Patent Publication Number: US-11649686-B2

Title: Fluid flow control devices and methods to reduce overspeed of a fluid flow control device

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates generally to fluid flow control devices and methods to reduce overspeed of a fluid flow control device. 
     Wellbores are sometimes drilled from the surface of a wellsite several hundred to several thousand feet downhole to reach hydrocarbon resources. During certain well operations, such as production operations, certain fluids, such as fluids of hydrocarbon resources, are extracted from the formation, where fluids of hydrocarbon resources flow into one or more sections of a conveyance such as a section of a production tubing, and through the production tubing, uphole to the surface. During production operations, other types of fluids, such as water, sometimes also flow into the section of production tubing while fluids of hydrocarbon resources are being extracted. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, which are incorporated by reference herein, and wherein: 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic, side view of a well environment in which three inflow flow control devices are deployed in a wellbore; 
         FIG.  2    is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a flow control device of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3    is a cross-sectional view of a fluid flow control device similar to the fluid flow control device of  FIG.  2   ; 
         FIG.  4 A  is a cross-sectional view of another fluid flow control device having chambers that are partially filled with weights; 
         FIG.  4 B  is a cross-sectional view of the fluid flow control device of  FIG.  4 A , where the weights have shifted radially outwards in response to an increase in a rotational speed of a rotatable component of the fluid flow control device; 
         FIG.  5 A  is a cross-sectional view of another fluid flow control device having a protrusion that is extendable in a radial direction; 
         FIG.  5 B  is a cross-sectional view of the fluid flow control device of  FIG.  5 A , where the protrusion has extended radially outwards to engage the housing of the fluid flow control device in response to an increase in a rotational speed of a rotatable component of the fluid flow control device; 
         FIG.  6 A  is a cross-sectional view of another fluid flow control device having an inlet port, where fluids flow out of the inlet port at a first rate; 
         FIG.  6 B  is a cross-sectional view of the fluid flow control device of  FIG.  6 A , where the flow rate of fluids flowing out of the inlet port is increased to a second rate in response to an increase in the rotational speed of rotatable component being greater than a threshold rotational speed; 
         FIG.  7 A  is an overhead view of another fluid flow control device having four top fins placed on top of a rotatable component of the fluid flow control device; 
         FIG.  7 B  is a side view of the fluid flow control device of  FIG.  7 A ; 
         FIG.  8 A  is a side view of another type of fluid flow control device having a rotatable component that is fitted with adjustable fins; 
         FIG.  8 B  is a side view of the fluid flow control device of  FIG.  8 A , where the pitches of the fins of the of rotatable component are adjusted in response to a force generated by fluids coming into contact with the fins; 
         FIG.  9    is a flowchart of a process to reduce overspeed of a fluid flow control device; and 
         FIG.  10    is a flowchart of another process to reduce overspeed of a fluid flow control device. 
     
    
    
     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 embodiments may be implemented. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical structural, mechanical, electrical, and chemical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. To avoid detail not necessary to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments described herein, the description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the illustrative embodiments is defined only by the appended claims. 
     The present disclosure relates to fluid flow control devices and methods to reduce overspeed of a fluid flow control device. The fluid flow control device includes a port, such as an inlet port, and a rotatable component that rotates about an axis in response to fluid flow from the port. As referred to herein, a rotatable component is any component or device that is rotatable about an axis. Examples of rotatable components include, but are not limited to, rotatable turbines, rotatable wheels, as well as other objects that are rotatable about an axis. In some embodiments, force applied by fluids flowing through the inlet port during certain operations, such as drilling operations, fracturing operations, and production operations, rotate the rotatable component. The fluid flow control device also includes an outlet port that provides a fluid passageway out of the rotatable component. 
     In some embodiments, the fluid flow control device has a chamber disposed within the fluid flow control device. In one or more of such embodiments, a weight and a spring that is coupled to or is positioned near the weight are disposed in the chamber. Moreover, as the rotatable component rotates at a faster speed (e.g., greater than a threshold speed), a centrifugal force applied to the weight shifts the weight in a radial direction towards the spring. As referred to herein, radially inwards means shifting radially towards the center, such as the central axis of a rotatable component, whereas radially outwards means shifting away from the center, such as away from the central axis of the rotatable component and towards the parameters of the rotatable component. The movement of the weight from an initial position to a second position radially outwards from the initial position also increases the radius of gyration of the rotatable component. The increase in the radius of gyration dampens or reduces the rotational acceleration of the rotatable component, thereby reducing overspeed of the rotatable component. In some embodiments, moving the weights away from an axis of rotation of the rotatable component increases the moment of inertia of the rotatable component, which in turn increases the threshold amount of energy to further accelerate the rotatable component. However, moving the weights increases the moment of inertia without inputting additional energy onto the rotatable component, which in turn reduces or dampens the acceleration of the rotatable component. A force applied by movement of the weight onto the spring also compresses the spring. As the acceleration of the rotatable component dampens, or as the speed of the rotatable component decreases, the force of the compressed spring onto the weight supersedes the centrifugal force, and shifts the weight radially inwards, towards the original position of the weight, and returning the spring to a natural state. 
     In some embodiments, the chamber is partially filled with a fluid, such as water, brine, low melting point metals, or fluids having a density that is greater than a threshold density. In one or more of such embodiments, as the rotatable component rotates at a faster speed, a centrifugal force applied to the fluid shifts the fluid from a first region of the chamber, radially outwards, to a second region of the chamber that is further away from the axis of the rotatable component relative to the first region. The radially outward movement of the fluid from the first region to the second region of the chamber also increases the radius of gyration of the rotatable component. The increase in the radius of gyration dampens the rotational acceleration of the rotatable component, thereby reducing overspeed of the rotatable component. 
