Office Action 2: Notice of Allowance (2024-12-13)

CLAIMS:
AMENDMENTS TO THE CLAIMS

1\. (Currently Amended) An inflow control device, comprising:
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 flowpath, the first flow control structure, and the second flow control structure are arranged co-axially.
2\. (Original) The inflow control device of claim 1, wherein the first flow control structure is oleophobic.

3\. (Original) The inflow control device of claim 2, wherein the first flow control structure is hydrophilic.
4\. (Currently Amended) The inflow control device of claim 1, further comprising:
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.

5\. (Currently Amended) The inflow control device of claim \[\[4\]\] 1, 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\. (Original) The inflow control device of claim 5, wherein the third flow control structure is oleophobic and hydrophilic.
7\. (Original) The inflow control device of claim 1, wherein the first flow control structure is cone-shaped.
8\. (Original) The inflow control device of claim 5, wherein the third flow control structure is cone-shaped.
9\. (Currently Amended) The inflow control device of claim \[\[4\]\] 1, wherein the second flow control structure has a crescent-shaped cross-section.

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

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

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

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

14\. (Original) 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\. (Currently Amended) An inflow control device, comprising:
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.

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

17\. (Original) 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\. (Original) 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\. (Original) 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\. (Currently Amended) A method of controlling flow comprising:
flowing a fluid from a source to a destination through the inflow control device of claim \[\[4\]\] 1; 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\. (Original) 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\. (Original) 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 .
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

