Water front sensing for electronic inflow control device

Included are well systems and methods for use in subterranean formations. An example well system comprises a water front sensor operable to sense a water front, wherein the water front sensor comprises a water front sensor signal transmitter and a water front sensor signal receiver. The example well system further comprises an electronic inflow control device, wherein the electronic inflow control device comprises a flow regulator in fluidic communication with an inlet of the electronic inflow control device and adjustable to provide a flow resistance to a fluid flowing through the electronic inflow control device, and a controller configured to actuate the flow regulator to change the flow resistance through the electronic inflow control device.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to downhole tools for use in a wellbore environment and more particularly to adjusting flow resistance in an electronic inflow control device in response to sensing a water front.

BACKGROUND

After a wellbore has been formed, various downhole tools may be inserted into the wellbore to extract the natural resources such as hydrocarbons or water from the wellbore, to inject fluids into the wellbore, and/or to maintain the wellbore. At various times during production, injection, and/or maintenance operations, it may be necessary to regulate fluid flow into or out of various portions of the wellbore or various portions of the downhole tools used in the wellbore.

An inflow control device may be used to regulate unequal inflow along the length of a well path. If unregulated water or gas coning may occur at areas of high drawdown pressure, for example the heel of a horizontal wellbore, inflow control devices placed along the length of the completion may be used to regulate the unequal pressure.

Some examples of inflow control devices may also be used to restrict the production of water by regulating the inflow of water into the completion. These inflow control devices may be used to improve recovery and extend the life of the well operation.

The illustrated figures are only exemplary and are not intended to assert or imply any limitation with regard to the environment, architecture, design, or process in which different examples may be implemented.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to downhole tools for use in a wellbore environment and more particularly to adjusting flow resistance in an electronic inflow control device in response to sensing a water front. A downhole assembly may include an electronic inflow control device to regulate the flow of fluids between the wellbore and the downhole assembly. A flow regulator of the electronic inflow control device may be actuated to increase or decrease the rate of fluid flow through the electronic inflow control device in response to a signal received from a signaling device communicatively coupled to a water front sensor. The water front sensor may be positioned on or inside the tubing of the downhole assembly, or on or inside the electronic inflow control device coupled to the tubing of the downhole assembly. For example, the sensor may be positioned in the wellbore in a manner sufficient to sense the presence or approach of a water front. If a water front is sensed, the sensor may induce a signaling device to signal the electronic inflow control device to adjust the flow regulator of the electronic inflow control device such that the flow resistance of the inflow of the electronic inflow control device is altered. Embodiments of the present disclosure and its advantages may be understood by referring toFIGS. 1 through 11, where like numbers are used to indicate like and corresponding parts.

FIG. 1is an elevation view of a well-production system100. Well-production system100may be located at well site102. Various types of equipment such as a rotary table, drilling fluid or production fluid pumps, tubulars, casing equipment, drilling fluid tanks (not expressly shown), and other drilling or production equipment may be located at well site102. Well-production system100may include wellhead106. The wellhead106may include various characteristics and features associated with a well-production system100including a Christmas tree, isolation equipment, choke equipment, tubing hangers, etc. Although an onshore well-production system100is disclosed, it is to be understood that the teachings of the present disclosure may be used at any offshore well sites102and with any related offshore equipment including surface and subsea wellheads106.

Well-production system100may also include production string103, which may be used to produce hydrocarbons such as oil and gas and other natural resources such as water from formation112via wellbore114. Production string103may also be used to inject hydrocarbons such as oil and gas and other natural resources such as water into formation112via wellbore114. Although wellbore114is drawn with a substantially vertical section showing (e.g., substantially perpendicular to the surface), it should be understood that the wellbore114may follow any given trajectory obtainable, including one or more vertical and one or more non-vertical sections, by virtue of having been drilled using modern directional drilling techniques.

Casing string110is optionally provided in the instance of cased-hole completions. The casing string110may extend to a desired depth of the wellbore114, and held in place by cement, which may be injected in an annulus between casing string110and the sidewalls of wellbore114. Casing string110may provide radial support to wellbore114and may seal against unwanted communication of fluids between wellbore114and surrounding formation112. Casing string110may extend from wellhead106to a selected downhole location within wellbore114. Portions of wellbore114that do not include casing string110may be referred to as open hole. In some cases, no casing string110is required, which may be referred to as open-hole completions.

The terms uphole and downhole may be used to refer to the location of various components relative to the bottom (i.e. lower) end115of wellbore114shown inFIG. 1. For example, a first component described as uphole from a second component may be further away from the lower end115of wellbore114than the second component. Similarly, a first component described as being downhole from a second component may be located closer to the lower end115of wellbore114than the second component.

Well-production system100may also include production assembly120coupled to production string103. Production assembly120may be used to perform operations relating to completion of wellbore114, production of hydrocarbons and other natural resources from formation112via wellbore114, injection of hydrocarbons and other natural resources into formation112via wellbore114, and/or maintenance of wellbore114. Production assembly120may be located at the lower end115of wellbore114or at a point uphole from the lower end115of wellbore114. Production assembly120may be formed from a wide variety of components configured to perform these operations. For example, components122a,122b, and122cof production assembly120may include, but are not limited to, screens, passive inflow control devices, electronic inflow control devices, slotted tubing, packers, valves, sensors, and actuators. The number and types of components122included in production assembly120may depend on the type of wellbore, the operations being performed in the wellbore, and anticipated wellbore conditions.

Fluids may be extracted from or injected into wellbore114via production assembly120and production string103. For example, production fluids, including hydrocarbons, water, sediment, and other materials or substances found in formation112may flow from formation112into wellbore114through the sidewalls of open hole portions of wellbore114. The production fluids may circulate in wellbore114before being extracted from wellbore114via production assembly120and production string103. Additionally, injection fluids, including hydrocarbons, water, and other materials or substances, may be injected into wellbore114and formation112via production string103and production assembly120. Production assembly120may include a screen (e.g., screen202, as illustrated inFIG. 2) to filter sediment from fluids flowing between wellbore114and production assembly120.