     In some embodiments, the downhole rotatable system utilizes one or more mechanical components to reduce the speed of the rotatable component and/or to dampen the acceleration of the rotatable component. As referred to here, a mechanical component includes any mechanical element that is utilized or actuated to reduce the speed or to dampen the acceleration of the rotatable component. In some embodiments, the mechanical element is a protrusion that extends radially outwards from an initial position to a second position in response to an increase in the rotational speed of the rotatable component, and/or in response to the rotational speed of the rotatable component being greater than a threshold speed. Examples of protrusions include, but are not limited to, pins, screws, rods, and other elements or components that are shiftable from an initial position to a second position. 
     In one or more of such embodiments, as the rotational speed of the rotatable component increases, a centrifugal force applied to the protrusion shifts the protrusion from the initial position, radially outwards, to a second position, where the protrusion engages an element of the fluid flow control device to reduce the speed at which the rotatable component rotates. In one or more of such embodiments, the element is a wall of a housing of the fluid flow control device or a surface of another component of the fluid flow control device that the protrusion engages when the protrusion shifts to the second position. In one or more of such embodiments, the element is another protrusion disposed on the wall of the housing or on another component of the fluid flow control device. Additional descriptions of the protrusion and element are provided herein and are illustrated in at least  FIGS.  5 A- 5 B . In one or more of such embodiments, the protrusion is coupled to or positioned near a spring. A force applied by movement of the weight onto the spring also compresses the spring. As the rotatable component decelerates and/or as the rotational speed of the rotatable component decreases, the force of the compressed spring compression onto the protrusion supersedes the centrifugal force, and shifts the protrusion radially inwards, towards the original position of the protrusion, and returning the spring to a natural state. 
     In some embodiments, the rate at which fluids flow out of an inlet port and onto the rotatable component is adjusted to reduce the speed of the rotatable component and/or to dampen the acceleration of the rotatable component. In one or more of such embodiments, the inlet port is placed in a position where increasing the flow rate of fluids flowing out of the inlet port decreases the Coanda effect on the fluid, such that less fluids flowing out of the inlet port flow directly onto the rotatable component. In one or more of such embodiments, a nozzle of inlet port is adjusted to increase the flow rate of fluids flowing out of the inlet port. In one or more of such embodiments, pressure is applied to the fluids to increase the flow rate of the fluid out of the inlet port. Additional descriptions of increasing the flow rate of fluids flowing out of the inlet port are provided herein and are illustrated in at least  FIGS.  6 A- 6 B . 
     In some embodiments, one or more fins are installed on top of the rotatable component at a pitch (e.g., 30°, 45°, or another pitch), such that, as the rotatable component rotates, the top fins generate a resultant downward force, which pushes rotatable component against a thrust bearing, on which, rotatable component rotates, which in turn increases friction between the thrust bearing and the rotatable component. In some embodiments, the rotatable component includes or is coupled to one or more fins that extend radially outwards from the rotatable component. Moreover, each fin has an adjustable pitch that is adjustable based on the amount of force the fluids apply onto the respective fin. In one or more of such embodiments, the pitch is adjusted to an angle that causes the fin to come in contact with a less amount of fluids, thereby reducing the amount of force applied to the fin. Additional examples of fins having adjustable pitches are provided herein and are illustrated in at least  FIGS.  8 A and  8 B . 
     In some embodiments, the fluid flow control device also includes a float that is positioned within the rotatable component of the fluid flow control device. The float is shiftable from an open position to a closed position that restricts fluid flow through the outlet port while the float is in the closed position, and from the closed position to the open position to permit fluid flow through the outlet port. As referred to herein, an open position is a position of the float where the float does not restrict fluid flow through the outlet port, whereas a closed position is a position of the float where the float restricts fluid flow through the outlet port. In some embodiments, the float shifts radially inwards towards the outlet port to move from an open position to a closed position, and shifts radially outwards away from the outlet port to move from the closed position to the open position. In some embodiments, the float opens to permit certain types of fluids having densities that are less than a threshold (such as oil and other types of hydrocarbon resources) to flow through the outlet port, and restricts other types of fluids having densities greater than or equal to the threshold (such as water and drilling fluids) from flowing through the outlet port. Additional descriptions of fluid flow control devices and methods to reduce overspeed of a fluid flow control device are provided in the paragraphs below and are illustrated in  FIGS.  1 - 10   . 
     Turning now to the figures,  FIG.  1    is a schematic, side view of a well environment  100  in which inflow control devices  120 A- 120 C are deployed in a wellbore  114 . As shown in  FIG.  1   , wellbore  114  extends from surface  108  of well  102  to or through formation  126 . A hook  138 , a cable  142 , traveling block (not shown), and hoist (not shown) are provided to lower conveyance  116  into well  102 . As referred to herein, conveyance  116  is any piping, tubular, or fluid conduit including, but not limited to, drill pipe, production tubing, casing, coiled tubing, and any combination thereof. Conveyance  116  provides a conduit for fluids extracted from formation  126  to travel to surface  108 . In some embodiments, conveyance  116  additionally provides a conduit for fluids to be conveyed downhole and injected into formation  126 , such as in an injection operation. In some embodiments, conveyance  116  is coupled to a production tubing that is arranged within a horizontal section of well  102 . In the embodiment of  FIG.  1   , conveyance  116  and the production tubing are represented by the same tubing. 
