Patent Publication Number: US-11639645-B2

Title: Adaptive fluid switches for autonomous flow control

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 16/900,895 filed Jun. 13, 2020, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 16/520,596 filed Jul. 24, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,711,569, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 16/206,512 filed Nov. 30, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,364,646, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 16/048,328 filed Jul. 29, 2018, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,174,588, which is a continuation of application Ser. No. 15/855,747 filed Dec. 27, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,060,221, the entire contents of each is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure relates, in general, to equipment used in conjunction with operations performed in hydrocarbon bearing subterranean wells and, in particular, to adaptive fluid switches configured to interpret fluid properties and select between high resistance and low resistance flow paths to autonomously transition between high flowrate and low flowrate regimes. 
     BACKGROUND 
     During the completion of a well that traverses a hydrocarbon bearing subterranean formation, production tubing and various completion equipment are installed in the well to enable safe and efficient production of the formation fluids. In some wells, to control the flowrate of production fluids into the production tubing, a fluid flow control system is installed within the tubing string that may include one or more inflow control devices such as flow tubes, nozzles, labyrinths or other tortuous path devices. Typically, the production flowrate through these inflow control devices is fixed prior to installation based upon the design thereof. It has been found, however, that production fluids are commonly multiphase fluids including oil, natural gas, water and/or other fractional components. In addition, it has been found, that the proportions of the various fluid components may change over time. For example, in an oil-producing well, the proportion of an undesired fluid such as natural gas or water may increase as the well matures. 
     As the proportions of the fluid components change, various properties of the production fluid may also change. For example, when the production fluid has a high proportion of oil relative to natural gas or water, the viscosity of the production fluid is higher than when the production fluid has a high proportion of natural gas or water relative to oil. Attempts have been made to reduce or prevent the production of undesired fluids in favor of desired fluids through the use of autonomous inflow control devices that interventionlessly respond to changing fluid properties downhole. Certain autonomous inflow control devices include one or more valve elements that are fully open responsive to the flow of a desired fluid, such as oil, but restrict production responsive to the flow of an undesired fluid, such as natural gas or water. It has been found, however, that systems incorporating current autonomous inflow control technology suffer from a variety of limitations such as fatigue failure of biasing devices, failure of intricate components or complex structures and/or lack of sensitivity to minor fluid property differences. 
     Accordingly, a need has arisen for a downhole fluid flow control system that is operable to control the inflow of production fluid as the proportions of the fluid components change over time without the requirement for well intervention. A need has also arisen for such a downhole fluid flow control system that does not require the use of biasing devices, intricate components or complex structures. In addition, a need has arisen for such a downhole fluid flow control system that has the sensitivity to operate responsive to minor fluid property differences. 
     SUMMARY 
     In a first aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an adaptive fluid switch for regulating the production rate of a fluid being produced from a hydrocarbon bearing subterranean formation. The adaptive fluid switch includes a fluid control valve configured to interpret the viscosity of the fluid and determine whether the fluid is a selected fluid, such as oil, or a non-selected fluid, such as natural gas or water. A self-impinging valve element is disposed within the fluid control valve. The valve element has a viscosity dominated flow path configured to provide a first flow resistance and an inertia dominated flow path configured to provide a second flow resistance that is greater than the first flow resistance. When the viscosity of the fluid is greater than a first predetermined level, the fluid control valve interprets the fluid to be the selected fluid such that the fluid follows the viscosity dominated flow path with the lower flow resistance and a higher flowrate. When the viscosity of the fluid is less than a second predetermined level, the fluid control valve interprets the fluid to be the non-selected fluid such that the fluid follows the inertia dominated flow path with the higher flow resistance and a lower flowrate, thereby regulating the production rate of the fluid responsive to changes in the viscosity of the fluid. 
     In some embodiments, the fluid may be a multiphase fluid containing at least an oil component and a water component such that the selected fluid has a predetermined fraction of the oil component and the non-selected fluid has a predetermined fraction of the water component. In certain embodiments, the fluid may be a multiphase fluid containing at least an oil component and a natural gas component such that the selected fluid has a predetermined fraction of the oil component and the non-selected fluid has a predetermined fraction of the natural gas component. In some embodiments, the fluid control valve may be configured to interpret the viscosity of the fluid as an effective viscosity of a single phase fluid. In certain embodiments, the first predetermined level may be between 1 centipoise and 10 centipoises and the second predetermined level may be between 0.1 centipoises and 1 centipoise. In some embodiments, the first predetermined level may have a ratio to the second predetermined level of between 2 to 1 and 10 to 1. 
     In certain embodiments, the valve element may be a multistage self-impinging valve element such as a multistage self-impinging valve element having a plurality of parallel branches. In some embodiments, the valve element may be a ring valve element having multiple inlets and multiple outlets such as a tesla ring valve element. In certain embodiments, the valve element may be a bow valve element. In some embodiments, the valve element may be a cross valve element. In such embodiments, the cross valve element may include a plurality of valve inlets and single valve outlet with a plurality of parallel branches each extending between a respective one of the valve inlets and the valve outlet. In certain embodiments, a swirl chamber may be disposed within the fluid control valve such that the swirl chamber may induce the selected fluid to swirl in a first direction and induce the non-selected fluid to swirl in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction. In some embodiments, the valve element may have at least one impinging flow path and at least one compliant flow path. In such embodiments, at least one viscosity dependent resistor may be disposed within the impinging flow path, at least one inertia dependent resistor may be disposed within the compliant flow path or both. 