Production assembly120may also include an inflow control device to regulate the flow of fluids between wellbore114and production assembly120. The flow resistance provided by the inflow control device may be adjustable, for example, by using an electronic inflow control device, in order to increase or decrease the rate of fluid flow through the electronic inflow control device. Production assembly120may be in communication with a signaling device (e.g., signaling device218as illustrated inFIG. 2) that signals production assembly120or the electronic inflow control device to increase or decrease the flow resistance provided by the electronic inflow control device. For example, the signaling device may be located at well site102, within the wellbore114at the location of the production assembly120, within wellbore114at a location different from the location of production assembly120, within the wellbore114at a water front sensor, within the wellbore114and positioned about the production assembly120but at a location different from a water front sensor, or within a lateral wellbore.

FIG. 2is a cross-sectional view of a production assembly120including an electronic flow control device206. Production fluids circulating in the wellbore114may flow through production assembly120into production string103. Similarly, injection fluids circulating in production string103may flow through production assembly120into the wellbore114. Production assembly120may be located downhole from production string103and may be coupled to production string103via tubing210. Production assembly120may be coupled to production string103by a threaded joint. Alternatively, a different coupling mechanism may be employed. The coupling of production assembly120and production string103may provide a fluid and pressure tight seal.

Production assembly120may include screen202and shroud204. Both screen202and shroud204may be coupled to and positioned around the circumference of tubing210such that annulus212is formed between the inner surfaces of screen202and shroud204and the outer surface of tubing210. Screen202may be configured to filter sediment from fluids as they flow through screen202. Screen202may include, but is not limited to, a sand screen, a gravel filter, a mesh, or slotted tubing.

Production assembly120may also include an electronic inflow control device206positioned within annulus212between shroud204and tubing210. Electronic inflow control device206may engage with shroud204and tubing210to prevent fluids circulating in annulus212from flowing between electronic inflow control device206and tubing210or shroud204. For example, electronic inflow control device206may engage with the inner surface of shroud204to form a fluid and pressure tight seal and may engage with the outer surface of tubing210to form a fluid and pressure tight seal. Fluids circulating in the wellbore114may enter production assembly120by flowing through screen202into annulus212. From annulus212, fluids may flow through electronic inflow control device206and into tubing210through opening216formed in the sidewall of tubing210. Similarly, fluids circulating in production string103may enter the wellbore114by flowing through opening216formed in the sidewall of tubing210and into annulus212. From annulus212, fluids may flow through electronic inflow control device206, through screen202, and into the wellbore114.

Electronic inflow control device206may be utilized to regulate fluid flow into production assembly120from wellbore114. Alternatively, electronic inflow control device206may be utilized to regulate fluid flow out of production assembly120into the wellbore114if desired. The rate of fluid flow through electronic inflow control device206may be regulated by adjusting the flow resistance provided by electronic inflow control device206using a flow regulator, for example, flow regulator304as illustrated onFIG. 3. Electronic inflow control device206may be coupled to a water front sensor207. Water front sensor207may allow the electronic inflow control device206to adjust the rate of fluid flow resistance in anticipation of a volume of water being drawn into the wellbore114by the drawdown pressure, which is the pressure differential between the wellbore114and the formation112. Water front sensor207may sense the water front of the approaching volume of water and may transmit this information to a signaling device218.

Electronic inflow control device206may be in communication with a signaling device218that signals electronic inflow control device206to increase or decrease the flow resistance provided by electronic inflow control device206. The signaling device218may be located at a well site (e.g., well site102illustrated inFIG. 1), within the wellbore114at the location of the production assembly120, within wellbore114at a location different from the location of the electronic inflow control device206, within the wellbore114at the water front sensor207, within the wellbore114and positioned about the production assembly120but at a location different from the water front sensor207, or within a lateral wellbore (not illustrated). An increase in the flow resistance provided by electronic inflow control device206may result in a corresponding decrease in the rate of fluid flow through electronic inflow control device206, while a decrease in the flow resistance provided by electronic inflow control device206may result in a corresponding increase in the rate of fluid flow through electronic inflow control device206. The signaling device218may be used to induce the adjustment of the flow resistance for any desired reason. For example, the signaling device218may be used to induce the adjustment of the flow resistance in response to the water front sensor207detecting the approach of a water front from a surrounding formation, for example formation112. The signaling device218may also induce the adjustment of the flow resistance in a manner similar to other inflow control devices, for example, if water and/or gas are detected within the electronic inflow control device206, the signaling device218may transmit a signal to the electronic inflow control device206to increase fluid flow resistance. Alternatively, or in addition to, the electronic inflow control device206may function as a passive inflow control device and autonomously adjust the flow resistance if water and/or gas are detected with the electronic inflow control device206.

Although production assembly120is illustrated as comprising a single electronic inflow control device206, multiple electronic inflow control devices206may be utilized to regulate fluid flow into production assembly120from a wellbore114. For example, electronic inflow control devices206may be located at multiple locations within the wellbore114in order to regulate fluid flow into the production assembly120or any other completions equipment out of various parts of wellbore114. Additionally, electronic inflow control devices206may be used in conjunction with non-electronic inflow control devices, e.g., passive inflow control devices, which may not possess electronics and/or moving parts. Any number and any combination of electronic inflow control devices206and non-electronic inflow control devices may be used as desired. In some examples, packers or other isolation devices may be placed between the multiple electronic inflow control devices206as desired.

Now referring toFIGS. 3 and 4;FIG. 3is a cross-sectional view of an electronic inflow control device300positioned within annulus212between shroud204and tubing210.FIG. 4is a schematic of an electronic inflow control device300including a flow regulator304in series with a generator306. Wellbore fluids, including water and hydrocarbons, may flow through screen202and into inlet302of the electronic inflow control device300. Flow regulator304may be used to adjust the flow resistance of fluids through electronic inflow control device300. Water front sensor207, depicted onFIG. 3as being positioned on the outside of tubing210and adjacent to the electronic inflow control device300, may be used to detect the presence of an approaching water front and to convey this information to a signaling device (e.g., signaling device218as illustrated inFIG. 2) which may be used to signal receiver310. In response to the signals received by receiver310, controller312may adjust the flow resistance provided by flow regulator304as directed by the signal received by receiver310from the signaling device. For example, the signaling device may signal receiver310to induce controller310to adjust the resistance of flow regulator304based on readings transmitted to the signaling device from the water front sensor207. Alternatively, the signaling device may signal receiver310to induce controller310to stop adjusting the resistance of flow regulator304based on readings transmitted to the signaling device from the water front sensor207. As such, the signaling device may be used to induce adjustment of the resistance of the electronic inflow control device300in any desired manner, including in response to readings from a water front sensor207.