     At wellhead  106 , an inlet conduit  122  is coupled to a fluid source  120  to provide fluids through conveyance  116  downhole. For example, drilling fluids, fracturing fluids, and injection fluids are pumped downhole during drilling operations, hydraulic fracturing operations, and injection operations, respectively. In the embodiment of  FIG.  1   , fluids are circulated into well  102  through conveyance  116  and back toward surface  108 . To that end, a diverter or an outlet conduit  128  may be connected to a container  130  at the wellhead  106  to provide a fluid return flow path from wellbore  114 . Conveyance  116  and outlet conduit  128  also form fluid passageways for fluids, such as hydrocarbon resources to flow uphole during production operations. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG.  1   , conveyance  116  includes production tubular sections  118 A- 118 C at different production intervals adjacent to formation  126 . In some embodiments, packers (now shown) are positioned on the left and right sides of production tubular sections  118 A- 118 C to define production intervals and provide fluid seals between the respective production tubular section  118 A,  118 B, or  118 C, and the wall of wellbore  114 . Production tubular sections  118 A- 118 C include inflow control devices  120 A- 120 C (ICDs). An inflow control device controls the volume or composition of the fluid flowing from a production interval into a production tubular section, e.g.,  118 A. For example, a production interval defined by production tubular section  118 A produces more than one type of fluid component, such as a mixture of water, steam, carbon dioxide, and natural gas. Inflow control device  120 A, which is fluidly coupled to production tubular section  118 A, reduces or restricts the flow of fluid into the production tubular section  118 A when the production interval is producing a higher proportion of an undesirable fluid component, such as water, which permits the other production intervals that are producing a higher proportion of a desired fluid component (e.g., oil) to contribute more to the production fluid at surface  108  of well  102 , so that the production fluid has a higher proportion of the desired fluid component. In some embodiments, inflow control devices  120 A- 120 C are an autonomous inflow control devices (AICD) that permits or restricts fluid flow into the production tubular sections  118 A- 118 C based on fluid density, without requiring signals from the well&#39;s surface by the well operator. 
     Although the foregoing paragraphs describe utilizing inflow control devices  120 A- 120 C during production, in some embodiments, inflow control devices  120 A- 120 C are also utilized during other types of well operations to control fluid flow through conveyance  116 . Further, although  FIG.  1    depicts each production tubular section  118 A- 118 C having an inflow control device  120 A- 120 C, in some embodiments, not every production tubular section  118 A- 118 C has an inflow control device  120 A- 120 C. In some embodiments, production tubular sections  118 A- 118 C (and inflow control devices  120 A- 120 C) are located in a substantially vertical section additionally or alternatively to the substantially horizontal section of well  102 . Further, any number of production tubular sections  118 A- 118 C with inflow control devices  120 A- 120 C, including one, are deployable well  102 . In some embodiments, production tubular sections  118 A- 118 C with inflow control devices  120 A- 120 C are disposed in simpler wellbores, such as wellbores having only a substantially vertical section. In some embodiments, inflow control devices  120 A- 120 C are disposed in cased wells or in open-hole environments. 
       FIG.  2    is a cross-sectional view of a portion of inflow control device  120 A of  FIG.  1   . In the embodiments described herein, inflow control device  120 A includes an inflow tubular  200  of a well tool coupled to a fluid flow control device  202 . Although the word “tubular” is used to refer to certain components in the present disclosure, those components have any suitable shape, including a non-tubular shape. Inflow tubular  200  provides fluid to fluid flow control device  202 . In some embodiments, fluid is provided from a production interval in a well system or from another location. In the embodiment of  FIG.  2   , inflow tubular  200  terminates at an inlet port  205  that provides a fluid communication pathway into fluid flow control device  202 . In some embodiments, inlet port  205  is an opening in a housing  201  of fluid flow control device  202 . 
     A first fluid portion flows from inlet port  205  toward a bypass port  210 . The first fluid portion pushes against fins  212  extending outwardly from a rotatable component  208  to rotate rotatable component  208  to rotate about an axis, such as a central axis  203 . Rotation of rotatable component  208  about axis  203  generates a force on a float (not shown) positioned within rotatable component  208 . After passing by rotatable component  208 , the first fluid portion exits fluid flow control device  202  via bypass port  210 . From bypass port  210 , the first fluid portion flows through a bypass tubular  230  to a tangential tubular  216 . The first fluid portion flows through tangential tubular  216 , as shown by dashed arrow  218 , into a vortex valve  220 . In the embodiment of  FIG.  2   , the first fluid portion to spin around an outer perimeter of vortex valve  220  at least partially due to the angle at which the first fluid portion enters vortex valve  220 . Forces act on the first fluid portion, eventually causing the first fluid portion to flow into a central port  222  of vortex valve  220 . The first fluid portion then flows from central port  222  elsewhere, such as to a well surface as production fluid. 
     At the same time, a second fluid portion from inlet port  205  flows into rotatable component  208  via holes in rotatable component  208  (e.g., holes between fins  212  of rotatable component  208 ). If the density of the second fluid portion is high, the float moves to a closed position, which prevents the second fluid portion from flowing to an outlet port  207 , and instead cause the second fluid portion to flow out bypass port  210 . If the density of the second fluid portion is low (e.g., if the second fluid portion is mostly oil or gas), then the float moves to an open position that allows the second fluid portion to flow out the outlet port  207  and into a control tubular  224 . In this manner, fluid flow control device  202  autonomously directs fluids through different pathways based on the densities of the fluids. The control tubular  224  directs the second fluid portion, along with the first fluid portion, toward central port  222  of vortex valve  220  via a more direct fluid pathway, as shown by dashed arrow  226  and defined by tubular  228 . The more direct fluid pathway to central port  222  allows the second fluid portion to more directly flow into central port  222 , without first spinning around the outer perimeter of vortex valve  220 . If the bulk of the fluid enters vortex valve  220  along the pathway defined by dashed arrow  218 , then the fluid will tend to spin before exiting through central port  222  and will have a high fluid resistance. If the bulk of the fluid enters vortex valve  220  along the pathway defined by dashed arrow  226 , then the fluid will tend to exit through central port  222  without spinning and will have minimal flow resistance. 
