Patent Publication Number: US-7721799-B2

Title: Flow control packer (FCP) and aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
   This application claims priority from U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 60/849,954 filed Oct. 6, 2006. 

   BACKGROUND 
   A packer is an expandable plug configured to isolate sections of a conduit, such as a well casing, a borehole or a pipe. Packers can be used for performing various operations in the isolated sections of the conduit. For example, in a well casing or a bore hole, packers can be used to isolate different sections (i.e., zones) for hydrofracturing, grouting, sampling and monitoring. Packers can also be used to isolate different sections of a well casing or borehole for pumping fluids out of, or injecting fluids into the isolated sections. 
   One type of packer is known as an inflatable packer. Inflatable packers have been used in the oil and gas industry since the 1940&#39;s. Until recently, however, their use was restricted by prohibitive cost and limited availability. Now, several disciplines (e.g., ground water development, contamination studies, dewatering, geothermal, mining, coal bed methane, and geotechnical studies) use a wide selection of reasonably priced inflatable packers. The inflatable packer has significant advantages compared to other packer designs. These include a high expansion ratio, a minimal outside diameter combined with a large interior diameter opening, a long sealing section, which conforms to uneven sides in a conduit, and a high pressure rating. 
   The inflatable packer includes a mandrel made of tubing or pipe, having an inflatable element attached at one or both ends to an outside diameter thereof. Typically, the mandrel has threaded connections (e.g., NPT, API casing threads) at both ends. An inflation port allows gas, water or a solidifying liquid to be injected between the mandrel and the inflatable element. This expands the inflatable element against the inside diameter of the well or borehole to prevent fluids from flowing along the outside of the packer. However, since the mandrel also has an inside diameter, fluid can pass through the mandrel. Similarly, tubes, wire or other elements can be passed through the mandrel. 
   Recently, inflatable packers have been used to control fluid flow and pressure in a well or borehole. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,316,081 to Baski et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,195 to Hauck et al. disclose inflatable packers configured as flow and pressure control valves for wells. 
   One application for this type of inflatable packer is in aquifer and storage recovery (ASR). With aquifer and storage recovery (ASR) large volumes of treated water are injected and stored in aquifers during periods of the year when water and treatment facility capacity are available (e.g., winter). During periods of the year when water is in high demand (e.g., summer), water is pumped out of the aquifers. Both injection of water into an aquifer, and pumping of water out of the aquifer require flow and pressure regulation over a wide range of flow rates. In addition, it is advantageous for a flow control packer to provide flow control during both injection of water into the aquifer, and during pumping of water out of the aquifer. 
   Various embodiments of the flow control packer (FCP) to be further described can be used to control the flow and pressure of a fluid in either direction in a conduit, such as a well casing, a borehole, or a pipe. In addition, the flow control packer (FCP) can be used over a wide range of flow rates, pressures, and conduit sizes. Further, the flow control packer (FCP) can be used to construct various systems including aquifer and storage recovery (ASR) systems, and can be constructed to control flow rates for either injection into an aquifer or for pumping out of the aquifer. 
   However, the foregoing examples of the related art and limitations related therewith, are intended to be illustrative and not exclusive. Other limitations of the related art will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon a reading of the specification and a study of the drawings. 
   SUMMARY 
   A flow control packer (FCP) includes a packer mandrel, and an inflatable element fixedly attached at each end to the packer mandrel. The packer mandrel comprises an elongated tubular member having an inside diameter and an outside diameter. The inflatable element is fixedly attached at each end to the outside diameter of the packer mandrel using attachment members, such as crimp rings. The inflatable element is configured for inflation for engaging an inside diameter of a conduit, such as a well casing, a borehole or a pipe. In addition, an outside surface of the inflatable element includes spaced circumferential grooves which form flow control segments. The inflatable element also includes flow control grooves on the flow control segments, configured to press against the inside diameter of the conduit to provide flow paths between the inflatable element and the conduit. In addition, one or more of the flow control segments have no flow control grooves and function as shut off segments. 
   Depending on the inflation pressure of the inflatable element, the fluid can flow between the outside surface of the inflatable element and the inner surface of the conduit at a selected flow rate and pressure, or the flow can be completely shut off by the inflatable element. In addition, the size of the flow control grooves, and the stretch pressure of the inflatable element along the length thereof, can be varied to provide variable flow control along the length of the inflatable element as a function of inflation pressure. 
   In a first embodiment, the flow control packer (FCP) is configured to control fluid flow in either direction through the conduit. In the first embodiment, a center portion of the inflatable element has a lower stretch pressure than end portions thereof, and includes relatively larger flow control grooves. In a second embodiment, the flow control packer (FCP) is configured to control fluid flow in only one direction through the conduit. However, the second embodiment can be oriented in an opposing direction in the conduit to control flow in the opposite direction. In the second embodiment, one end of the inflatable element has a lower stretch pressure than an opposing end, and includes relatively larger flow control grooves. 