Water front sensor207may be any sensor operable to detect an approaching water front. Examples of water front sensor207include any sensor capable of detecting a water front in the annular space between the tubing (e.g., tubing210, as illustrated inFIG. 2) and the wall of the wellbore, the near-wellbore region, and/or the deep-wellbore region. The wall of the wellbore defining the annular space may be cased or open as desired. For the purposes of this disclosure, as defined herein, the “near-wellbore region” refers to the area consisting of a depth of five feet into the formation from the face of the formation. For the purposes of this disclosure, as defined herein, the “deep-wellbore region” refers to the area consisting of a depth greater than five feet into the formation from the face of the formation. For example, the water front sensor207may be able to detect a water front within the annular space between the tubing and the wall of the wellbore, in the near-wellbore region, and thirty feet into the deep-wellbore region. It is to be understood that the range of detection of a water front is a limitation of the range of the water front sensor207. No limitation as to the range of water front sensing is claimed herein. In examples, water front sensor207may detect a water front produced from any source. For example, the water front may be produced from an injection well, hydraulic fracturing, or the water front may be from a naturally occurring water source present in the formation prior to the time the wellbore was drilled.

Examples of water front sensor207may include electromagnetic sensors which may be used to measure a change in the resistivity and/or conductivity of the formation. Examples of electromagnetic sensors include any sensor capable of taking an electromagnetic field measurement, including broadband measurements and/or frequency selective measurements. The electromagnetic sensors may comprise any sensor capable of transmitting electromagnetic waves and measuring the total electromagnetic field including any secondary field generated from the interaction of the transmitted electromagnetic waves through the matter occupying the physical space through which the electromagnetic waves were transmitted. The electromagnetic field measurement, discussed above, may comprise the relative change in the electromagnetic field between two water front sensor signal receivers209, discussed below. The electromagnetic field measurement may comprise the relative change in the electromagnetic field between the transmission and reception of electromagnetic waves. The electromagnetic field measurement may comprise the relative change in the electromagnetic field between the same water front sensor signal receiver209at different time periods. The electromagnetic field measurement may comprise the relative change in the electromagnetic field between the same water front sensor signal receiver209at different frequencies. The relative change may be the change in amplitude or the change in phase.

In alternative examples, the water front sensor207may comprise a neutron logging sensor which may be used to measure the neutron cloud surrounding the water front sensor207. The neutron logging sensor may comprise any sensor capable of emitting neutrons and measuring the neutron cloud from the detected emission of gamma rays produced from the inelastic interaction of the emitted neutrons through the matter occupying the physical space through which the neutrons were emitted.

Water front sensor207may be positioned within the tubing210, positioned on the tubing210, positioned on the electronic inflow control device300, or positioned within the electronic inflow control device300, as desired. In examples, water front sensor207may be coupled to the exterior or the interior of the tubing210or the electronic inflow control device300using any sufficient means including threaded connections, welded connections, clamps, adhesives, etc. Water front sensor207may be placed within the wellbore at any location where the water front sensor207is operable to detect a water front that could potentially contact the electronic inflow control device300or other completion equipment.

In some examples, water front sensor207may be connected to or may comprise a signaling device (e.g., signaling device218as illustrated inFIG. 2) operable to signal receiver310of the electronic inflow control device300. The connection of water front sensor207to the signaling device may comprise any sufficient connection for the signaling device to receive such signal and to transmit such signal to the receiver310of the electronic inflow control device300. The connection of the water front sensor207to the signaling device may comprise a wired or wireless connection. In some examples, the signaling device may be an integrated component of the water front sensor207. In alternative examples, the water front sensor207may convey the measurement data to an operator who may operate a signaling device as desired to signal receiver310and induce actuation of flow regulator304. In some of these alternative examples, the signaling device may function as a receiver for receiving the measurement data from the water front sensor207. It is to be understood that the measurement data may be processed or unprocessed data and in some examples may not indicate that a water front is approaching without the appropriate data processing.

In some examples, water front sensor207may comprise a water front sensor signal transmitter208and water front sensor signal receiver209, as illustrated inFIG. 3. In examples where the water front sensor207comprises an electromagnetic sensor, the water front sensor signal transmitter208may transmit electromagnetic waves into the annular space, the near-wellbore region, and/or the deep-wellbore region dependent upon the capabilities of the water front sensor signal transmitter208. Without limitation by theory, the water front sensor signal transmitter208transmits the electromagnetic waves at any desired frequency to generate a primary field. The transmitted electromagnetic waves interact with matter occupying the physical space through which the electromagnetic waves are transmitted. This interaction generates secondary fields. The properties of the secondary field are a function of the resistivity of the matter through which the electromagnetic waves were transmitted. The water front sensor signal receiver209may measure the total field and by comparison of the variation in the resistivity to a baseline measurement, it may be determined that a water front is approaching. The variation in resistivity of the total field accounts for the difference between the resistivity of the primary field relative to the resistivity of the secondary field. The baseline measurement may be taken at any time as desired and may be a single measurement or an average of multiple measurements. For example, the baseline measurement may be taken during early production and may comprise a multi-day average. In some examples, the resistivity may be a complex value. In some examples, the resistivity may be a real and an imaginary component. The imaginary component may represent the charge capacitance, inductance, or any other value of the reservoir as the water flows.

In some examples, the water front sensor207may comprise a neutron logging sensor. The neutron logging sensor may function analogously to the electromagnetic sensor example described above. For example, the neutron logging sensor would comprise a water front sensor signal transmitter208and a water front sensor signal receiver209. The water front sensor signal transmitter208would comprise a radioactive source or any other type of neutron generator operable to emit neutrons into the formation. As the neutrons inelastically interact with the matter occupying the physical space through which the neutrons are emitted, the neutrons are absorbed and gamma rays are emitted which may be detected by the water front sensor signal receiver209. The water front sensor signal receiver209may comprise a scintillation detector, semiconductor-based detector, or any other type of detector operable to detect the emitted gamma rays. The measurements may be used to measure the neutron cloud surrounding the water front sensor signal transmitter208(i.e., the radioactive source), and from this a neutron log may be developed. Variation in the neutron log, compared to a baseline, may indicate the approach of a water front.