     In some embodiments, the above-mentioned concepts are enhanced by the rotation of rotatable component  208 . Typically, the buoyancy force generated by the float is small because the difference in density between the lower-density fluid and the higher-density fluid is generally small, and there is only a small amount (e.g., 5 milli-Newtons) of gravitational force acting on this difference in density. This makes fluid flow control device  202  sensitive to orientation, which causes the float to get stuck in the open position or the closed position. However, rotation of rotatable component  208  creates a force (e.g., a centripetal force or a centrifugal force) on the float. The force acts as artificial gravity that is much higher than the small gravitational force naturally acting on the difference in density. This allows fluid flow control device  202  to more reliably toggle between the open and closed positions based on the density of the fluid. This also makes fluid flow control device  202  perform in a manner that is insensitive to orientation, because the force generated by rotatable component  208  is much larger than the naturally occurring gravitational force. 
     In some embodiments, fluid flow control device  202  directs a fluid along the more direct pathway shown by dashed arrow  226  or along the tangential pathway shown by dashed arrow  218 . In one or more of such embodiments, whether fluid flow control device  202  directs the fluid along the pathway shown by dashed arrow  226  or the dashed arrow  218  depends on the composition of the fluid. Directing the fluid in this manner causes the fluid resistance in vortex valve  220  to change based on the composition of the fluid. 
     In some embodiments, fluid flow control device  202  is compatible with any type of valve. For example, although  FIG.  2    includes a vortex valve  220 , in other embodiments, vortex valve  220  is replaced with other types of fluidic valves, including valves that have a moveable valve-element, such as a rate controlled production valve. Further, in some embodiments, fluid control device  202  operates as a pressure sensing module in a valve. 
       FIG.  3    is a cross-sectional view of a fluid flow control device  300  similar to fluid flow control device  200  of  FIG.  2   . With reference now to  FIG.  3   , fluid flow control device  300  includes a rotatable component  308  positioned within a housing  301  of fluid flow control device  300 . Fluid flow control device  300  also includes an inlet port  305  that provides a fluid passage for fluids such as, but not limited to, hydrocarbon resources, wellbore fluids, water, and other types of fluids to flow into housing  301 . Fluid control device  300  also includes an outlet port  310  that provides a fluid flow path for fluids to flow out of fluid flow control device  300 , such as to vortex valve  220  of  FIG.  2   . Some of the fluids that flow into housing  301  also come into contact with rotatable component  308 , where force generated by fluids flowing onto rotatable component  308  rotates rotatable component  308  about axis  303 . In some embodiments, fluids flowing through inlet port  305  push against fins, including fin  312 , which are coupled to rotatable component  308 , where the force of the fluids against the fins rotates rotatable component  308  about axis  303 . Three floats  304 A- 304 C are positioned within the rotatable component  308  and are connected to the rotatable component  308  by hinges  340 A- 340 C, respectively, where each hinge  340 A,  340 B, and  340 C provides for movement of a respective float  304 A,  304 B, and  304 C relative to rotatable component  308  between the open and closed positions. In some embodiments, movements of each float  304 A,  304 B, and  304 C between the open and the closed positions are based on fluid densities of fluids in rotatable component  308 . 
     In some embodiments, movement of floats  304 A- 304 C back and forth between the open and closed positions is accomplished by hinging each respective float  304 A,  304 B, or  304 C on its hinge  340 A,  340 B, or  340 C. In some embodiments, each hinge  340 A,  340 B, and  340 C includes a pivot rod (not shown) mounted to rotatable component  308  and passing at least partially through float  304 A,  304 B, and  304 C, respectively. In some embodiments, in lieu of the pivot rod mounted to rotatable component  308 , each float  304 A,  304 B, and  304 C has bump extensions that fit into recesses of rotatable component  308  for use as a hinge. In some embodiments, floats  304 A- 304 C are configured to move back and forth from the open and closed positions in response to changes in the average density of fluids, including mixtures of water, hydrocarbon gas, and/or hydrocarbon liquids, introduced at inlet port  305 . For example, floats  304 A- 304 C are movable from the open position to the closed position in response to the fluid from inlet port  305  being predominantly water, wherein the float component is movable from the closed position to the open position in response to the fluid from the inlet port  305  being predominantly a hydrocarbon. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG.  3   , rotatable component  308  includes three fluid pathways  342 A- 342 C that provide fluid communication between inlet port  305  and an outlet port  307 . Further, each fluid pathway  342 A,  342 B, and  342 C is fluidly connected to a chamber  302 A,  302 B, and  302 C, respectively. Moreover, each float  304 A,  304 B, and  304 C is disposed in a chamber  302 A,  302 B, and  302 C, respectively, such that shifting a float  304 A,  304 B, or  304 C from an open position to a closed position restricts fluid flow through a corresponding fluid pathway  342 A,  342 B, or  342 C, respectively, whereas shifting float  304 A,  304 B, or  304 C from the closed position to the open position permits fluid flow through corresponding fluid pathway  342 A,  342 B, or  342 C. In some embodiments, float  304 A,  304 B, or  304 C permits or restricts fluid flow through fluid pathway  342 A,  342 B, or  342 C, respectively, based on the density of the fluid in chamber  302 A,  302 B, or  302 C, respectively. Although  FIG.  3    illustrates three floats  304 A- 304 C positioned in three chambers  302 A- 202 C, respectively, in some embodiments, a different number of floats positioned in a different number of chambers are placed in rotatable component  308 . Further, although  FIG.  3    illustrates three fluid pathways  342 A- 342 C, in some embodiments, rotatable component  308  includes a different number of fluid pathways that fluidly connect inlet port  305  to outlet port  307 . Further, although  FIG.  3    illustrates three floats  304 A- 304 C positioned in three chambers  302 A- 202 C, respectively, in some embodiments, a different number of floats positioned in a different number of chambers are placed in rotatable component  308 . Further, although  FIG.  3    illustrates three fluid pathways  342 A- 342 C, in some embodiments, rotatable component  308  includes a different number of fluid pathways that fluidly connect inlet port  305  to outlet port  307 . 