     In a second aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an adaptive fluid switch for regulating the production rate of a fluid being produced from a hydrocarbon bearing subterranean formation. The adaptive fluid switch includes a fluid control valve having at least one inlet and at least one outlet. A fluid selector is disposed within the fluid control valve. The fluid selector is configured to interpret the viscosity of the fluid and determine whether the fluid is a selected fluid or a non-selected fluid. A swirl chamber is disposed within the fluid control valve downstream of the fluid selector. The swirl chamber is configured to induce the selected fluid to swirl in a first direction and induce the non-selected fluid to swirl in a second direction that is opposite of the first direction. A self-impinging valve element is disposed within the fluid control valve. The valve element has multiple valve inlets, at least one valve outlet and a plurality of parallel branches. The valve inlets are in fluid communication with the swirl chamber. The at least one valve outlet is in fluid communication with the at least one outlet of the fluid control valve. The valve element has a viscosity dominated flow path configured to provide a first flow resistance and an inertia dominated flow path configured to provide a second flow resistance that is greater than the first flow resistance. When the viscosity of the fluid is greater than a first predetermined level, the fluid selector determines the fluid to be the selected fluid such that the fluid swirls in the first direction in the swirl chamber and follows the viscosity dominated path in the valve element with a low resistance and a high flowrate. When the viscosity of the fluid is less than a second predetermined level, the fluid selector determines the fluid to be the non-selected fluid such that the fluid swirls in the second direction in the swirl chamber and follows the inertia dominated flow path in the valve element with a high resistance and a low flowrate, thereby regulating the production rate of the fluid responsive to changes in the viscosity of the fluid. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the detailed description along with the accompanying figures in which corresponding numerals in the different figures refer to corresponding parts and in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic illustration of a well system operating a plurality of flow control screens according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  2    is a top view of a flow control screen including an adaptive fluid switch according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG.  3    is an exploded view of an adaptive fluid switch according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  4 A- 4 D  are top views of an inner plate of an adaptive fluid switch according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  5 A- 5 B  are top views of an inner plate of an adaptive fluid switch according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  6 A- 6 B  are top views of an inner plate of an adaptive fluid switch according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  7 A- 7 B  are top views of an inner plate of an adaptive fluid switch according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  8 A- 8 B  are top views of an inner plate of an adaptive fluid switch according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  9 A- 9 B  are top views of an inner plate of an adaptive fluid switch according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  10 A- 10 B  are top views of an inner plate of an adaptive fluid switch according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  11 A- 11 B  are top views of an inner plate of an adaptive fluid switch according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  12 A- 12 B  are flow diagrams depicting fluid traveling through a fluid conduit of a multistage self-impinging valve element for use in an adaptive fluid switch according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  13 A- 13 D  are flow diagrams depicting fluid traveling through a fluid conduit of a multistage self-impinging valve element for use in an adaptive fluid switch according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  14 A- 14 C  are schematic illustrations of various fluid conduits for use in a multistage self-impinging valve element of an adaptive fluid switch according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  15 A- 15 B  are schematic illustrations of a self-impinging flow element for use in a self-impinging valve element according to embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS.  16 A- 16 B  are schematic illustrations of a self-impinging flow element for use in a self-impinging valve element according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and 
         FIGS.  17 A- 17 B  are schematic illustrations of a self-impinging flow element for use in a self-impinging valve element according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While the making and using of various embodiments of the present disclosure are discussed in detail below, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure provides many applicable inventive concepts, which can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative and do not delimit the scope of the present disclosure. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation may be described in the present disclosure. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer&#39;s specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would be a routine undertaking for those having ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure. 
     In the specification, reference may be made to the spatial relationships between various components and to the spatial orientation of various aspects of components as depicted in the attached drawings. It will be recognized, however, by those having ordinary skill in the art after a complete reading of the present disclosure, that the devices, members, systems, elements, apparatuses, chambers, pathways and other like components described herein may be positioned in any desired orientation. Thus, the use of terms such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower” or other like terms to describe spatial relationships should be understood to describe relative spatial relationships, as the components described herein may be oriented in any desired direction. As used herein, the term “coupled” may include direct or indirect coupling by any means, including moving and/or non-moving mechanical connections. 
     Referring initially to  FIG.  1   , therein is depicted a well system including a plurality of downhole fluid flow control systems positioned in flow control screens embodying principles of the present disclosure that is schematically illustrated and generally designated  10 . In the illustrated embodiment, a wellbore  12  extends through the various earth strata. Wellbore  12  has a substantially vertical section  14 , the upper portion of which includes a casing string  16  that has been cemented therein. Wellbore  12  also has a substantially horizontal section  18  that extends through a hydrocarbon bearing subterranean formation  20 . As illustrated, substantially horizontal section  18  of wellbore  12  is open hole. 
     Positioned within wellbore  12  and extending from the surface is a tubing string  22  that provides a conduit for formation fluids to travel from formation  20  to the surface and/or for injection fluids to travel from the surface to formation  20 . At its lower end, tubing string  22  is coupled to a completion string  24  that has been installed in wellbore  12  and divides the completion interval into various production intervals such as production intervals  26   a ,  26   b  that are adjacent to formation  20 . Completion string  24  includes a plurality of flow control screens  28   a ,  28   b , each of which is positioned between a pair of annular barriers depicted as packers  30  that provide a fluid seal between completion string  24  and wellbore  12 , thereby defining production intervals  26   a ,  26   b . In the illustrated embodiment, flow control screens  28   a ,  28   b  serve the functions of filtering particulate matter out of the production fluid stream as well as providing autonomous flow control as the proportions of the various fluid components in the production fluid change over time utilizing viscosity dependent adaptive fluid switches. 
     For example, the flow control sections of flow control screens  28   a ,  28   b  may be operable to control the inflow of a production fluid stream during the production phase of well operations. Alternatively or additionally, the flow control sections of flow control screens  28   a ,  28   b  may be operable to control the flow of an injection fluid stream during a treatment phase of well operations. As explained in greater detail herein, the flow control sections preferably control the inflow of production fluids from each production interval without the requirement for well intervention as the composition or fluid proportions of the production fluid entering specific intervals changes over time in order to maximize production of a selected fluid and minimize production of a non-selected fluid. For example, the present flow control screens may be tuned to maximize the production of oil and minimize the production of water. As another example, the present flow control screens may be tuned to maximize the production of oil and minimize the production of natural gas. In yet another example, the present flow control screens may be tuned to maximize the production of natural gas and minimize the production of water. 
     Even though  FIG.  1    depicts the flow control screens of the present disclosure in an open hole environment, it should be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that the present flow control screens are equally well suited for use in cased wells. Also, even though  FIG.  1    depicts one flow control screen in each production interval, it should be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that any number of flow control screens may be deployed within a production interval without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. In addition, even though  FIG.  1    depicts the flow control screens in a horizontal section of the wellbore, it should be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that the present flow control screens are equally well suited for use in wells having other directional configurations including vertical wells, deviated wells, slanted wells, multilateral wells and the like. Further, even though the flow control systems in  FIG.  1    have been described as being associated with flow control screens in a tubular string, it should be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that the flow control systems of the present disclosure need not be associated with a screen or be deployed as part of the tubular string. For example, one or more flow control systems may be deployed and removably inserted into the center of the tubing string or inside pockets of the tubing string. 
     Referring next to  FIG.  2   , therein is depicted a flow control screen according to the present disclosure that is representatively illustrated and generally designated  28 . Flow control screen  28  may be suitably coupled to other similar flow control screens, production packers, locating nipples, production tubulars or other downhole tools to form a completions string as described above. Flow control screen  28  includes a base pipe  32  that preferably has a blank pipe section disposed to the interior of a screen element or filter medium  34 , such as a wire wrap screen, a woven wire mesh screen, a prepacked screen or the like, with or without an outer shroud positioned therearound, designed to allow fluids to flow therethrough but prevent particulate matter of a predetermined size from flowing therethrough. It will be understood, however, by those having ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments of the present disclosure not need have a filter medium associated therewith, accordingly, the exact design of the filter medium is not critical to the present disclosure. 