In some examples, the water front sensor207may comprise multiples of the water front sensor signal transmitter208and/or the water front sensor signal receiver209. For example, water front sensor207may comprise a single water front sensor signal transmitter208and multiple water front sensor signal receivers209. In said example, the one or more of the multiple water front sensor signal receivers209may be spaced apart from the water front sensor signal transmitter208and each other such that the water front sensor signal receivers209are capable of measuring an approaching water front across a larger portion of the formation (e.g., formation112, as illustrated inFIG. 2), relative to measurement from a single water front sensor signal receiver209.

As shown inFIG. 3, an additional water front sensor207may be used in some examples. The additional water front sensor207may be positioned uphole or downhole of any other water front sensor207. Any number of additional water front sensors207may be used. The water front sensors207may be placed in the wellbore as desired and located at any desired distance from one another. In some examples, an electronic inflow control device300may comprise multiple water front sensors207. For example,FIG. 3illustrates two water front sensors207positioned on the exterior of the tubing210, adjacent to the terminal ends of the electronic inflow control device300. Multiple water front sensors207may be used to sense the potential approach of a water front across a broader area of the formation (e.g., formation112, as illustrated inFIG. 2), relative to the use of a single water front sensor207. In turn, this may allow the operator to speculate as to which specific sections of the completion the water front may potentially contact and to plan accordingly. For example, the operator may actuate the flow regulator304of any electronic inflow control device300uphole of an electronic inflow control device300that will be contacted by sensed water front. As such, the operator may be able to create a flow profile for a series of electronic inflow control devices300across the completion to reduce the production of water as desired from an approaching water front.

FIG. 5illustrates a dual well system328and the detection of an introduced water front into one of the wells.FIG. 5depicts two distinct wells. Well330is a producing well with electronic inflow control devices300positioned along tubing210. The electronic inflow control devices300comprise water front sensors207having sensing range340defined by sensing range border338. In this example, sensing range340encompasses the well330annulus, the well330near-wellbore region, and the well330deep-wellbore region. Well332is an injection well conducting a water flood operation, which has injection water334along the length of its tubing210via injection ports350. As the injection water334flows through formation112, two water fronts336and338begin to approach well330. As water fronts336and338cross sensing range border338and enter sensing range340, water front sensors207may detect the approach of water fronts336and338. For example, the water fronts336and338may alter the resistivity of the formation112within sensing range340, and the water front sensors207may detect this altered resistivity of formation112. The contrasting resistivities of formation112may be used to sense the approach of water fronts336and338to well330. In response to the approaching water fronts336and338, electronic inflow control devices300may adjust their inflow through actuation of their respective flow regulators, for example, flow regulators304as illustrated onFIG. 3. Further, an operator may decide to produce a flow profile for the completion by selectively regulating the inflow of specific electronic inflow control devices300along the completion. As such, the productivity of well330may be increased and the amount of water produced from water fronts336and338may be reduced. Alternatively, the operator may decide to restrict the production through the electronic inflow control device300as the water front approaches. When water is no longer detected, the operator may decide to stop restriction of production through the electronic inflow control device300.

With continued reference toFIG. 5, injection water334from well332may not traverse formation112uniformly. As illustrated, portion344of injection water334has encountered resistance to fluid flow in formation112, for example, due to reduced porosity of portion346of formation112. Because of this resistance to fluid flow through portion346of formation112, the injection water334has formed two water fronts336and338instead of a uniform water front. The detection of two water fronts336and338by water front sensors207may allow the operator of well332to adjust the injection of injection water334from well332as desired. For example, the operator may choose to inject an increased amount of injection water334from the injection ports350abutting portion344of injection water334, or alternatively, to reduce the injection of injection water334from injection ports350which do not abut portion344of injection water334. As such, an operator of well332may be able to produce a controlled water front as desired in response to the water front sensors207of well330sensing the approach of water fronts336and338. Although the disclosed examples describe the detection of water fronts, gas fronts (e.g., methane) may be detected in an analogous manner if desired based on the resistivity contrasts or neutron log contrasts between a formation comprising an approaching gas and a previously measured baseline reading.

FIG. 5depicts a method for the detection of a water front. It is to be understood that the detected water may be in any form. For example, the water may comprise liquid water, water vapor, or a supercritical fluid.FIG. 5also depicts a water flood operation, however, it is to be understood that the above illustration may also be used with a steam flood operation, steam assisted gravity drainage, or any other operation which may utilize the injection of water (in any form) into a subterranean formation and/or wellbore.

Referring again toFIGS. 3 and 4, as discussed above, electronic inflow control device300may include flow regulator304, which may be adjustable to provide varying degrees of flow resistance, and generator306, which may be configured to utilize the kinetic energy of a fluid flowing through electronic inflow control device300to generate electrical power. As discussed, electronic inflow control device300may also include receiver310operable to receive signals from a signaling device (e.g., signaling device218as illustrated inFIG. 2). Controller312may be communicatively coupled to receiver310and operable to control the adjustment of the flow resistance provided by flow regulator304in response to signals received by receiver310from a signaling device.

Fluid circulating in a wellbore (e.g., wellbore114, as illustrated inFIG. 1), may flow into electronic inflow control device300via inlet302and may flow through flow regulator304and then through generator306before exiting electronic inflow control device300via outlet308. Flow regulator304may include a flow restricting device adjustable to provide varying degrees of flow resistance. For example, flow regulator304may include a valve controlled by an actuator to increase or decrease the flow resistance. The flow resistance provided by the valve may increase as the valve is moved from a fully or partially open position towards a closed position and may decrease as the valve is moved from a closed or partially open position towards a fully open position. As another example, flow regulator304may include an orifice with an insert controlled by an actuator that may be moved axially into the orifice to increase or decrease the flow resistance. The flow resistance provided by the insert may increase as the insert extends into the orifice and may decrease as the insert is withdrawn from the orifice. As yet another example, flow regulator304may include an adjustable vortex diode. The flow resistance provided by the diode may be increased or decreased by changing the angle at which fluid flows into the diode. The flow resistance provided by the diode may be at a maximum when the fluid enters the diode tangentially to the diode wall and at a minimum when the fluid enters the diode radially.