       FIG.  4 A  is a cross-sectional view of another fluid flow control device  400  having chambers  404 A and  404 B that are partially filled with weights  407 A and  407 B. In the embodiment of  FIG.  4 A , fluid flow control device  400  includes a rotatable component  408  positioned within a housing  401  of fluid flow control device  400 . Fluid flow control device  400  also includes an inlet port  405  that provides a fluid passage for fluids, such as, but not limited to, hydrocarbon resources, wellbore fluids, water, and other types of fluids to flow into housing  401 . Some of the fluids that flow into housing  401  also come into contact with rotatable component  408 , where force generated by fluids flowing onto rotatable component  408  rotates rotatable component  408  about an axis  403 . In some embodiments, fluids flowing through inlet port  405  push against fins, including fin  412 , which are coupled to rotatable component  408 . Moreover, the force of the fluids against the fins rotate rotatable component  408  about axis  403 . Two chambers  404 A and  404 B are positioned within fluid flow control device  400 . In the embodiment of  FIG.  4   , each chamber  404 A and  404 B is filled with a weight  407 A and  407 B, respectively. Two springs  406 A and  406 B, which are positioned near or are coupled to weights  407 A and  407 B, are also placed within chambers  404 A and  404 B, respectively. As fluids flow out of inlet port  405 , force of the fluids flowing onto the fins of rotatable component  408  rotates rotatable component  408  in a counterclockwise direction illustrated by arrow  413 . Moreover, a centrifugal force generated by an increase in the rotational speed of rotatable component  408  radially shifts weights  407 A and  407 B outwards. 
     In that regard,  FIG.  4 B  is a cross-sectional view of fluid flow control device  400  of  FIG.  4 A , where weights  407 A and  407 B have shifted radially outwards towards the parameter of rotatable component  408  in response to an increase in a rotational speed of rotatable component  408  of fluid flow control device  400 . In the embodiment of  FIG.  4 B , as rotatable component  408  continues to rotate about axis  403  in a counterclockwise direction as indicated by arrow  423 , the centrifugal force radially shifts weights  407 A and  407 B outwards, where weights  407 A and  407 B press against springs  406 A and  406 B, respectively, thereby compressing springs  406 A and  406 B. The movement of weights  407 A and  407 B from the positions illustrated in  FIG.  4 A  to the positions illustrated in  FIG.  4 B , increases a radius of gyration of rotatable component  408 , which dampens the acceleration of rotatable component  408  and/or reduces the rotational speed of rotatable component  408 , thereby reducing overspeed of rotatable component  408 . 
     Over time, as the speed of rotatable component  408  decreases, the force of compressed springs  406 A and  406 B onto weights  407 A and  407 B supersedes the centrifugal force generated by rotation of rotatable component  408 , and shifts weights  407 A and  407 B radially inwards towards axis  403  and towards initial positions of weights  407 A and  407 B, as illustrated in  FIG.  4 A . In some embodiments, springs  406 A and  406 B and weights  407 A and  407 B are not placed in chambers  404 A and  404 B. Instead, chambers  404 A and  404 B are partially filled with fluids, such as water or fluids having a density that is greater than a threshold density. In one or more of such embodiments, as the rotatable component  408  rotates at a faster speed, a centrifugal force applied to the fluid shifts the fluid from a first region of the chamber, radially outwards, to a second region of the chamber that is further away from axis  403  of rotatable component  408  relative to the first region. The radially outward movement of the fluids from the first region to the second region of chambers  404 A and  404 B also increases the radius of gyration of rotatable component  408 , which dampens the acceleration of rotatable component  408  and/or reduces the rotational speed of rotatable component  408 , thereby reducing overspeed of rotatable component  408 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B , Fluid control device  400  also includes an outlet port  410  that provides a fluid flow path for fluids to flow out of fluid flow control device  400 , such as to vortex valve  220  of  FIG.  2   . In some embodiments, weights  407 A and  407 B and fluids (not shown) shift or flow in response to rotatable component  408  accelerating at a rate that is above a threshold rate, but do not shift or flow if rotatable component  408  accelerates at a rate that is at or below the threshold rate. In some embodiments, weights  407 A and  407 B and fluids (not shown) shift or flow in response to rotatable component  408  rotating above a threshold speed, but do not shift or flow if rotatable component  408  rotates at a rate that is at or below the threshold rate. Although  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  illustrate two chambers  404 A and  404 B, each filled with a weight  407 A and  407 B, respectively, and a spring  406 A and  406 B, respectively, in some embodiments, a different number of chambers having one or more weights and springs are placed on or inside rotatable component  408 . In some embodiments, some of the chambers are partially filled with fluids, whereas other chambers contain one or more weights and springs. Further, although  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  illustrate rotatable component  408  rotating in a counterclockwise direction, in some embodiments, rotatable component  408  also rotates in a clockwise direction. 
       FIG.  5 A  is a cross-sectional view of another fluid flow control device  500  having a protrusion  510  that is extendable in a radial direction. In the embodiment of  FIG.  5 A , fluid flow control device  500 , similar to fluid flow control device  400  shown in  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B , also includes a rotatable component  508  positioned within a housing  501 , an inlet port  505  that provides a fluid passage for fluids to flow into housing  501 , and an outlet port  520  that provides a fluid flow path for fluids to flow out of fluid flow control device  500 , such as to vortex valve  220  of  FIG.  2   . Fluid flow control device  500  also includes a protrusion  510  that is placed on top of rotatable component  508 . In the embodiment of  FIG.  5 A , protrusion  510  is a pin that extends radially outwards towards a wall of a housing  501  of fluid flow control device  500 . 