     Fluid produced through filter medium  34  travels toward and enters an annular area between outer housing  36  and base pipe  32 . To enter the interior of base pipe  32 , the fluid must pass through an adaptive fluid switch  40  and a perforated section of base pipe  32  that is disposed under adaptive fluid switch  40 . In the illustrated embodiment, adaptive fluid switch  40  is seen through a cutaway section of outer housing  36  and with an upper plate of adaptive fluid switch  40  removed. The flow control system of each flow control screen  28  may include one or more adaptive fluid switches  40 . In certain embodiments, adaptive fluid switches  40  may be circumferentially distributed about base pipe  32  such as at 180 degree intervals, 120 degree intervals, 90 degree intervals or other suitable distribution. Alternatively or additionally, adaptive fluid switches  40  may be longitudinally distributed along base pipe  32 . Regardless of the exact configuration of adaptive fluid switches  40  on base pipe  32 , any desired number of adaptive fluid switches  40  may be incorporated into a flow control screen  28 , with the exact configuration depending upon factors that are known to those having ordinary skill in the art including the reservoir pressure, the expected composition of the production fluid, the desired production rate and the like. The various connections of the components of flow control screen  32  may be made in any suitable fashion including welding, threading and the like as well as through the use of fasteners such as pins, set screws and the like. Even though adaptive fluid switch  40  has been described and depicted as being coupled to the exterior of base pipe  32 , it will be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that the adaptive fluid switches of the present disclosure may be alternatively positioned such as within openings of the base pipe or to the interior of the base pipe so long as the adaptive fluid switches are positioned between the upstream or formation side and the downstream or base pipe interior side of the formation fluid path. 
     Adaptive fluid switches  40  may be operable to control the flow of fluid in both the production direction and the injection direction therethrough. For example, during the production phase of well operations, fluid flows from the formation into the production tubing through fluid flow control screen  28 . The production fluid, after being filtered by filter medium  34 , if present, flows into the annulus between base pipe  32  and outer housing  36 . The fluid then enters adaptive fluid switch  40  where the desired flow operation occurs depending upon the viscosity, density, velocity or other interpreted fluid property of the produced fluid. For example, if a selected fluid such as oil is being produced, the flow through adaptive fluid switch  40  follows a low resistance flow path enabling a high flowrate. If a non-selected fluid such as water is being produced, the flow through adaptive fluid switch  40  follows a high resistance flow path creating a low flowrate. 
     Referring next to  FIG.  3   , an adaptive fluid switch for use in a downhole fluid flow control system of the present disclosure is representatively illustrated and generally designated  40 . In the illustrated embodiment, adaptive fluid switch  40  includes a fluid control module  50  that is formed by coupling an outer plate  52  and an inner plate  54  to base pipe  32  with a plurality of fasteners depicted as screws  56 . As illustrated, outer plate  52 , an inner plate  54  and base pipe  32  have matching hole patterns that enable screws  56  to pass through outer plate  52  and inner plate  54  and to threadedly couple with base pipe  32  to form fluid control module  50 . Outer plate  52  and inner plate  54  may be metal plates formed from a stainless steel, a titanium alloy, a nickel alloy, a tungsten carbide or other suitable corrosion resistant material. 
     Adaptive fluid switch  40  has an inlet  58  that extends at least partially through outer plate  52 . Adaptive fluid switch  40  also includes a fluid selector  60 , a swirl chamber  62 , a self-impinging valve element  64  and a deflector  66  which can be seen on an upper surface of inner plate  54 . Alternatively, fluid selector  60 , swirl chamber  62 , self-impinging valve element  64  and deflector  66  could be on the lower surface of outer plate  52 . As another alternative, the upper surface of inner plate  54  and the lower surface of outer plate  52  could each include a portion of fluid selector  60 , swirl chamber  62 , self-impinging valve element  64  and deflector  66  such that these features are fully formed when outer plate  52  and inner plate  54  are mated together to form fluid control module  50  and/or coupled to base pipe  32 . Fluid selector  60 , swirl chamber  62 , self-impinging valve element  64  and deflector  66  may be formed on inner plate  54  and/or outer plate  52  by a material removal process such as machining, etching or the like or by an additive manufacturing process such as deposition, 3D printing, laser melting or the like. 
     Referring additionally to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , top views of inner plate  54  including fluid selector  60 , swirl chamber  62 , self-impinging valve element  64  and deflector  66  are depicted. In the illustrated embodiment, fluid selector  60  is configured to interpret the viscosity of a fluid flowing therethrough to determine whether the fluid is a selected fluid, such oil, or a non-selected fluid, such as natural gas or water. Specifically, fluid selector  60  includes an inlet region  68  that is aligned with inlet  58  of outer plate  52 . Fluid selector  60  also includes a main flow path  70 , a viscosity dominated flow path  72  and an inertia dominated flow path  74 . In the illustrated embodiment, viscosity dominated flow path  72  includes a resistor  76  in the form of one or more flow tubes that tends to create an increasing resistance to flow with increasing fluid viscosity. Inertia dominated flow path  74  includes a resistor  78  in the form of one or more orifices that tends to create an increasing resistance to flow with increasing fluid momentum. 
     As an example, when the fluid flowing through adaptive fluid switch  40  (represented by arrows) has a viscosity greater than a first predetermined level, such as a fluid having a viscosity between 1 and 10 centipoises, more fluid will exit inertia dominated flow path  74  than viscosity dominated flow path  72 . As the fluid exiting inertia dominated flow path  74  and viscosity dominated flow path  72  interact with fluid from main flow path  70  in opposing transverse directions, the higher flowrate exiting inertia dominated flow path  74  will cause fluid from main flow path  70  to be urged in the upward direction, as best seen in  FIG.  4 A . Continuing with this example, when the fluid flowing through adaptive fluid switch  40  has a viscosity less than a second predetermined level, such as a fluid having a viscosity between 0.1 and 1 centipoise, more fluid will exit viscosity dominated flow path  72  than inertia dominated flow path  74  causing fluid from main flow path  70  to be urged in the downward direction, as best seen in  FIG.  4 B . In this example, when the fluid flowing through adaptive fluid switch  40  is the selected fluid of oil, which has a viscosity greater than the first predetermined level, the selected fluid will be directed upwardly as it exits fluid selector  60 . Similarly, when the fluid flowing through adaptive fluid switch  40  is the non-selected fluid of water or natural gas, which have a viscosity less than the second predetermined level, the non-selected fluid will be directed downwardly as it exits fluid selector  60 . In this manner, fluid selector  60  interprets the viscosity of the fluid flowing through adaptive fluid switch  40 , determines whether the fluid is a selected fluid, such as oil, or a non-selected fluid, such as natural gas or water, and directs the fluid either upwardly or downwardly responsive thereto. 
     The first and second predetermined levels of fluid selector  60  may be tuned based upon the specific implementations of resistors  76 ,  78  as well as the relative resistances of resistors  76 ,  78 . If it is desired to discriminate between fluids having similar viscosities, such as light crude oil and water, the ratio between the first predetermined level and the second predetermined level may be about 2 to 1 or less. To discriminate between fluids having less similar viscosities, such as medium or heavy crude oil and water, the ratio between the first predetermined level and the second predetermined level may be about 10 to 1 or greater. It is noted that production fluids are commonly multiphase fluids including oil, natural gas, water and/or other fractional components. When the fluid flowing through adaptive fluid switch  40  is a multiphase fluid, fluid selector  60  interprets the viscosity of the fluid as an effective viscosity of a single phase fluid. In this manner, when the proportions and thus the viscosity of the production fluid changes over time, fluid selector  60  determines whether the fluid is a selected fluid, one with a viscosity greater than the first predetermined level, or a non-selected fluid, one with a viscosity less than the second predetermined level. Thus, as the ratio of the water fraction to the oil fraction in a production fluid increases, fluid selector  60  is configured to transition the production fluid from being a selected fluid to being a non-selected fluid. 