Generator306may include any generator configured to generate electrical power. For example, generator306may include a turbine generator configured to utilize the kinetic energy of fluid flowing through electronic inflow control device300to generate electrical power. The features and operation of an exemplary turbine generator are discussed below in conjunction withFIG. 4. As additional examples, generator306may include a piezoelectric generator or vortex generator configured to utilize vibrations induced by fluid flowing through electronic inflow control device300to generate electrical power. As yet another example, generator306may include a nuclear generator configured to utilize nuclear energy to generate electrical power. The electrical power generated by generator306may be supplied to components of electronic inflow control device300, including receiver310, controller312, and flow regulator304. Electronic inflow control device300may also include a power storage device that may store electrical power generated by generator306or another component of the well system (e.g., well-production system100, as illustrated inFIG. 1), and supply electrical power to one or more components of electronic inflow control device300, including receiver310, controller312, and flow regulator304.

In some examples, generator306may supply electrical power to water front sensor207. In alternative example, water front sensor207may be supplied with power independently from generator306and/or may comprise its own power supply, for example, water front sensor207may be powered by batteries.

Receiver310may receive signals from a signaling device (e.g., signaling device218as illustrated inFIG. 2). For example, receiver310may be operable to receive signals from a signaling device located at well site106(illustrated inFIG. 1), within the wellbore114(illustrated inFIG. 1) at the location of the electronic inflow control device300, within the wellbore114(illustrated inFIG. 1) at a location different from the location of the electronic inflow control device300, within the wellbore114(illustrated inFIG. 1) at the location of a water front sensor207, within wellbore114(illustrated inFIG. 1) at a location different from the location of a water front sensor207, or within a lateral wellbore. The signals received by receiver310from the signaling device may include commands to adjust the flow resistance provided by electronic inflow control device300. For example, water front sensor207may detect an approaching water front from the formation112(as illustrated inFIG. 5). The water front sensor207may convey this information to an operator who may operate the signaling device if desired, or the information may be conveyed directly to the signaling device. The signaling device may then signal the receiver310to induce actuation of the flow regulator304as instructed.

In some alternative examples, receiver310may comprise a sensor to provide additional functionality such that receiver310may be able to measure variations in the pressure or flow rate of a fluid flowing through electronic inflow control device300. For example, the rate of fluid flow through electronic inflow control device300may be dependent upon the rate of fluid flow in wellbore114(illustrated inFIG. 1), which may be controlled by an operator at well site106(illustrated inFIG. 1). The operator may control the rate of fluid flow in wellbore114(illustrated inFIG. 1) by, for example, controlling a choke, the bypass around a choke, or the backpressure at well site106(illustrated inFIG. 1). These variations in pressure and/or flow rate generated by the operations of the operator may be used to generate a plurality of pressure profiles or flow rate profiles, each of which may correspond to a command to adjust the flow resistance provided by electronic inflow control device300. In these examples, receiver310may be operable to detect variations in the pressure and flow rate of fluid flowing through the electronic inflow control device300by, for example, measuring the rate of rotation or vibration of generator306, where generator306includes a turbine generator, piezoelectric generator or vortex generator. Receiver310may include an accelerometer, hydrophone, or any other device operable to detect variations in the pressure or flow rate of fluid flowing through electronic inflow control device300.

With continued reference toFIGS. 3 and 4, in response to the signals received by receiver310, a controller312may actuate flow regulator304to perform the particular command corresponding to the signal received by receiver310. For example, a water front sensor207may detect an approaching water volume adjacent to an electronic inflow control device300. An operator may use the signaling device (e.g., signaling device218as illustrated inFIG. 2) to signal the electronic inflow control device300adjacent to the approaching water volume to increase fluid flow resistance such that the amount of water produced is reduced. In addition, or alternatively, the operator may signal one or more electronic inflow control devices300which may be uphole and/or downhole from the specific electronic inflow control device300adjacent to the approaching water volume in order to create a desired pressure or flow profile for the series of electronic inflow control devices300prior to the approaching water volume contacting the electronic inflow control device300adjacent to it. Particular pressure or flow rate profiles may correspond to commands to adjust the flow resistance provided by flow regulator304to a particular value, to adjust the flow resistance provided by flow regulator304to a minimum (e.g., fully open flow regulator304), to adjust the flow resistance provided by flow regulator304to a maximum (e.g., fully close regulator304), or to perform any command after a specified time delay. When receiver310is signaled by the signaling device, the controller312may actuate the flow regulator304to adjust the flow resistance provided by the flow regulator304according to the command corresponding to the particular desired pressure or flow rate profile. In some examples of the electronic inflow control device300, the electronic inflow control device300may be able to selectively restrict the fluid flow of water. As such, the amount of water produced may be greatly reduced in examples in which the electronic inflow control device300may configured to selectively restrict the fluid flow of water prior to the water entering the electronic inflow control device300.

Additionally, signals may be transmitted from electronic inflow control device300to another location, such as well site102(illustrated inFIG. 1) or other flow control devices within well-production system100(illustrated inFIG. 1) using variations in the pressure or flow rate of fluid flowing through electronic inflow control device300, which may be detected at well site102(illustrated inFIG. 1) or by a receiver310in a different electronic inflow control device300within well-production system100(illustrated inFIG. 1). For example, controller312may actuate flow regulator304to increase or decrease the rate of fluid flow through electronic inflow control device300to generate a plurality of pressure or flow rate profiles, each of which may correspond to a particular message or signal to be transmitted to well site102(illustrated inFIG. 1) or another electronic inflow control device300. Messages or signals transmitted to well site102(illustrated inFIG. 1) or another electronic inflow control device300may include information relating to the status and/or operability of electronic inflow control device300, measurements taken by water front sensor207, measurements taken by receiver310, the flow resistance provided by flow regulator304, verification that signals transmitted to electronic inflow control device300from well site102(illustrated inFIG. 1) and/or another electronic inflow control device300were received, commands to adjust the pressure and/or flow rate at well site102(illustrated inFIG. 1) and/or another electronic inflow control device300, and combinations thereof.