     As fluids flow out of inlet port  505 , force of the fluids flowing onto the fins of rotatable component  508  rotates rotatable component  508  about axis  503 , and a centrifugal force generated by an increase in the rotational speed of rotatable component  508  radially shifts protrusion  510  outwards from the position illustrated in  FIG.  5 A  to the position illustrated in  FIG.  5 B . Protrusion  510  also comes into contact with a spring  512 , which is positioned near or coupled to protrusion  510 , while protrusion  510  shifts from the first position illustrated in  FIG.  5 A  to the second position illustrated in  FIG.  5 B , thereby compressing spring  512 . 
       FIG.  5 B  is a cross-sectional view of the fluid flow control device of  FIG.  5 A , where protrusion  510  has extended radially outwards to engage a portion of housing  501  of fluid flow control device  500  in response to an increase in a rotational speed of rotatable component  508 . In the embodiment of  FIG.  5 B , the engagement of protrusion  510  to a portion of the wall of housing  501 , dampens the acceleration and/or reduces the rotational speed of rotatable component  508 . As the rotational speed of rotatable component  508  decreases, for example due to protrusion  510  being engaged to the wall of housing  501 , the force of compressed springs  512  onto protrusion  510  supersedes the centrifugal force generated by rotation of rotatable component  508 , and shifts protrusion  510  radially inwards towards the initial position of protrusion  510  as illustrated in  FIG.  5 A . 
     Although  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  illustrate protrusion  510  as a pin, in some embodiments, protrusion  510  is a screw, a rod, or another element or component that is shiftable from an initial position to a second position to engage another element of fluid flow control device  500  to dampen the acceleration and/or reduce the rotational speed of rotatable component  508 . Further, although  FIGS.  5 A and  5 B  illustrate a single protrusion  510 , in some embodiments, multiple protrusions are disposed on or inside rotatable component  508  and are extendable to dampen the acceleration and/or reduce the rotational speed of rotatable component  508 . Further, although  FIG.  5 B  illustrates protrusion  510  engaging a portion of the wall of housing  501 , in some embodiments, protrusion  510  engages another element of another component of fluid flow control device  500 . In some embodiments, protrusion  510  engages another protrusion that is formed on or coupled to a component of fluid flow control device  500 , such as another protrusion that is formed on the wall of housing  501 . 
       FIG.  6 A  is a cross-sectional view of another fluid flow control device  600  having an inlet port  605 , where fluids flow out of the inlet port  605  at a first rate. In the embodiment of  FIG.  6 A , fluid flow control device  600 , similar to fluid flow control devices  400  and  500 , also includes a rotatable component  608  positioned within a housing  601 , and an inlet port  605  that provides a fluid passage for fluids to flow into housing  601 , and an outlet port  610  that provides a fluid flow path for fluids to flow out of fluid flow control device  400 , such as to vortex valve  220  of  FIG.  2   . Moreover, fluids flow into rotatable component  608  in a direction illustrated by arrow  620 , and flow out of rotatable component  608  in a direction illustrated by arrow  621 , where a portion of the fluids experience a Coanda effect, and flows onto fins of rotatable component  608 , thereby rotating rotatable component  608 . 
       FIG.  6 B  is a cross-sectional view of the fluid flow control device of  FIG.  6 A , where the flow rate of fluids flowing out of inlet port  605  is increased to a second rate in response to an increase in the rotational speed of rotatable component  608  being greater than a threshold rotational speed. In the embodiment of  FIG.  6 B , the increase in flow rate of fluid flow out of inlet conduit  605  reduces the Coanda effect. As shown in  FIG.  6 B , fluids flow in a direction illustrated by arrow  622  into inlet port  605 , and out of inlet port  605  in a direction illustrated by arrow  623 , which is more parallel to inlet port  605  relative to arrow  621  shown in  FIG.  6 A  to indicate a reduction of the Coanda effect on the fluids. 
     In some embodiments, pressure is applied to the fluids to increase the flow rate of the fluids flowing out of inlet port  605 . In some embodiments, a nozzle (not shown) is coupled to inlet port  605  to increase the flow rate out of inlet port  605 . In one or more of such embodiments, the flow rate of the fluids is increased to a first threshold rate in response to the speed of rotatable component  608  being greater than a threshold rotational speed. In some embodiments, the flow rate of the fluids are reduced to a second threshold rate that is less than the first threshold rate in response to the speed of rotatable component  608  being greater than a threshold rotational speed, thereby reducing the total amount of fluids flowing into housing  601 , which in turn reduces the amount of fluids that flow onto rotatable component  608  to rotate rotatable component  608 . 
       FIG.  7 A  is an overhead view of another fluid flow control device  700  having four top fins  714 A- 714 D placed on top of a rotatable component  708  of the fluid flow control device  700 . Further,  FIG.  7 B  is a side view of the fluid flow control device  700  of  FIG.  7 A , in which, rotatable component  708  is placed on top of a thrust bearing  734 . In the embodiment of  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B , force applied by fluids onto fins of rotatable component  708 , such as fin  712 , rotates rotatable component  708 . Top fins  714 A- 714 D are angled at a pitch such that as rotatable component  708  rotates, top fins  714 A- 71 C generate a resultant downward force as indicated by arrows  724 A- 724 C, which pushes rotatable component  708  against a thrust bearing  734 , on which, rotatable component  708  rotates. As the rotatable speed of rotatable component  708  increases, downward force also increases, which in turn further increases friction between thrust bearing  734  and rotatable component  708 . Although  FIG.  7 A  illustrates four top fins  714 A- 714 D, in some embodiments, a different number of top fins are placed on top of rotatable component  708 . 