     Swirl chamber  62  is positioned downstream of fluid selector  60 . Swirl chamber  62  has a generally annular pathway configured to induce swirling flow in the production fluid. With the aid of fluid selector  60  and deflector  66 , when the fluid flowing through adaptive fluid switch  40  is the selected fluid, the fluid is directed to swirl in a clockwise direction in swirl chamber  62 , as best seen in  FIG.  4 A . Likewise, with the aid of fluid selector  60  and deflector  66 , when the fluid flowing through adaptive fluid switch  40  is the non-selected fluid, the fluid is directed to swirl in a counter-clockwise direction in swirl chamber  62 , as best seen in  FIG.  4 B . 
     Self-impinging valve element  64  is disposed downstream of swirl chamber  62  and is positioned radially inwardly of swirl chamber  62  such that fluid swirling within swirl chamber  62  that spirals radially inwardly enters self-impinging valve element  64 . In the illustrated embodiment, self-impinging valve element  64  has multiple valve inlets including two valve inlets  80   a ,  80   b  that are oriented to preferentially receive fluid that is swirling in the clockwise direction and two valve inlets  82   a ,  82   b  that are oriented to preferentially receive fluid that is swirling in the counter-clockwise direction. Self-impinging valve element  64  is depicted as a multistage self-impinging ring valve element in the form of a tesla ring valve element having a plurality of parallel branches such as parallel branches  84   a ,  84   b  respectively coupled to valve inlets  80   a ,  80   b , parallel branches  86   a ,  86   b  respectively coupled to valve inlets  82   a ,  82   b  and parallel branches  88   a ,  88   b  that respectively extend between branches  84   a ,  86   b  and branches  84   b ,  86   a . Self-impinging valve element  64  has a plurality of valve outlets depicted as two valve outlets  90   a ,  90   b  that are aligned with and in fluid communication with discharge ports  92   a ,  92   b  of base pipe  32 , which may be considered to be the outlets of flow control module  50 . It should be noted that the use of the term parallel branches does not imply that the branches are physically parallel to each other but rather that their terminals are connected to common pressure nodes, in this case, swirl chamber  62  and valve outlets  90   a ,  90   b.    
     Branches  84   a ,  84   b  of self-impinging valve element  64  provide a flow path with low flow resistance while branches  86   a ,  86   b  of self-impinging valve element  64  provide a flow path with high flow resistance. Specifically, fluid flow from valve inlet  80   a  to valve outlet  90   a  flows unimpeded through branch  84   a  and fluid flow from valve inlet  80   b  to valve outlet  90   b  flows unimpeded through branch  84   b . This flow is best seen in  FIG.  12 A  that depicts a tesla valve conduit that is representative of branches  84   a ,  84   b  with flow progressing from left to right in the unimpeded direction with little resistance, thereby providing a high flowrate path in which the depicted streamlines flow through a compliant flow path  94  down the middle of the conduit with minimal losses. Conversely, fluid flow from valve inlet  82   a  to valve outlet  90   a  flows impingingly through branch  86   a  and fluid flow from valve inlet  82   b  to valve outlet  90   b  flows impingingly through branch  86   b . This flow is best seen in  FIG.  12 B  that depicts a tesla valve conduit that is representative of branches  86   a ,  86   b  with flow progressing from left to right in the impinging direction with considerable resistance, thereby providing a low flowrate path in which the depicted streamlines flow through an impinging flow path  96  following a serpentine, turbulent and self-impinging path around outside channels of the conduit creating large losses. 
     The operation of adaptive fluid switch  40  will now be described with four different fluids flowing therethrough. For the present example, resistors  76 ,  78  have been tuned such that the first predetermined level is about 2 centipoises and the second predetermined level is about 1 centipoise. In  FIG.  4 A , the fluid flowing through adaptive fluid switch  40  represents a light to medium crude oil having a viscosity between 10 and 100 centipoises. The fluid enters fluid selector  60  at inlet region  68  from inlet  58  of outer plate  52 . The fluid flows through main flow path  70 , viscosity dominated flow path  72  and inertia dominated flow path  74 . As the fluid has a viscosity greater than the first predetermined level, more fluid exits inertia dominated flow path  74  than viscosity dominated flow path  72  such that the fluid from main flow path  70  is urged upwardly, directing the fluid toward the top of swirl chamber  62 . The fluid is now induced to swirl in the clockwise direction in swirl chamber  62  with portions of the fluid spiraling radially inwardly to enter self-impinging valve element  64  at valve inlets  80   a ,  80   b  that are oriented to preferentially receive fluid that is swirling in the clockwise direction. The fluid then follows the low resistance flow paths (see  FIG.  12 A ) through branches  84   a ,  84   b , as indicated by the solid lines therein, to valve outlets  90   a ,  90   b , thereby maintaining a high flowrate. A negligible volume of fluid may also flow from swirl chamber  62  to valve outlets  90   a ,  90   b  through branches  86   a ,  86   b  and/or branches  88   a ,  88   b . In this manner, production of light to medium oil is maximized. 
     In  FIG.  4 B , the fluid flowing through adaptive fluid switch  40  represents water having a viscosity between 0.5 and 1 centipoise. The fluid enters fluid selector  60  at inlet region  68  from inlet  58  of outer plate  52 . The fluid flows through main flow path  70 , viscosity dominated flow path  72  and inertia dominated flow path  74 . As the fluid has a viscosity less than the second predetermined level, more fluid exits viscosity dominated flow path  72  than inertia dominated flow path  74  such that the fluid from main flow path  70  is urged downwardly, directing the fluid toward the bottom of swirl chamber  62 . The fluid is now induced to swirl in the counter-clockwise direction in swirl chamber  62  with portions of the fluid spiraling radially inwardly to enter self-impinging valve element  64  at valve inlets  82   a ,  82   b  that are oriented to preferentially receive fluid that is swirling in the counter-clockwise direction. The fluid then follows the high resistance flow paths (see  FIG.  12 B ) through branches  86   a ,  86   b , as indicated by the solid lines therein, to valve outlets  90   a ,  90   b , thereby having a low flowrate. A negligible volume of fluid may also flow from swirl chamber  62  to valve outlets  90   a ,  90   b  through branches  84   a ,  84   b  and/or branches  88   a ,  88   b . In this manner, production of water is minimized. 