In optional examples, electronic inflow control device300may comprise a battery311. The battery311may be a primary or secondary battery. The battery may be coupled to the receiver310and/or the controller312as desired. In optional examples comprising a secondary battery311, the secondary battery may be further coupled to generator306to allow generator306to recharge battery311.

Although electronic inflow control device300is illustrated inFIG. 4as including a flow regulator304in series with a generator306, many other configurations may be utilized. For example, an electronic inflow control device300may include a flow regulator304in parallel with a generator306(illustrated inFIG. 7), a flow regulator304in parallel with a generator306and a bypass (illustrated inFIG. 8), a flow regulator304in series with a generator306and a bypass (illustrated inFIG. 9), and a flow regulator304in parallel with a fluid diode and in series with a generator306(illustrated inFIG. 10). Although a battery (e.g., battery311as illustrated inFIG. 4) is not depicted in these alternative configurations, it is to be understood that a battery may be added to any of these configurations if desired. Each of these configurations is discussed individually below.

FIG. 6is a schematic of a generator306configured to utilize the kinetic energy of fluid flow to generate electrical power. As shown inFIG. 6, generator306may include turbine assembly402coupled to a power generator404. Turbine assembly402may include a plurality of blades406positioned about rotational axis416of turbine assembly402. Turbine assembly402may be coupled to generator404via rotor414. Generator404may include a plurality of magnets418coupled to rotor414and a plurality of coil windings422coupled to power conditioning unit426.

Fluid may flow through generator306via flow path410and may induce rotation of blades406. Rotation of blades406of turbine assembly402may induce rotation of rotor414, which may in turn induce rotation of magnets418of generator404. The rotation of magnets418may generate a magnetic field, which may induce current in coil windings422. The current may flow from coil windings422to power conditioning unit426via leads424. Power conditioning unit426may be configured to, among other things, store and deliver electrical power generated by generator306. Power may be delivered from power conditioning unit426to components of electronic inflow control device300, including, but not limited to, receiver310, controller312, and flow regulator304. Alternatively, leads424may extend directly to components of electronic inflow control device300in order to provide electrical power directly to such components.

Although turbine assembly402is illustrated inFIG. 6as a transverse flow turbine assembly in which fluid flow through the turbine is substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis of the turbine assembly, turbine assembly402may also include an axial flow turbine assembly, in which fluid flow through the turbine is substantially parallel to the rotational axis416of the turbine assembly402. Additionally, although generator306is illustrated inFIG. 6as a permanent magnet alternating current (AC) generator that uses pairs of magnets318with alternating poles that rotate relative to the coil windings322to generate an AC signal, other types of generators may be used. For example, generator306may include a transverse flux generator, radial flux generator, axial flux generator, direct current (DC) generator, alternator, or any other suitable type of generator.

FIG. 7is a schematic of an electronic inflow control device500including a flow regulator304in parallel with a generator306. Like the electronic inflow control device300(illustrated inFIG. 4), electronic inflow control device500may include flow regulator304, generator306, receiver310, and controller312. Unlike electronic inflow control device300(illustrated inFIG. 4), fluid flowing through electronic inflow control device500may flow through flow regulator304and generator306in parallel. For example, fluid circulating in a wellbore, for example, wellbore114(illustrated inFIG. 1), may flow into electronic inflow control device500via inlet302, and at junction502the fluid flow may split into two parallel flows. Parallel flow A may flow through flow regulator304and parallel flow B may flow through generator306. Parallel flows A and B may rejoin at junction504before exiting electronic inflow control device500via outlet308. Because flow regulator304and generator306are placed in parallel within electronic inflow control device500, fluid may flow through generator306even if flow regulator304is completely closed. Thus, generator306may generate electrical power even when flow regulator304is completely closed. This may not be possible where, as shown inFIG. 4, flow regulator304and generator306are in series.

Electronic inflow control device500may also include a power storage device that may store electrical power generated by generator306or another component of the well system (e.g., well-production system100, as illustrated inFIG. 1), and supply electrical power to components of electronic inflow control device500, including receiver310, controller312, and flow regulator304.

FIG. 8is a schematic of an electronic inflow control device600including a flow regulator304in parallel with a generator306and a bypass. Like electronic inflow control device300(illustrated inFIG. 4) electronic inflow control device600may include flow regulator304, generator306, receiver310, and controller312. Because flow regulator304and generator306are placed in parallel within electronic inflow control device600, fluid may flow through the generator306, and the generator306may generate electrical power even if the flow regulator304is completely closed. This may not be possible where, as shown inFIG. 4, the flow regulator304and generator306are in series. Electronic inflow control device600may also include bypass valve602in fluidic parallel with flow regulator304and generator306. Bypass valve602may control fluid flow through generator306by increasing fluid flow to generator306when the rate of fluid flow through electronic inflow control device600, and thus the pressure of the fluid flowing through electronic inflow control device600, is low. Alternatively, bypass valve602may control fluid flow through generator306by decreasing fluid flow to generator306when the rate of fluid flow through electronic inflow control device600, and thus the pressure of the fluid flowing through electronic inflow control device600, is high.

Fluid circulating in a wellbore (e.g., wellbore114, as illustrated inFIG. 1) may flow into electronic inflow control device600via inlet302and, at junction604the fluid flow may split into two parallel flows. Parallel flow A may flow through flow regulator304, while parallel flow B may again split into two parallel flows at junction608. Parallel flow B1may flow through generator306, while parallel flow B2may flow to bypass valve602. When bypass valve602is open, parallel flow B2may flow through bypass valve602and may rejoin parallel flow B1at junction610. When bypass valve602is closed, parallel flow B2may flow back to towards junction608and rejoin parallel flow B1. Parallel flows B1and B2may rejoin parallel flow A at junction606before exiting electronic inflow control device600via outlet308.

Bypass valve602may be a spring loaded valve configured to open when the rate of fluid flow through electronic inflow control device600is high and the pressure exerted on bypass valve602by the fluid flow exceeds a threshold pressure or the rate of fluid flow through electronic inflow control device600exceeds a threshold value. When bypass valve602is open, parallel flow B2may flow through bypass valve602, thus reducing the rate of fluid flow through generator306and the pressure exerted on generator306by the fluid flow. Bypass valve602may be configured to close when the rate of fluid flow through electronic inflow control device600is low and the pressure exerted on bypass valve602by the fluid flow drops below the threshold pressure or the rate of fluid flow through electronic inflow control device600drops below the threshold pressure. When bypass valve602is closed, parallel flow B2may flow back towards junction608and rejoin parallel flow B1before flowing through generator306, thus increasing the rate of fluid flow through generator306. By increasing the rate of fluid flow through generator306when the rate of fluid flow through electronic inflow control device600is low, generator306may be able to continue generation of electrical power even when the rate of fluid flow through electronic inflow control device600is low.