       FIG.  8 A  is a side view of another type of fluid flow control device  800  having a rotatable component  808  that is fitted with adjustable fins, including fin  812 . In the embodiment of  FIG.  8 A , each fin is rotatable about a hinge, such as hinge  813 . Further, the fins are initially oriented in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to a direction of a stream of fluids as indicated by arrow  822 . Force applied by the fluids flowing onto fins, such as fin  812 , rotates the fins about their respective hinges. In that regard,  FIG.  8 B  is a side view of fluid flow control device  800  of  FIG.  8 A , where the pitches of the fins of rotatable component  808  are adjusted in response to the force generated by fluids coming into contact with the fins. As illustrated in  FIG.  8 B , fin  812  has rotated about hinge  813  such that fin  812  is no longer approximately perpendicular to the direction of the stream of fluids as indicated by arrow  823 , thereby reducing the amount of fluids that comes into contact with fin  812 , dampening the acceleration and/or reducing the rotational speed of rotatable component  808 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIG.  8 A , each fin has a pitch that is approximately 0°, indicating that the longitudinal surface of the fin is approximately perpendicular to the top surface of rotatable component  808 . Further, in the embodiment of  FIG.  8 B , each fin has a pitch that is approximately 45°. In the embodiment of  FIGS.  8 A- 8 B , a fin has a pitch of approximately 90° if the fin longitudinal surface of the pin is approximately parallel to the top surface of rotatable component  808 . In some embodiments, the degree of a pitch of the fins is determined in reference to another component of fluid flow control device  800 . In some embodiments, the fins of rotatable component  808  are coupled to a spring, a tension, or another mechanism that applies a force to rotate the fins back an initial orientation or pitch (such as the orientation or pitch of fin  812  illustrated in  FIG.  8 A ) if less than a threshold of force is applied to the respective fins. 
       FIG.  9    is a flowchart of a process  900  to reduce overspeed of a fluid flow control device. Although the operations in the process  900  are shown in a particular sequence, certain operations may be performed in different sequences or at the same time where feasible. 
     At block S 902 , fluid flows through a port of a fluid flow control device onto a rotatable component of the fluid flow control device.  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , for example, illustrate inlet port  405 , through which fluids flow onto rotatable component  408  of fluid flow control device  400 . At block S 904 , the rotatable component is rotated about an axis of rotation.  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , for example, illustrate rotatable component  408  rotating about axis  403 . At block S 906 , and in response to a rotational acceleration of the rotatable component, a radius of gyration of the rotatable component is increased to reduce the rotational acceleration of the rotatable component.  FIGS.  4 A- 4 B , for example, illustrate weights  407 A and  407 B shifting from initial positions illustrated in  FIG.  4 A , away from axis  403 , and to positions illustrated in  FIG.  4 B . The movement of weights  407 A and  407 B away from axis  403  and towards the parameter of rotatable component  408  increases the radius of gyration of rotatable component  408 , which in turn reduces the rotational acceleration of the rotatable component. In some embodiments, fluids that are partially filled in chambers are utilized to increase of gyration of rotatable component  408 . In some embodiments, the flow rate of fluids flowing through an inlet port of the fluid flow control device is increased, such as to a first threshold rate to reduce a Coanda effect on the fluids, thereby reducing the speed of the rotatable component. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the flow rate of fluids flowing through an inlet port is reduced to a second threshold rate that is less than the first threshold rate to reduce the speed of the rotatable component. 
       FIG.  10    is a flowchart of another process  1000  to reduce overspeed of a fluid flow control device. Although the operations in the process  1000  are shown in a particular sequence, certain operations may be performed in different sequences or at the same time where feasible. 
     At block S 1002 , fluid flows through a port of a fluid flow control device onto a rotatable component of the fluid flow control device.  FIGS.  5 A- 5 B , for example, illustrate inlet port  505 , through which fluids flow onto rotatable component  508  of fluid flow control device  500 . Similarly,  FIGS.  6 A- 6 B  illustrate inlet port  605 , through which fluids flow onto rotatable component  608  of fluid flow control device  600 . Further,  FIGS.  7 A- 7 B  illustrate inlet port  705 , through which fluids flow onto rotatable component  708  of fluid flow control device  700 . At block S 1004 , the rotatable component is rotated about an axis of rotation.  FIGS.  5 A- 5 B , for example, illustrate rotatable component  508  rotating about axis  503 . At block S 1006 , and in response to the rotatable component rotating at a speed that is greater than a threshold speed, a mechanical component of the rotatable component is engaged to reduce the speed of the rotatable component. In the embodiment of  FIGS.  5 A- 5 B , the mechanical is a protrusion  510 . Moreover, protrusion  510  is engaged by being shifted radially outwards from the position illustrated in  FIG.  5 A  to the position illustrated in  FIG.  5 B  to engage a portion of the wall of housing  501 , thereby reducing the rotational speed of rotatable component  508 . In the embodiment of  FIGS.  7 A- 7 B , the mechanical component is a top fin, such as top fin  714 A. Moreover, top fin  714 A is installed on rotatable component  708  of  FIGS.  7 A and  7 B  at a pitch (e.g., 30°, 45°, or another pitch), such that, as rotatable component  708  rotates, a resultant downward force pushes rotatable component against thrust bearing  734  of  FIG.  7 B  in a direction illustrated by arrow  724 A of  FIG.  7 B , which increases the friction between rotatable component  708  and thrust bearing  734 , thereby reducing the rotational speed of rotatable component  708 . In the embodiment of  FIGS.  8 A- 8 B , the mechanical component is a fin of rotatable component  808 , such as fin  812 . Moreover, fin  812  is engaged by rotating fin  812  from having a first pitch as illustrated in  FIG.  8 A  to having a pitch as illustrated in  FIG.  8 B , thereby reducing the rotational speed of rotatable component  808 . In some embodiments, the flow rate of fluids flowing through an inlet port of the fluid flow control device is increased, such as to a first threshold rate to reduce a Coanda effect on the fluids, thereby reducing the speed of the rotatable component. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the flow rate of fluids flowing through an inlet port is reduced to a second threshold rate that is less than the first threshold rate to reduce the speed of the rotatable component. 