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


CITED REFERENCE SUMMARIES: Ref US20140048282A1: Claims:
- 8 . (canceled)
A flow control device for installation in a subterranean wellbore, the flow control device comprising: an interior surface that defines an interior chamber, the interior surface includes a side perimeter surface and opposing end surfaces, a greatest distance between the opposing end surfaces is smaller than a largest dimension of the opposing end surfaces; a first port through one of the end surfaces; and a plurality of second ports through the interior surface and apart from the first port, each of the plurality of second ports having open first and second ends for allowing fluid flow therethrough, the first ends in fluid communication with the interior chamber and the second ends in fluid communication with a common fluid source, the side perimeter surface operable to direct flow from at least one of the plurality of second ports to rotate about the first port.
an interior surface that defines an interior chamber, the interior surface includes a side perimeter surface and opposing end surfaces, a greatest distance between the opposing end surfaces is smaller than a largest dimension of the opposing end surfaces;
a first port through one of the end surfaces; and
a plurality of second ports through the interior surface and apart from the first port, each of the plurality of second ports having open first and second ends for allowing fluid flow therethrough, the first ends in fluid communication with the interior chamber and the second ends in fluid communication with a common fluid source, the side perimeter surface operable to direct flow from at least one of the plurality of second ports to rotate about the first port.
The flow control device of claim 9 , wherein the first port comprises an outlet from the interior chamber and the plurality of second ports comprises a plurality of inlets to the interior chamber.
The flow control device of claim 10 , the plurality of inlets comprising a first inlet oriented to direct flow from the first inlet directly toward the outlet.
The flow control device of claim 10 , the plurality of inlets comprising a first inlet oriented to direct flow from the first inlet at an angle with respect to a direction from the first inlet to the outlet.
The flow control device of claim 10 , the plurality of inlets comprising: a first inlet oriented to direct flow at a first angle with respect to a direction from the first inlet to the outlet; and a second inlet oriented to direct flow at a second, different angle with respect to a direction from the second inlet to the outlet.
a first inlet oriented to direct flow at a first angle with respect to a direction from the first inlet to the outlet; and
a second inlet oriented to direct flow at a second, different angle with respect to a direction from the second inlet to the outlet.
A flow control device for installation in a subterranean wellbore, the flow control device comprising: a cylindroidal chamber for receiving inflow through a plurality of chamber inlets and directing the flow to a chamber outlet, a greatest axial dimension of the cylindroidal chamber is smaller than a greatest diametric dimension of the cylindroidal chamber, wherein the cylindroidal chamber promotes a rotation of the flow about the chamber outlet and autonomously varies a degree of the rotation is based on changes in a characteristic of fluid flow through at least one of the plurality of inlets.
a cylindroidal chamber for receiving inflow through a plurality of chamber inlets and directing the flow to a chamber outlet, a greatest axial dimension of the cylindroidal chamber is smaller than a greatest diametric dimension of the cylindroidal chamber, wherein the cylindroidal chamber promotes a rotation of the flow about the chamber outlet and autonomously varies a degree of the rotation is based on changes in a characteristic of fluid flow through at least one of the plurality of inlets.
The flow control device of claim 14 , wherein the degree of the rotation is based on a density of the inflow.
The flow control device of claim 14 , wherein the degree of the rotation is based on a viscosity of the inflow.
The flow control device of claim 15 , wherein the degree of the rotation is based on a velocity of the inflow.
The flow control device of claim 14 , wherein an increase in the degree of rotation increases a resistance to the flow between the interior and the exterior, and a decrease in the degree of rotation decreases a resistance to the flow between the interior and the exterior.
The flow control device of claim 14 , wherein the degree of the rotation is based in part on which of the plurality of inlets communicates a majority of the inflow into the cylindroidal chamber.
The flow control device of claim 14 , wherein the plurality of inlets are operable to direct the inflow into the cylindroidal chamber at multiple different angles.
A method of controlling flow in a subterranean wellbore, comprising: receiving flow in a cylindroidal chamber of a flow control device in a wellbore, the cylindroidal chamber comprising a plurality of chamber inlets, a greatest axial dimension of the cylindroidal chamber is smaller than a greatest diametric dimension of the cylindroidal chamber; and promoting a rotation of the flow through the cylindroidal chamber about a chamber outlet, where a degree of the rotation is based on a characteristic of inflow through at least one of the plurality of chamber inlets.
receiving flow in a cylindroidal chamber of a flow control device in a wellbore, the cylindroidal chamber comprising a plurality of chamber inlets, a greatest axial dimension of the cylindroidal chamber is smaller than a greatest diametric dimension of the cylindroidal chamber; and
promoting a rotation of the flow through the cylindroidal chamber about a chamber outlet, where a degree of the rotation is based on a characteristic of inflow through at least one of the plurality of chamber inlets.
The method of claim 21 , wherein promoting the rotation comprises increasing the degree of rotation based on a viscosity of the inflow.
The method of claim 21 , wherein promoting the rotation comprises increasing the degree of rotation based on a velocity of the inflow.
The method of claim 21 , wherein promoting the rotation comprises increasing the degree of rotation based on a density of the inflow.
The method of claim 21 , wherein the degree of the rotation is based in part on which of the plurality of inlets communicates a majority of the inflow into the cylindroidal chamber.
