central portion projections for engaging the inner surface of the pipe, wherein each central portion projection projects from the surface of the central portion in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the central portion by a distance of less than 500 Î¼m.
The flow restriction of claim 1 , wherein each central portion projection projects from the surface of the central portion in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the central portion by a distance of more than 10 Î¼m.
The flow restriction of claim 1 , wherein the body is essentially cylindrically symmetric about the axis, the central portion comprises a cylinder, and each of the plurality of projections projects in a direction perpendicular to the axis.
the central portion comprises a cylinder, and
each of the plurality of projections projects in a direction perpend
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