     In  FIG.  4 C , the fluid flowing through adaptive fluid switch  40  represents natural gas having a viscosity between 0.02 and 0.1 centipoises. The fluid enters fluid selector  60  at inlet region  68  from inlet  58  of outer plate  52 . The fluid flows through main flow path  70 , viscosity dominated flow path  72  and inertia dominated flow path  74 . As the fluid has a viscosity less than the second predetermined level, more fluid exits viscosity dominated flow path  72  than inertia dominated flow path  74  such that the fluid from main flow path  70  is urged downwardly, directing the fluid toward the bottom of swirl chamber  62 . The fluid is now induced to swirl in the counter-clockwise direction in swirl chamber  62  with portions of the fluid spiraling radially inwardly to enter self-impinging valve element  64  at valve inlets  82   a ,  82   b  that are oriented to preferentially receive fluid that is swirling in the counter-clockwise direction. The fluid then follows the high resistance flow paths (see  FIG.  12 B ) through branches  86   a ,  86   b , as indicated by the solid lines therein, to valve outlets  90   a ,  90   b , thereby having a low flowrate. A negligible volume of fluid may also flow from swirl chamber  62  to valve outlets  90   a ,  90   b  through branches  84   a ,  84   b  and/or branches  88   a ,  88   b . In this manner, production of natural gas is minimized. 
     In  FIG.  4 D , the fluid flowing through adaptive fluid switch  40  represents a heavy crude oil having a viscosity between 500 and 1000 centipoises. The fluid enters fluid selector  60  at inlet region  68  from inlet  58  of outer plate  52 . The fluid flows through main flow path  70 , viscosity dominated flow path  72  and inertia dominated flow path  74 . Due to the high viscosity of the fluid, however, instead of being directed toward the top of swirl chamber  62 , the fluid diverges as it exits main flow path  70  entering swirl chamber  62  from both the top and the bottom. The fluid is not induced to swirl in swirl chamber  62  but rather enters each of valve inlets  80   a ,  80   b ,  82   a ,  82   b . A portion of the fluid then follows the low resistance flow paths (see  FIG.  12 A ) through branches  84   a ,  84   b , as indicated by the solid lines therein, to valve outlets  90   a ,  90   b . In addition, a portion of the fluid follows the high resistance flow paths (see  FIG.  12 B ) through branches  86   a ,  86   b , as indicated by the solid lines therein, to valve outlets  90   a ,  90   b . A portion of the fluid also follows the low resistance flow paths (see  FIG.  12 A ) through branches  88   a ,  88   b , as indicated by the solid lines therein, from branch  86   a  to branch  84   b  and from branch  86   b  to branch  84   a  and eventually to valve outlets  90   a ,  90   b . In this manner, production of heavy oil is maximized. 
     Referring next to  FIGS.  5 A- 5 B  of the drawings, top views of an inner plate  100  of an adaptive fluid switch of the present disclosure are depicted. Inner plate  100  includes fluid selector  60 , swirl chamber  62  and deflector  66  as described above. Inner plate  100  includes an alternate valve element depicted as a multistage self-impinging ring valve element  102  having multiple valve inlets including two valve inlets  104   a ,  104   b  that are oriented to preferentially receive fluid that is swirling in the clockwise direction and two valve inlets  106   a ,  106   b  that are oriented to preferentially receive fluid that is swirling in the counter-clockwise direction. Valve element  102  has a plurality of parallel branches such as parallel branches  108   a ,  108   b  respectively coupled to valve inlets  104   a ,  104   b , parallel branches  110   a ,  110   b  respectively coupled to valve inlets  106   a ,  106   b  and parallel branches  112   a ,  112   b  that respectively extend between branches  108   a ,  110   b  and branches  108   b ,  110   a . Valve element  102  has a plurality of valve outlets depicted as two valve outlets  114   a ,  114   b  that would be aligned with and in fluid communication with discharge ports of base pipe  32 . Branches  108   a ,  108   b  of valve element  102  provide flow paths without tesla conduits that provide low flow resistance while branches  110   a ,  110   b  of valve element  102  provide flow paths with high flow resistance (see  FIG.  12 B ). 
     The operation of an adaptive fluid switch with inner plate  100  will now be described with two different fluids flowing therethrough. For the present example, resistors  76 ,  78  have been tuned such that the first predetermined level is about 2 centipoises and the second predetermined level is about 1 centipoise. In  FIG.  5 A , the fluid flowing through the adaptive fluid switch represents oil having a viscosity between 10 and 100 centipoises. The fluid enters fluid selector  60  at inlet region  68  then flows through main flow path  70 , viscosity dominated flow path  72  and inertia dominated flow path  74 . As the fluid has a viscosity greater than the first predetermined level, more fluid exits inertia dominated flow path  74  than viscosity dominated flow path  72  such that the fluid from main flow path  70  is urged upwardly, directing the fluid toward the top of swirl chamber  62 . The fluid is now induced to swirl in the clockwise direction in swirl chamber  62  with portions of the fluid spiraling radially inwardly to enter valve element  102  at valve inlets  104   a ,  104   b  that are oriented to preferentially receive fluid that is swirling in the clockwise direction. The fluid then follows the low resistance flow paths through branches  108   a ,  108   b , as indicated by the solid lines therein, to valve outlets  114   a ,  114   b , thereby maintaining a high flowrate. A negligible volume of fluid may also flow from the swirl chamber to the valve outlets through the other branches. In this manner, production of oil is maximized. 
     In  FIG.  5 B , the fluid flowing through the adaptive fluid switch represents water or natural gas having a viscosity between 0.02 and 1 centipoise. The fluid enters fluid selector  60  at inlet region  68  then flows through main flow path  70 , viscosity dominated flow path  72  and inertia dominated flow path  74 . As the fluid has a viscosity less than the second predetermined level, more fluid exits viscosity dominated flow path  72  than inertia dominated flow path  74  such that the fluid from main flow path  70  is urged downwardly, directing the fluid toward the bottom of swirl chamber  62 . The fluid is now induced to swirl in the counter-clockwise direction in swirl chamber  62  with portions of the fluid spiraling radially inwardly to enter self-impinging valve element  64  at valve inlets  106   a ,  106   b  that are oriented to preferentially receive fluid that is swirling in the counter-clockwise direction. The fluid then follows the high resistance flow paths (see  FIG.  12 B ) through branches  110   a ,  110   b , as indicated by the solid lines therein, to valve outlets  114   a ,  114   b , thereby having a low flowrate. A negligible volume of fluid may also flow from the swirl chamber to the valve outlets through the other branches. In this manner, production of natural gas and/or water is minimized. 
     Referring next to  FIGS.  6 A- 6 B  of the drawings, a modified embodiment of inner plate  54  of  FIGS.  4 A- 4 D  is depicted. Inner plate  54  includes fluid selector  60 , swirl chamber  62  and deflector  66  as described above. In addition, inner plate  54  includes a modified configuration of self-impinging valve element  64  in which branches  88   a ,  88   b  have been removed. This embodiment will operate substantially the same as the embodiment of  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B  when the fluid flowing therethrough is light to medium oil (see  FIG.  4 A ), water (see  FIG.  4 B ) or natural gas (see  FIG.  4 C ). This embodiment, however, may be less well suited for maximizing heavy oil production which takes advantage of branches  88   a ,  88   b  in the embodiment shown of  FIGS.  4 A- 4 D . 