   A system can include one or more flow control packers (FCP) configured to control fluid flow through different sections of the conduit. In an illustrative embodiment, an aquifer and storage recovery (ASR) system includes an upper flow control packer (FSP) and a lower flow control packer (FSP) configured to control the flow of water from different water bearing zones of a water well. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the referenced figures of the drawings. It is intended that the embodiments and the figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative rather than limiting. 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic side elevation view of a flow control packer (FCP) in an uninflated condition; 
       FIG. 1A  is an enlarged schematic cross sectional view of the flow control packer (FCP) taken along section line  1 A- 1 A of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 1B  is an enlarged schematic cross sectional view of the flow control packer (FCP) taken along section line  1 B- 1 B of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 1C  is an enlarged schematic cross sectional view of the flow control packer (FCP) taken along section line  1 C- 1 C of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 1D  is an enlarged schematic cross sectional view of the flow control packer (FCP) taken along section line  1 D- 1 D of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 1E  is an enlarged schematic cross sectional view of the flow control packer (FCP) taken along section line  1 E- 1 E of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 1F  is an enlarged schematic cross sectional view of the flow control packer (FCP) taken along section line  1 F- 1 F of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 2A  is an enlarged schematic cross sectional view of the flow control packer (FCP) controlling fluid flow in a conduit at a first inflation pressure; 
       FIG. 2B  is an enlarged schematic cross sectional view of the flow control packer (FCP) controlling fluid flow in the conduit at a second inflation pressure; 
       FIG. 2C  is an enlarged schematic cross sectional view of the flow control packer (FCP) shutting off fluid flow in the conduit at a third inflation pressure; 
       FIG. 3  is a schematic side elevation view of an alternate embodiment flow control packer (FCP) in an uninflated condition; 
       FIG. 3A  is an enlarged schematic cross sectional view of the alternate embodiment flow control packer (FCP) taken along section line  3 A- 3 A of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 3B  is an enlarged schematic cross sectional view of the alternate embodiment flow control packer (FCP) taken along section line  3 B- 3 B of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 3C  is an enlarged schematic cross sectional view of the alternate embodiment flow control packer (FCP) taken along section line  3 C- 3 C of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 3D  is an enlarged schematic cross sectional view of the alternate embodiment flow control packer (FCP) taken along section line  3 D- 3 D of  FIG. 3 ; 
       FIG. 4A  is an enlarged schematic cross sectional view of the alternate embodiment flow control packer (FCP) controlling fluid flow in a conduit at a first inflation pressure; 
       FIG. 4B  is an enlarged schematic cross sectional view of the alternate embodiment flow control packer (FCP) controlling fluid flow in the conduit at a second inflation pressure; 
       FIG. 4C  is an enlarged schematic cross sectional view of the alternate embodiment flow control packer (FCP) shutting off fluid flow in the conduit at a third inflation pressure; 
       FIG. 5A  is a schematic perspective view of a system for controlling fluid flow in a water well shown pumping water from a first (lower) section of the well; 
       FIG. 5B  is a schematic perspective view of the system shown pumping water from a second (upper) section of the well; 
       FIG. 6A  is an enlarged schematic perspective view of an upper flow control packer (FCP) of the system of  FIGS. 5A and 5B ; 
       FIG. 6B  is an enlarged schematic perspective view taken along line  6 B of  FIG. 6A ; 
       FIG. 6C  is an enlarged schematic perspective view of a middle stabilizing packer of the system of  FIGS. 5A and 5B ; 
       FIG. 6D  is an enlarged schematic perspective view taken along line  6 D of  FIG. 6C ; 
       FIG. 6E  is an enlarged schematic perspective view of a lower flow control packer (FCP) of the system of  FIGS. 5A and 5B ; and 
       FIG. 6F  is an enlarged schematic perspective view taken along line  6 D of  FIG. 6C . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , a flow control packer (FCP)  10  includes a packer mandrel  12 , an inflatable element  14 , and attachment members  16 ,  18  attaching the inflatable element  14  to the packer mandrel  12 . In  FIG. 1 , the flow control packer (FCP)  10  is illustrated in an “uninflated” condition. In  FIGS. 2A-2C , the flow control packer (FCP)  10  is illustrated in a conduit  20  ( FIG. 2 ) in an “inflated” condition at different inflation pressures. 
   As will be further described, the flow control packer (FCP)  10  is configured to control fluid flow in either direction in the conduit  20  ( FIG. 2A-2C ), and to completely shut off fluid flow in the conduit  20  ( FIG. 2A-2C ). An alternate embodiment flow control packer (FCP)  10 A ( FIG. 3 ) to be hereinafter described, is configured to control fluid flow in only one direction in the conduit  20 . 