The method of claim 21 , wherein promoting the rotation comprises increasing the degree of rotation, and increasing the degree of rotation increases a resistance to the flow through the cylindroidal chamber.
Ref US20150361773A1: [content unavailable]
Ref US20200095851A1: Claims:
An inflow control device for a wellbore, comprising: a tubular base pipe having one or more through-openings for receiving production fluids within a wellbore; and a housing residing along an outer diameter of the tubular base pipe and covering the one or more through-openings, the housing comprising: a fluid inlet configured to receive production fluids from a subsurface formation; and a porous hydrophobic material positioned within the housing between the fluid inlet and the one or more through-openings, wherein: the hydrophobic material provides a network of pores, and the network of pores permits a flow of hydrocarbon fluids there through en route to the through-openings, but the hydrophobic material restricts the passage of aqueous fluids there through.
a tubular base pipe having one or more through-openings for receiving production fluids within a wellbore; and
a housing residing along an outer diameter of the tubular base pipe and covering the one or more through-openings, the housing comprising:
a fluid inlet configured to receive production fluids from a subsurface formation; and
a porous hydrophobic material positioned within the housing between the fluid inlet and the one or more through-openings, wherein:
the hydrophobic material provides a network of pores, and
the network of pores permits a flow of hydrocarbon fluids there through en route to the through-openings, but the hydrophobic material restricts the passage of aqueous fluids there through.
The inflow control device of claim 1 , wherein: the housing resides concentrically around a portion of the base pipe; and the hydrophobic material comprises silica, polytetrafluoroethylene, or combinations thereof.
the housing resides concentrically around a portion of the base pipe; and
the hydrophobic material comprises silica, polytetrafluoroethylene, or combinations thereof.
The inflow control device of claim 2 , wherein the hydrophobic material comprises a collection of individual particles, each particle having an outer diameter of between 50 Î¼m and 5 millimeters packed tightly together or fused using at least one of pressure, heat, chemical reaction, and combinations thereof
The inflow control device of claim 3 , wherein a core of the particles comprises graphene beads.
The inflow control device of claim 1 , wherein the hydrophobic material comprises a collection of individual particles, each particle being a spherical body comprising: an inner core; and a hydrophobic outer layer.
an inner core; and
a hydrophobic outer layer.
The inflow control device of claim 5 , wherein the inner core of each of the particles comprises a polymeric material.
The inflow control device of claim 5 , wherein the inner core of each of the particles is fabricated from ceramic, nano-fibers or nano-carbon reinforced polymer.
The inflow control device of claim 5 , wherein the outer layer of each of the particles comprises silica, polytetrafluoroethylene, or combinations thereof
The inflow control device of claim 1 , wherein: to the inlet of the inflow control device receives production fluids that have passed through a filter medium associated with a sand screen joint; and the base pipe is in fluid communication with a base pipe associated with the sand screen joint.
to the inlet of the inflow control device receives production fluids that have passed through a filter medium associated with a sand screen joint; and
the base pipe is in fluid communication with a base pipe associated with the sand screen joint.
The inflow control device of claim 1 , wherein: the housing of the inflow control device is a filter medium of a sand screen joint; the inlet of the inflow control device defines slots formed by the filter medium of the sand screen joint; the base pipe resides concentrically within the filter medium, forming an annular flow path between the base pipe and the surrounding filter medium; and the porous, hydrophobic material resides within the annular flow path.
the housing of the inflow control device is a filter medium of a sand screen joint;
the inlet of the inflow control device defines slots formed by the filter medium of the sand screen joint;
the base pipe resides concentrically within the filter medium, forming an annular flow path between the base pipe and the surrounding filter medium; and
the porous, hydrophobic material resides within the annular flow path.
The inflow control device of claim 10 , wherein the sand screen joint comprises a wire-wrapped screen or a slotted ceramic screen around the base pipe.
A method for completing a wellbore in a subsurface formation, the method comprising: providing an inflow control device, comprising: a tubular base pipe having one or more through-openings for receiving production fluids within a wellbore; and a housing residing along an outer diameter of the tubular base pipe and covering the one or more through-openings, the housing comprising: a fluid inlet configured to receive production fluids from a subsurface formation; and a hydrophobic material positioned within the housing between the fluid inlet and the one or more through-openings, wherein: the hydrophobic material provides a network of pores, and the network of pores permits a flow of hydrocarbon fluids there through en route to the through-openings of the base pipe, but the hydrophobic material restricts the passage of aqueous fluids there through; operatively connecting a first end of the tubular base pipe with an end of a production tubular; and running the production tubular and connected the inflow control device into a wellbore.
providing an inflow control device, comprising:
a hydrophobic material positioned within the housing between the fluid inlet and the one or more through-openings, wherein:
the network of pores permits a flow of hydrocarbon fluids there through en route to the through-openings of the base pipe, but the hydrophobic material restricts the passage of aqueous fluids there through;
operatively connecting a first end of the tubular base pipe with an end of a production tubular; and
running the production tubular and connected the inflow control device into a wellbore.
The method of claim 12 , wherein: the housing resides concentrically around a portion of the base pipe; and the hydrophobic material comprises silica, polytetrafluoroethylene, or combinations thereof.
The method of claim 13 , wherein the hydrophobic material comprises a collection of individual particles, each particle having an outer diameter of between 50 Î¼m and 1,000 Î¼m.