     Referring next to  FIGS.  7 A- 7 B  of the drawings, a modified embodiment of inner plate  100  of  FIGS.  5 A- 5 B  is depicted. Inner plate  100  includes fluid selector  60 , swirl chamber  62  and deflector  66  as described above. In addition, inner plate  100  includes a modified configuration of valve element  102  in which branches  112   a ,  112   b  have been removed. This embodiment will operate substantially the same as the embodiment of  FIGS.  5 A- 5 B  when the fluid flowing therethrough is light to medium oil (see  FIG.  5 A ), water (see  FIG.  5 B ) or natural gas (see  FIG.  5 B ). This embodiment, however, may be less well suited for maximizing heavy oil production which would take advantage of branches  112   a ,  112   b  in the embodiment shown of  FIGS.  5 A- 5 B . 
     Referring next to  FIGS.  8 A- 8 B  of the drawings, top views of an inner plate  120  of an adaptive fluid switch of the present disclosure are depicted. Inner plate  120  includes fluid selector  60 , swirl chamber  62  and deflector  66  as described above. Inner plate  120  includes an alternate valve element depicted as a multistage self-impinging bow valve element  122  having multiple valve inlets including two valve inlets  124   a ,  124   b  that are oriented to preferentially receive fluid that is swirling in the clockwise direction and two valve inlets  126   a ,  126   b  that are oriented to preferentially receive fluid that is swirling in the counter-clockwise direction. Valve element  122  has a plurality of parallel branches such as parallel branches  128   a ,  128   b  respectively coupled to valve inlets  124   a ,  124   b , parallel branches  130   a ,  130   b  respectively coupled to valve inlets  126   a ,  126   b  and parallel branches  132   a ,  132   b  that respectively extend between branches  128   a ,  130   b  and branches  128   b ,  130   a . Valve element  102  has a single valve outlet  134  that would be aligned with and in fluid communication with a discharge port of base pipe  32 . 
     The operation of an adaptive fluid switch with inner plate  120  will now be described with two different fluids flowing therethrough. For the present example, resistors  76 ,  78  have been tuned such that the first predetermined level is about 2 centipoises and the second predetermined level is about 1 centipoise. In  FIG.  8 A , the fluid flowing through the adaptive fluid switch represents oil having a viscosity between 10 and 100 centipoises. The fluid enters fluid selector  60  at inlet region  68  then flows through main flow path  70 , viscosity dominated flow path  72  and inertia dominated flow path  74 . As the fluid has a viscosity greater than the first predetermined level, more fluid exits inertia dominated flow path  74  than viscosity dominated flow path  72  such that the fluid from main flow path  70  is urged upwardly, directing the fluid toward the top of swirl chamber  62 . The fluid is now induced to swirl in the clockwise direction in swirl chamber  62  with portions of the fluid spiraling radially inwardly to enter valve element  122  at valve inlets  124   a ,  124   b  that are oriented to preferentially receive fluid that is swirling in the clockwise direction. The fluid then follows the low resistance flow paths (see  FIG.  12 A ) through branches  128   a ,  128   b , as indicated by the solid lines therein, to valve outlet  134 , thereby maintaining a high flowrate. A negligible volume of fluid may also flow from the swirl chamber to the valve outlet through the other branches. In this manner, production of oil is maximized. 
     In  FIG.  8 B , the fluid flowing through the adaptive fluid switch represents water or natural gas having a viscosity between 0.02 and 1 centipoise. The fluid enters fluid selector  60  at inlet region  68  then flows through main flow path  70 , viscosity dominated flow path  72  and inertia dominated flow path  74 . As the fluid has a viscosity less than the second predetermined level, more fluid exits viscosity dominated flow path  72  than inertia dominated flow path  74  such that the fluid from main flow path  70  is urged downwardly, directing the fluid toward the bottom of swirl chamber  62 . The fluid is now induced to swirl in the counter-clockwise direction in swirl chamber  62  with portions of the fluid spiraling radially inwardly to enter valve element  122  at valve inlets  126   a ,  126   b  that are oriented to preferentially receive fluid that is swirling in the counter-clockwise direction. The fluid then follows the high resistance flow paths (see  FIG.  12 B ) through branches  130   a ,  130   b , as indicated by the solid lines therein, to valve outlet  134 , thereby having a low flowrate. A negligible volume of fluid may also flow from the swirl chamber to the valve outlet through the other branches. In this manner, production of water and/or natural gas is minimized. 
     Even though the adaptive fluid switches of the present disclosure have been depicted and described as having a single inlet  58  (see  FIG.  3   ) and a single fluid selector  60 , it should be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that an adaptive fluid switch of the present disclosure could have multiple inlets and multiple fluid selectors. For example, as best seen in  FIGS.  9 A- 9 B , an inner plate  140  includes two fluid selectors  60   a ,  60   b . Fluid selector  60   a  includes inlet region  68   a , main flow path  70   a , viscosity dominated flow path  72   a  with resistor  76   a  and inertia dominated flow path  74   a  with resistor  78   a . Disposed 180 degrees from fluid selector  60   a  is fluid selector  60   b  that includes inlet region  68   b , main flow path  70   b , viscosity dominated flow path  72   b  with resistor  76   b  and inertia dominated flow path  74   b  with resistor  78   b . Inner plate  140  also includes two deflectors  66   a ,  66   b . Swirl chamber  62  and self-impinging valve element  64  are substantially the same as those described herein with reference to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 D  in structure and operation. 
     The operation of an adaptive fluid switch with inner plate  140  will now be described with two different fluids flowing therethrough. For the present example, resistors  76   a ,  76   b ,  78   a ,  78   b  have been tuned such that the first predetermined level is about 2 centipoises and the second predetermined level is about 1 centipoise. In  FIG.  9 A , the fluid flowing through the adaptive fluid switch represents oil having a viscosity between 10 and 100 centipoises. The fluid enters fluid selectors  60   a ,  60   b  at inlet regions  68   a ,  68   b  then flows through main flow paths  70   a ,  70   b , viscosity dominated flow paths  72   a ,  72   b  and inertia dominated flow paths  74   a ,  74   b . As the fluid has a viscosity greater than the first predetermined level, more fluid exits inertia dominated flow paths  74   a ,  74   b  than viscosity dominated flow paths  72   a ,  72   b  such that the fluid from main flow path  70   a  is urged to the left, directing the fluid toward the left side of swirl chamber  62  and fluid from main flow path  70   b  is urged to the right, directing the fluid toward the right side of swirl chamber  62 . The fluid is now induced to swirl in the clockwise direction in swirl chamber  62  with portions of the fluid spiraling radially inwardly to enter valve element  64  at valve inlets  80   a ,  80   b  that are oriented to preferentially receive fluid that is swirling in the clockwise direction. The fluid then follows the low resistance flow paths (see  FIG.  12 A ) through branches  84   a ,  84   b , as indicated by the solid lines therein, to valve outlets  90   a ,  90   b , thereby maintaining a high flowrate. A negligible volume of fluid may also flow from the swirl chamber to the valve outlets through the other branches. In this manner, production of oil is maximized. 