Electronic inflow control device600may also include a power storage device that may store electrical power generated by generator306or another component of the well system, for example, well-production system100(illustrated inFIG. 1), and supply electrical power to components of electronic inflow control device600, including receiver310, controller312, and flow regulator304.

FIG. 9is a schematic of an electronic inflow control device700including a flow regulator304in series with a generator306and a bypass in parallel with the generator306. Like electronic inflow control device300(illustrated inFIG. 4), electronic inflow control device700may include flow regulator304, generator306, receiver310, and controller312. Electronic inflow control device700may also include bypass valve602in fluidic parallel with generator306. Although flow regulator304and generator306may be in series with one another in electronic inflow control device700, bypass flow path704may permit fluid flow to generator306even when flow regulator304is completely closed. Thus, generator306may generate electrical power even when flow regulator304is completely closed. This may not be possible where, as shown inFIG. 4, flow regulator304and generator306are in series without a bypass flow path.

Fluid circulating in a wellbore, for example, wellbore114(illustrated inFIG. 1), may flow into electronic inflow control device700via inlet302and, at junction702the fluid flow may split into two parallel flows. Parallel flow A may flow through flow regulator304, while parallel flow B through bypass flow path704. Parallel flows A and B may rejoin at junction706to form composite flow AB. Composite flow AB may again split into two parallel flows at junction708. When bypass valve602is open, parallel flow A may flow through generator306, and parallel flow B may flow through bypass valve602before rejoining at junction710and exiting electronic inflow control device700via outlet308. When bypass valve602is closed, however, parallel flow B may flow to, but not through, bypass valve602, while parallel flow A may flow through generator306before exiting electronic inflow control device700via outlet308.

As discussed above with respect toFIG. 8, bypass valve602may be configured to open when the rate of fluid flow through electronic inflow control device700is high and the pressure exerted on bypass valve602by the fluid flow exceeds a threshold pressure. When bypass valve602is open, parallel flow B may flow through bypass valve602, thus reducing the rate of fluid flow through generator306and the pressure exerted on generator306by the fluid flow. Bypass valve602may be configured to close when the rate of fluid flow through electronic inflow control device700is low and the pressure exerted on bypass valve602by the fluid flow drops below the threshold pressure. When bypass valve602is closed, parallel flow B may flow back to towards junction708and rejoin parallel flow A to form composite flow AB before flowing through generator306, thus increasing the rate of fluid flow through generator306. By increasing the rate of fluid flow through generator306when the rate of fluid flow through electronic inflow control device700is low, generator306may be able to continue generation of electrical power even when the rate of fluid flow through electronic inflow control device700is low.

Electronic inflow control device700may also include a power storage device that may store electrical power generated by generator306or another component of a well system, for example, well-production system100(illustrated inFIG. 1), and supply electrical power to components of electronic inflow control device700, including receiver310, controller312, and flow regulator304.

FIG. 10is a schematic of an electronic inflow control device800including a flow regulator304in parallel with a fluid diode and in series with a generator306. Like electronic inflow control device300(illustrated inFIG. 4), electronic inflow control device800may include flow regulator304, generator306, receiver310, and controller312. Electronic inflow control device800may also include fluid diode802in fluidic parallel with regulator304. Fluid diode802may permit fluids flowing through electronic inflow control device800to bypass flow regulator304and provide fluid flow to generator306even when flow regulator304is completely closed. This may permit generator306to generate electrical power even when flow regulator304is completely closed. This may not be possible where, as shown inFIG. 4, flow regulator304and generator306are in series without a bypass flow path.

Fluid circulating in a wellbore, for example, wellbore114(illustrated inFIG. 1), may flow into electronic inflow control device800via inlet302and, at junction804the fluid flow may split into two parallel flows. Parallel flow A may flow through flow regulator304, while parallel flow B through bypass flow path704. When flow regulator304is open, parallel flow A may flow through flow regulator304and parallel flow B may flow through fluid diode802. Parallel flows A and B may rejoin at junction806and may flow through generator306before exiting electronic inflow control device800via outlet308. When flow regulator304is closed, parallel flow A may flow to, but not through, flow regulator304, while parallel flow B may flow through fluid diode802and generator306before exiting electronic inflow control device800via outlet308.

Electronic inflow control device800may also include a power storage device that may store electrical power generated by generator306or another component of a well system, for example, well-production system100(illustrated inFIG. 1), and supply electrical power to components of electronic inflow control device800, including receiver310, controller312, and flow regulator304.

FIG. 11illustrates a method of regulating fluid flow into or out of a wellbore. Method900may begin at step906, where a water front sensor may be used to measure the annulus, the near-wellbore region, and the deep-wellbore region for the presence of an approaching water front. The method continues to step908if a water front is detected, and this information is conveyed to a signaling device (e.g., signaling device218as illustrated inFIG. 2) or the operator of the signaling device. At step910, the signaling device transmits a signal which may be received by an electronic inflow control device, and which may include a command to adjust the flow resistance provided by the electronic inflow control device. As discussed above with respect toFIGS. 3 and 4, an electronic inflow control device may include a receiver operable to receive signals from a signaling device. The signals received by the electronic inflow control device may include commands to adjust the flow resistance provided by the electronic inflow control device. The signals may be transmitted to the receiver using any desirable method.

At step920, the flow resistance provided by the electronic inflow control device may be adjusted. As discussed above in conjunction withFIGS. 3 and 4, the electronic inflow control device may include a flow regulator, which may be adjustable to provide varying degrees of flow resistance, and a controller, which may be communicatively coupled to the receiver and operable to control adjustment of the flow resistance provided by the flow regulator in response to signals received by the receiver. For example, when the receiver receives a signal from a signaling device to increase the flow resistance by a specified amount, the controller may actuate the flow regulator to increase the flow resistance provided by the flow regulator by the specified amount. Similarly, when the receiver receives a signal to adjust the flow resistance provided by the flow regulator to a particular value, to adjust the flow resistance provided by the flow regulator to a minimum (e.g., fully open the regulator), to adjust the flow resistance provided by the flow regulator to a maximum (e.g., fully close the regulator), or to perform any commands after a specified time delay, the controller may actuate the flow regulator to adjust the flow resistance provided by the flow regulator according to the command corresponding to the signal received by the receiver.