The method of claim 14 , wherein the particles comprise graphene beads.
The method of claim 13 , wherein: the production tubular is a joint of sand screen; running the sand screen joint and connected inflow control device into a wellbore comprises placing the sand screen joint and connected inflow control device into a wellbore in a horizontal leg of the wellbore.
the production tubular is a joint of sand screen;
running the sand screen joint and connected inflow control device into a wellbore comprises placing the sand screen joint and connected inflow control device into a wellbore in a horizontal leg of the wellbore.
The method of claim 16 , further comprising: producing hydrocarbon fluids in commercially viable quantities from the wellbore.
producing hydrocarbon fluids in commercially viable quantities from the wellbore.
The method of claim 13 , wherein each particle has an outer diameter of between 50 Î¼m and five millimeters packed tightly together or fused using pressure, using heat, or both.
The method of claim 13 , wherein the hydrophobic material comprises a collection of individual particles, each particle being a spherical body comprising: an inner core; and an outer hydrophobic layer.
an outer hydrophobic layer.
The method of claim 19 , wherein each of the particles comprises a porous graphite carbon (PGC) material wherein the inner core is comprised of amorphous carbon, while the outer layer comprises shell comprised of graphitic carbon.
The method of claim 19 , wherein the inner core comprises a polymeric material.
The method of claim 13 , wherein: the inlet of the inflow control device receives production fluids that have passed through a filter medium associated with a sand screen joint; and the base pipe is in fluid communication with a base pipe associated with the sand screen joint.
the inlet of the inflow control device receives production fluids that have passed through a filter medium associated with a sand screen joint; and
The method of claim 13 , wherein: the housing of the inflow control device is a filter medium of a sand screen joint; the inlet of the inflow control device defines slots formed by the filter medium of the sand screen joint; the base pipe resides concentrically within the filter medium, forming an annular flow path between the base pipe and the surrounding filter medium; and the hydrophobic material resides within the annular flow path.
the hydrophobic material resides within the annular flow path.
Ref US20210180440A1: Claims:
A well completion, comprising: a wellbore comprising a production tubing positioned within the wellbore, the production tubing having a surface end proximate a surface region and a subsurface end proximate a subsurface region, the production tubing conveying a portion of a production fluid from the subsurface region to the surface region; a fractionation system positioned within the wellbore on the subsurface end of the production tubing proximate to a production region of the wellbore, the fractionation system comprising: a permeable hydrophobic media for preferentially conveying at least the first portion of the production fluid from the production region into the production tubing; and a permeable oleophobic media for preferentially conveying at least a second portion of the production fluid from the production region into a second flow path; wherein the permeable hydrophobic media and the permeable oleophobic media are in simultaneous hydraulic communication with the production region; wherein the permeable hydrophobic media is manufactured to provide a relatively high effective permeability to oil, whereby the first portion of the production fluid comprises an oil-enriched stream that flows through the permeable hydrophobic media into the production tubing and is conveyed to the surface region; and wherein the permeable oleophobic media is manufactured to provide a relatively high effective permeability to water, whereby the second portion of the production fluid comprises a water-enriched stream that flows through the permeable oleophobic media into the second flow path for disposing of the water-enriched stream.
a wellbore comprising a production tubing positioned within the wellbore, the production tubing having a surface end proximate a surface region and a subsurface end proximate a subsurface region, the production tubing conveying a portion of a production fluid from the subsurface region to the surface region;
a fractionation system positioned within the wellbore on the subsurface end of the production tubing proximate to a production region of the wellbore, the fractionation system comprising: a permeable hydrophobic media for preferentially conveying at least the first portion of the production fluid from the production region into the production tubing; and a permeable oleophobic media for preferentially conveying at least a second portion of the production fluid from the production region into a second flow path; wherein the permeable hydrophobic media and the permeable oleophobic media are in simultaneous hydraulic communication with the production region; wherein the permeable hydrophobic media is manufactured to provide a relatively high effective permeability to oil, whereby the first portion of the production fluid comprises an oil-enriched stream that flows through the permeable hydrophobic media into the production tubing and is conveyed to the surface region; and wherein the permeable oleophobic media is manufactured to provide a relatively high effective permeability to water, whereby the second portion of the production fluid comprises a water-enriched stream that flows through the permeable oleophobic media into the second flow path for disposing of the water-enriched stream.
a permeable hydrophobic media for preferentially conveying at least the first portion of the production fluid from the production region into the production tubing; and
a permeable oleophobic media for preferentially conveying at least a second portion of the production fluid from the production region into a second flow path;
wherein the permeable hydrophobic media and the permeable oleophobic media are in simultaneous hydraulic communication with the production region;
wherein the permeable hydrophobic media is manufactured to provide a relatively high effective permeability to oil, whereby the first portion of the production fluid comprises an oil-enriched stream that flows through the permeable hydrophobic media into the production tubing and is conveyed to the surface region; and
wherein the permeable oleophobic media i
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