     In  FIG.  9 B , the fluid flowing through the adaptive fluid switch represents water or natural gas having a viscosity between 0.02 and 1 centipoise. The fluid enters fluid selectors  60   a ,  60   b  at inlet regions  68   a ,  68   b  then flows through main flow paths  70   a ,  70   b , viscosity dominated flow paths  72   a ,  72   b  and inertia dominated flow paths  74   a ,  74   b . As the fluid has a viscosity less than the second predetermined level, more fluid exits viscosity dominated flow paths  72   a ,  72   b  than inertia dominated flow paths  74   a ,  74   b  such that the fluid from main flow path  70   a  is urged to the right, directing the fluid toward the right side of swirl chamber  62  and fluid from main flow path  70   b  is urged to the left, directing the fluid toward the left side of swirl chamber  62 . The fluid is now induced to swirl in the counter-clockwise direction in swirl chamber  62  with portions of the fluid spiraling radially inwardly to enter valve element  64  at valve inlets  82   a ,  82   b  that are oriented to preferentially receive fluid that is swirling in the counter-clockwise direction. The fluid then follows the high resistance flow paths (see  FIG.  12 B ) through branches  86   a ,  86   b , as indicated by the solid lines therein, to valve outlets  90   a ,  90   b , thereby having a low flowrate. A negligible volume of fluid may also flow from the swirl chamber to the valve outlets through the other branches. In this manner, production of water and/or natural gas is minimized. 
     Even though a particular fluid selector  60  has been depicted and described herein for use in adaptive fluid switches of the present disclosure, it should be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that an adaptive fluid switch of the present disclosure could use other types of fluid selectors to identify selected and non-selected fluids and to urge fluids to flow in a particular direction responsive thereto. For example, as best seen in  FIGS.  10 A- 10 B , an inner plate  150  of an adaptive fluid switch of the present disclosure includes a fluid selector  152  that includes an inlet region  154  and a main flow path  156  that is positioned at an angle  158  relative to a centerline  160  of inner plate  150 . Inner plate  150  also includes swirl chamber  62 , self-impinging valve element  64  and deflector  66  that are substantially the same as those described herein with reference to  FIGS.  4 A- 4 D  in structure and operation. In the illustrated embodiment, angle  158  points main flow path  156  in line with the bottom of swirl chamber  62 . In other embodiments, angle  158  could be greater than or less than the angle shown. In fact, changes in angle  158  are used to tune fluid selector  152 . Based upon angle  158 , fluid selector  152 , swirl chamber  62 , self-impinging valve element  64  and deflector  66  of inner plate  150  are configured to interpret the viscosity of a fluid flowing therethrough and to determine whether the fluid is a selected fluid, such as oil, or a non-selected fluid, such as natural gas or water. 
     Specifically, as best seen in  FIG.  10 A , inner plate  150  has a viscosity dominated flow path indicated collectively by arrows  162  when the fluid flowing therethrough has a viscosity greater than a first predetermined level, such as between 50 and 100 centipoises. As indicated by arrows  162 , the viscosity dominated flow path includes fluid entering fluid selector  152  at inlet region  154 , fluid flowing through main flow path  156 , fluid diverging upon exiting main flow path  156 , fluid entering swirl chamber  62  from both the top and the bottom without being induced to swirl and fluid entering each of valve inlets  80   a ,  80   b ,  82   a ,  82   b . A portion of the fluid then follows the low resistance flow paths (see  FIG.  12 A ) through branches  84   a ,  84   b , as indicated by the solid lines therein, to valve outlets  90   a ,  90   b . In addition, a portion of the fluid follows the high resistance flow paths (see  FIG.  12 B ) through branches  86   a ,  86   b , as indicated by the solid lines therein, to valve outlets  90   a ,  90   b . A portion of the fluid also follows the low resistance flow paths (see  FIG.  12 A ) through branches  88   a ,  88   b , as indicated by the solid lines therein, from branch  86   a  to branch  84   b  and from branch  86   b  to branch  84   a  and eventually to valve outlets  90   a ,  90   b . In this manner, production of the selected fluid, in the case oil, is maximized. 
     Likewise, as best seen in  FIG.  10 B , inner plate  150  has an inertia dominated flow path indicated collectively by arrows  164  when the fluid flowing therethrough has a viscosity less than a second predetermined level, such as between 5 and 10 centipoises. As indicated by arrows  164 , the inertia dominated flow path includes fluid entering fluid selector  152  at inlet region  154 , fluid flowing through main flow path  156 , fluid being carried by moment toward the bottom of swirl chamber  62 , fluid swirling in the counter-clockwise direction in swirl chamber  62 , fluid spiraling radially inwardly to enter self-impinging valve element  64  at valve inlets  82   a ,  82   b  that are oriented to preferentially receive fluid that is swirling in the counter-clockwise direction, and fluid following the high resistance flow paths (see  FIG.  12 B ) through branches  86   a ,  86   b , as indicated by the solid lines therein, to valve outlets  90   a ,  90   b , thereby having a low flowrate. A negligible volume of fluid may also flow from the swirl chamber to the valve outlets through the other branches. In this manner, production of the non-selected fluid, in this case natural gas and/or water, is minimized. 
     In another example, as best seen in  FIGS.  11 A- 11 B , the fluid selection functionality may take place within the self-impinging valve element of an inner plate  170  of an adaptive fluid switch of the present disclosure. Inner plate  170  includes an inlet region  172  and a main flow path  174  with an angled portion  176  that directs fluid to the top of a swirl chamber  178  where the fluid is induced to swirl in the clockwise direction. Inner plate  170  includes a valve element depicted as a multistage self-impinging cross valve element  180  having multiple valve inlets  182   a ,  182   b ,  182   c ,  182   d  that are oriented to preferentially receive fluid that is swirling in the clockwise direction. Valve element  180  has a plurality of parallel branches  184   a ,  184   b ,  184   c ,  184   d  respectively coupled to valve inlets  182   a ,  182   b ,  182   c ,  182   d , which may be collectively referred to as branches  184 . Valve element  180  has a single valve outlet  186  that would be aligned with and in fluid communication with a discharge port of base pipe  32 . Based upon the design of branches  184 , an adaptive fluid switch including inner plate  170  is configured to interpret the viscosity of a fluid flowing therethrough and to determine whether the fluid is a selected fluid, such as oil, or a non-selected fluid, such as natural gas or water. 