     The above-disclosed embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice the disclosure, but the disclosure is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the forms disclosed. Many insubstantial modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. For instance, although the flowcharts depict a serial process, some of the steps/processes may be performed in parallel or out of sequence, or combined into a single step/process. The scope of the claims is intended to broadly cover the disclosed embodiments and any such modification. Further, the following clauses represent additional embodiments of the disclosure and should be considered within the scope of the disclosure. 
     Clause 1, a fluid flow control device, comprising: a port; a rotatable component that rotates about an axis in response to fluid flow from the port; and a mechanical component disposed on the rotatable component and configured to reduce rotational speed of the rotatable component. 
     Clause 2, the fluid flow control device of clause 1, wherein the mechanical component is a protrusion that extends radially outwards from a first position towards a second position in response to an increase in rotational speed of the rotatable component, and wherein the protrusion is configured to engage an element of the fluid flow control device while the protrusion is in the second position to reduce the rotational speed of the rotatable component. 
     Clause 3, the fluid flow control device of clause 2, further comprising a spring that is coupled to the protrusion, wherein the spring is in a natural state while the protrusion is in the first position, and wherein the spring is in a compressed state while the protrusion is in the second position. 
     Clause 4, the fluid flow control device of clause 3, wherein the spring is configured to shift the protrusion from the second position to the first position while the rotational speed of the rotatable component is below a threshold speed. 
     Clause 5, the fluid flow control device of clause 1, wherein the mechanical component is a top fin positioned on top of the rotatable component at a pitch, and wherein the top fin generates a downward force on the rotatable component in response to an increase in the rotational speed of the rotatable component. 
     Clause 6, the fluid flow control device of clause 1, wherein the mechanical component is a fin that extends outwards from the rotatable component, and wherein the fin has a variable pitch that is based on the rotational speed of the rotatable component. 
     Clause 7, the fluid flow control device of clause 6, wherein the fin is configured to rotate from having a first pitch to having a second pitch in response to an increase in the rotational speed of the rotatable component. 
     Clause 8, a fluid flow control device, comprising: a port; a rotatable component that rotates about an axis in response to fluid flow from the port; and a chamber disposed within the fluid flow control device and containing an element that moves away from the axis in response to a rotational acceleration of the rotatable component, wherein movement of the element away from the axis increases a radius of gyration of the rotatable component. 
     Clause 9, the fluid flow control device of clause 8, wherein the element is a weight that shifts from a first position in the chamber to a second position in the chamber that is further away from the axis relative to the first position in response to a rotational acceleration of the rotatable component. 
     Clause 10, the fluid flow control device of clause 9, further comprising a spring that is in a natural state while the weight is in the first position and is in a compressed state while the weight is in a second position. 
     Clause 11, the fluid flow control device of clause 10, wherein the spring is configured to shift the weight from the second position to the first position while the rotational acceleration of rotatable component is below a threshold rate. 
     Clause 12, the fluid flow control device of clause 8, wherein the element is a fluid that partially fills the chamber, and wherein the fluid flows from a first region of the chamber to a second region of the chamber further away from the axis relative to the first region in response to the rotational acceleration of the rotatable component. 
     Clause 13, a method to reduce overspeed of a fluid flow control device, the method comprising: flowing fluid through a port of a fluid flow control device onto a rotatable component of the fluid flow control device; rotating the rotatable component about an axis of rotation; and in response to a rotational acceleration of the rotatable component, increasing a radius of gyration of the rotatable component to reduce the rotational acceleration of the rotatable component. 
     Clause 14, the method of clause 13, further comprising shifting an element disposed within a chamber of the fluid flow control device away from the axis of rotation to increase the radius of gyration of the rotatable component. 
     Clause 15, the method of clauses 13 or 14, further comprising increasing a flow rate of the fluid out of the inlet port to reduce the rotational acceleration of the rotatable component. 
     Clause 16, a method to reduce overspeed of a fluid flow control device, the method comprising: flowing fluid through a port of a fluid flow control device onto a rotatable component of the fluid flow control device; rotating the rotatable component about an axis of rotation; and in response to the rotatable component rotating at a speed that is greater than a threshold speed, engaging a mechanical component of the rotatable component to reduce the speed of the rotatable component. 
     Clause 17, the method of clause 16, wherein the mechanical component is a protrusion that extends radially outwards from the rotatable component, and wherein engaging the mechanical component comprises shifting the protrusion radially outwards from a first position towards a second position to engage an element of the fluid flow control device to reduce the speed of the rotatable component. 
     Clause 18, the method of clauses 16 or 17, wherein the mechanical component is a top fin positioned on top of the rotatable component, and wherein the top fin wherein the top fin generates a downward force on the rotatable component in response to an increase in the rotational speed of the rotatable component to reduce the speed of the rotatable component. 
     Clause 19, the method of any of clauses 16-18, wherein the mechanical component is a fin that extends outwards from the rotatable component, wherein the fin has a variable pitch that is based on the speed of the rotatable component, and wherein engaging the mechanical component comprises rotating the fin from having a first pitch to having a second pitch to reduce the speed of the rotatable component. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprise” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification and/or in the claims, specify the presence of stated features, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. In addition, the steps and components described in the above embodiments and figures are merely illustrative and do not imply that any particular step or component is a requirement of a claimed embodiment.