Optionally, at step930, a determination may be made regarding whether to further adjust the flow resistance provided by the electronic inflow control device. If it is determined that the flow resistance provided by the electronic inflow control device should be further adjusted, the method may return to step910. If it is determined that the flow resistance provided by the electronic inflow control device should not be further adjusted, the method900may end.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the method900without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the order of the steps may be performed in a different manner than that described, and some steps may be performed at the same time. Additionally, each individual step may include additional steps without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Well systems for use in subterranean formations are provided. An example well system comprises a water front sensor operable to sense a water front, wherein the water front sensor comprises a water front sensor signal transmitter and a water front sensor signal receiver. The example well system further comprises an electronic inflow control device, wherein the electronic inflow control device comprises a flow regulator in fluidic communication with an inlet of the electronic inflow control device and adjustable to provide a flow resistance to a fluid flowing through the electronic inflow control device, and a controller configured to actuate the flow regulator to change the flow resistance through the electronic inflow control device. The water front sensor may be operable to sense an approaching water front prior to the water front contacting the electronic inflow control device. The flow regulator may be operable to adjust the flow resistance prior to the water front contacting the electronic inflow control device. The water front sensor may be an electromagnetic sensor, wherein the water front sensor signal transmitter is operable to transmit electromagnetic waves, and wherein the water front sensor signal receiver is operable to measure the total electromagnetic field of a portion of the formation. The water front sensor may be a neutron logging sensor, wherein the water front sensor signal transmitter is operable to emit neutrons, and wherein the water front sensor signal receiver is operable to detect gamma rays. The electronic inflow control device may further comprise a generator in fluidic communication with the inlet that utilizes the fluid flowing through the electronic inflow control device to generate electrical power. The well system may further comprise a signaling device communicably coupled to the water front sensor, wherein the water front sensor is configured to signal the signaling device of a sensed water front. The electronic inflow control device may further comprise a receiver communicably coupled to the signaling device, wherein the receiver is configured to receive a signal from the signaling device of the sensed water front. The receiver may be communicably coupled to the controller and wherein the receiver is configured to signal the controller to actuate the flow regulator. The well system may further comprise non-electronic inflow control devices.

Another example well system for use in a subterranean formation is provided. The example well system comprises a first well, wherein the first well comprises a water front sensor operable to sense a water front, and an electronic inflow control device. The well system further comprises a second well adjacent to the first well. The first well may be a production well. The second well may be an injection well or a hydraulically fractured well. The water front sensor may be operable to sense a water front produced from the second well. The electronic inflow control device may be operable to restrict inflow of the water produced from the second well. The water front sensor may comprise a water front sensor signal transmitter and a water front sensor signal receiver. The electronic inflow control device may comprise a flow regulator in fluidic communication with an inlet of the electronic inflow control device and adjustable to provide a flow resistance to a fluid flowing through the electronic inflow control device, and a controller configured to actuate the flow regulator to change the flow resistance through the electronic inflow control device. The water front sensor may be operable to sense an approaching water front prior to the water front contacting the electronic inflow control device. The flow regulator may be operable to adjust the flow resistance prior to the water front contacting the electronic inflow control device. The water front sensor may be an electromagnetic sensor, wherein the water front sensor signal transmitter is operable to transmit electromagnetic waves, and wherein the water front sensor signal receiver is operable to measure the total electromagnetic field of a portion of the formation. The water front sensor may be a neutron logging sensor, wherein the water front sensor signal transmitter is operable to emit neutrons, and wherein the water front sensor signal receiver is operable to detect gamma rays. The electronic inflow control device may further comprise a generator in fluidic communication with the inlet that utilizes the fluid flowing through the electronic inflow control device to generate electrical power. The well system may further comprise a signaling device communicably coupled to the water front sensor, wherein the water front sensor is configured to signal the signaling device of a sensed water front. The electronic inflow control device may further comprise a receiver communicably coupled to the signaling device, wherein the receiver is configured to receive a signal from the signaling device of the sensed water front. The receiver may be communicably coupled to the controller and wherein the receiver is configured to signal the controller to actuate the flow regulator. The well system may further comprise non-electronic inflow control devices.

Methods of adjusting flow resistance in an electronic inflow control device within a wellbore are provided. An example method comprises sensing an approaching water front in a subterranean formation surrounding the wellbore with a water front sensor positioned within the wellbore, and actuating a flow regulator within the electronic inflow control device. The approaching water front may contact the electronic inflow control device, and the flow regulator may be actuated before the said approaching water front contacts the electronic inflow control device. The water front sensor may be an electromagnetic sensor, and wherein the sensing an approaching water front may comprise transmitting electromagnetic waves and measuring the total electromagnetic field of a portion of the formation. The water front sensor may be a neutron logging sensor, and the sensing an approaching water front may comprise emitting neutrons and detecting gamma rays. The approaching water front may be produced from an adjacent injection well. The water front sensor may comprise a water front sensor signal transmitter and a water front sensor signal receiver. The electronic inflow control device may comprise a flow regulator in fluidic communication with an inlet of the electronic inflow control device and adjustable to provide a flow resistance to a fluid flowing through the electronic inflow control device, and a controller configured to actuate the flow regulator to change the flow resistance through the electronic inflow control device. The electronic inflow control device may further comprise a generator in fluidic communication with the inlet that utilizes the fluid flowing through the electronic inflow control device to generate electrical power. The method may further comprise a signaling device communicably coupled to the water front sensor, wherein the water front sensor is configured to signal the signaling device of a sensed water front. The electronic inflow control device may further comprise a receiver communicably coupled to the signaling device, wherein the receiver is configured to receive a signal from the signaling device of the sensed water front. The receiver may be communicably coupled to the controller and wherein the receiver is configured to signal the controller to actuate the flow regulator. The well system may further comprise non-electronic inflow control devices.