     Specifically, as best seen in  FIG.  11 A , inner plate  170  has a viscosity dominated flow path when the fluid flowing therethrough has a viscosity greater than a first predetermined level, such as between 5 and 10 centipoises. As indicated by the solid lines filling branches  184 , the viscosity dominated flow path includes both the compliant flow paths  188  and the impinging flow paths  190  within the tesla valve conduits of branches  184 , as best seen in  FIGS.  13 A- 13 D . For example,  FIG.  13 A  depicts a selected fluid in the form of oil having a viscosity in the range of 50 centipoises flowing from left to right in the impinging direction as indicated by streamlines  192 . In the illustrated embodiment, after the first tesla loop, approximately sixty percent of the fluid flows in impinging flow paths  190  with approximately forty percent of the fluid flowing in compliant flow paths  188 . Thus, in the case of medium oil flowing through valve element  180 , nearly the entire cross section of the tesla valve conduit is utilized along the entire length of the tesla valve conduit allowing the fluid to flow at a relative high flowrate. As another example,  FIG.  13 B  depicts a selected fluid in the form of oil having a viscosity in the range of 10 centipoises flowing from left to right in the impinging direction as indicated by streamlines  194 . In the illustrated embodiment, after the first tesla loop, approximately seventy-five percent of the fluid flows in impinging flow paths  190  with approximately twenty-five percent of the fluid flowing in compliant flow paths  188 . Thus, in the case of light oil flowing through valve element  180 , a majority of the cross section of the tesla valve conduit is utilized along the entire length of the tesla valve conduit allowing the fluid to flow at a relative high flowrate. In this manner, production of the selected fluid, in the case light oil, is maximized. 
     As best seen in  FIG.  11 B , inner plate  170  has an inertia dominated flow path when the fluid flowing therethrough has a viscosity less than a second predetermined level, such as between 1 and 5 centipoises. As indicated by the solid lines only partially filing branches  184 , the inertia dominated flow path includes impinging flow paths  190  while excluding compliant flow paths  188  of the tesla valve conduit. For example,  FIG.  13 C  depicts a non-selected fluid in the form of water having a viscosity in the range of 0.50 centipoises flowing from left to right in the impinging direction as indicated by streamlines  196 . In the illustrated embodiment, after the first tesla loop, all or nearly all of the fluid flows in impinging flow paths  190  with none or nearly none of the fluid flowing in compliant flow paths  188 . Thus, in the case of water flowing through valve element  180 , significant portions of the cross section of the tesla valve conduit are not utilized. This flow interference or choking is further exemplified in the last tesla loop at location  198  and the discharge tube at location  200  in which the fluid uses only a fraction of the available cross section of the tesla valve conduit, thereby resulting in a significantly reduced flowrate. In this manner, production of the non-selected fluid, in this case water, is minimized. 
     As another example,  FIG.  13 D  depicts a non-selected fluid in the form of natural gas having a viscosity in the range of 0.02 centipoises flowing from left to right in the impinging direction as indicated by streamlines  202 . In the illustrated embodiment, after the first tesla loop, all or nearly all of the fluid flows in impinging flow paths  190  with none or nearly none of the fluid flowing in compliant flow paths  188 . Thus, in the case of natural gas flowing through valve element  180 , significant portions of the cross section of the tesla valve conduit are not utilized. This flow interference or choking is further exemplified in the last tesla loop at location  204  and the discharge tube at location  206  in which the fluid uses only a fraction of the available cross section of the tesla valve conduit, thereby resulting in a significantly reduced flowrate. In this manner, production of the non-selected fluid, in this case natural gas, is minimized. 
     Even though valve element  180  has been depicted and described as having four parallel branches  184   a ,  184   b ,  184   c ,  184   d , it should be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that a valve element for an adaptive fluid switch of the present disclosure that has fluid selection functionality could have other configurations including valve elements having other numbers of branches both greater than and less than four including having a single branch. Also, even though valve element  180  has been depicted and described as having four valve inlets  182   a ,  182   b ,  182   c ,  182   d  and a single valve outlet  186 , it should be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that a valve element for an adaptive fluid switch of the present disclosure that has fluid selection functionality could have other configurations including valve elements having other numbers of valve inlets both greater than and less than four including having a single valve inlet and/or other numbers of valve outlets that are greater than one. 
     The fluid selection functionality of a tesla valve conduit can be tuned to adjust the first and second predetermined levels depending upon the desired viscosity sensitivity. For example, as best seen in  FIG.  14 A , one or more inertia dependent resistors  210 , such as orifices, may be located in tesla valve conduit  184  in compliant flow paths  188  to preferentially allow higher viscosity fluid and preferentially impede lower viscosity fluid from flowing therethrough. As another example, as best seen in  FIG.  14 B , one or more viscosity dependent resistors  212 , such as flow tubes, may be located in tesla valve conduit  184  in impinging flow paths  190  to preferentially allow lower viscosity fluid and preferentially impede higher viscosity fluid from flowing therethrough. In an additional example, as best seen in  FIG.  14 C , one or more inertia dependent resistors  210 , such as orifices, may be located in tesla valve conduit  184  in compliant flow paths  188  to preferentially allow higher viscosity fluid and preferentially impede lower viscosity fluid from flowing therethrough and one or more viscosity dependent resistors  212 , such as flow tubes, may be located in tesla valve conduit  184  in impinging flow paths  190  to preferentially allow lower viscosity fluid and preferentially impede higher viscosity fluid from flowing therethrough. 
     Even though the self-impinging valve elements having fluid selection functionality have been depicted and described as including tesla valve conduits, it should be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art that a valve element for an adaptive fluid switch of the present disclosure could use other types of self-impinging elements with fluid selection functionality. For example,  FIGS.  15 A- 15 B  depict a self-impinging element  220  in the form of a flow passageway with a transverse barrier. As best seen by a comparison of  FIGS.  15 A- 15 B , a high viscosity fluid flows around the barrier with minimal losses (see  FIG.  15 A ) while a low viscosity fluid engages in swirling flow and mixing flow generating significant losses (see  FIG.  15 B ). As another example,  FIGS.  16 A- 16 B  depict a self-impinging element  222  in the form of a flow passageway having return flow and swirling flow paths. As best seen by a comparison of  FIGS.  16 A- 16 B , a high viscosity fluid flows through the complex structure with minimal losses (see  FIG.  16 A ) while a low viscosity fluid engages in swirling flow, mixing flow and cross flow generating significant losses (see  FIG.  16 B ). In an additional example,  FIGS.  17 A- 17 B  depict a self-impinging element  224  in the form of a flow passageway having reverse flow paths. As best seen by a comparison of  FIGS.  17 A- 17 B , a high viscosity fluid flows through the complex structure with minimal losses (see  FIG.  17 A ) while a low viscosity fluid engages in mixing flow and cross flow generating significant losses (see  FIG.  17 B ). 
     The foregoing description of embodiments of the disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed, and modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings or may be acquired from practice of the disclosure. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain the principals of the disclosure and its practical application to enable one skilled in the art to utilize the disclosure in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and combinations of the illustrative embodiments as well as other embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description. It is, therefore, intended that the appended claims encompass any such modifications or embodiments.