   The flow control packer (FCP)  10  ( FIG. 1 ) comprises a generally cylindrical shaped, elongated member having a length “L 1 ” and an outside diameter “OD 1 ”. The length “L 1 ” and the outside diameter “OD 1 ” of the flow control packer (FCP)  10  can be selected as required. In addition, the outside diameter “OD 1 ” of the flow control packer (FCP)  10  will vary depending on the inflation of the inflatable element  14 . However, the outside diameter OD 1  in the uninflated condition must be less than an inside diameter of the conduit  20  ( FIGS. 2A-2C ) to allow placement in the conduit  20 . The flow control packer (FCP)  10  also includes a first end  22 , a second end  24 , a medial axis  26  centered between the first end  22  and the second end  24 , and a longitudinal axis  20 . 
   A representative value for the length “L 1 ” of flow control packer (FCP)  10  can be from 3 feet to 50 feet. A representative value for the outside diameter “OD 1 ” of flow control packer (FCP)  10  can be from 3 inches to 36 inches. 
   The packer mandrel  12  ( FIG. 1 ) comprises an elongated hollow tubular conduit which extends along the entire length (L 1 ) of the flow control packer (FCP)  10 . The packer mandrel  12  can comprise mating tube or pipe segments that are welded, or otherwise attached, to form a unitary structure. In addition, the packer mandrel  12  can be made of a suitable metal, such as steel, stainless steel, iron or brass. As shown in  FIG. 1A , the packer mandrel  12 , and has an inside diameter and an outside diameter, which can vary in size on different portions thereof along the length of the flow control packer (FCP)  10 . As also shown in  FIG. 1A , the inside diameter of the packer mandrel  12  forms a center conduit  30  for the flow control packer (FCP)  10 . 
   The packer mandrel  12  ( FIG. 1 ) can also include pipe threads (not shown) proximate to the first end  22  and to the second end  24  of the flow control packer (FCP)  10 , which allow the flow control packer (FCP)  10  to be attached to other elements (e.g., pipes, tubes, pumps, etc.) in a flow control system. Depending on the application, the pipe threads can comprise female pipe threads or male pipe threads with either an NPT or an API thread form configuration. 
   As shown in  FIG. 1C , the inflatable element  14  comprises multiple layers of a resilient elastomeric materials that are vulcanized to form a unitary structure. For example, the inflatable element  14  ( FIG. 1C ) can comprise multiple layers of an elastomeric base material  48  ( FIG. 1C ), such as rubber, reinforced with a matrix of reinforcing strands  50  ( FIG. 1C ), such as polyester, nylon, rayon or steel cords. In addition, as will be further explained, the inflatable element  14  ( FIG. 1C ) includes a solid elastomeric outer layer  52  ( FIG. 1C ) having a selected thickness and durometer. As will also be further explained, the inflatable element  14  ( FIG. 1C ) can be constructed to have a lower stretch pressure near the medial axis  26  relative to the stretch pressure near the ends  22 ,  24  of the flow control packer (FCP)  10 . This configuration can be achieved by varying the material or the orientation of the strands  50  (e.g., helical build angle), the number of plys of material, or the durometer of the elastomeric base material  48 . U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,982 to Hauck et al., which is incorporated herein by reference, further describes the construction of inflatable elements for fixed head inflatable packers to achieve a desired stretch pressure and expansion ratio. 
   As shown in  FIG. 1B , the packer mandrel  12  includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced ribs  38  that space the inflatable element  14  from the outside diameter of the packer mandrel  12 . In addition, the ribs  38  form an annular space  40  between the packer mandrel  12  and the inflatable element  14 . The annular space  40  is in flow communication with an inflation port  42 , which permits a compressed fluid (gas or liquid) to be injected into the annular space  40  at a selected pressure for inflating the inflatable element  14 . The attachment members  16 ,  18  which attach the inflatable element  14  to the packer mandrel  12  can comprise crimp rings, similar to those used for attaching fittings to hydraulic hoses. The attachment members  16 ,  18  are also configured to fixedly attach the inflatable element  14  to the packer mandrel  12 , while allowing flow communication between the inflation port  42  and the annulus  40  ( FIG. 1B ). U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,982 to Hauck et al., further describes suitable structure for forming the attachment members  16 ,  18  for fixed head inflatable packers. 
   The inflatable element  14  ( FIG. 1 ) also includes a plurality of circumferential grooves  32 , and a plurality of parallel, spaced flow control grooves  34  formed in the outer layer  52  ( FIG. 1C ) on an outside surface thereof. With the inflatable element  14  in an inflated condition pressed against an inside diameter  36  of the conduit  20  ( FIGS. 2A-2C ), the circumferential grooves  32 , and the flow control grooves  34  provide flow channels for fluid flow between the inflatable element  14  and the inside diameter  36  of the conduit  20 . 
   The circumferential grooves  32  ( FIG. 1 ) can comprise continuous, uniformly sized and spaced hemispherically shaped grooves formed on the outside circumferential surface of the inflatable element  14 . Depending on the length L 1  of the flow control packer (FCP)  10 , there can be any selected number of circumferential grooves  32  (e.g., 5 to 50) which divide the inflatable element into a plurality of separate flow control segments  56  containing flow control grooves  32 . In addition, the circumferential grooves  32  can have a selected depth (e.g., several millimeters or more), a selected width (several millimeters to a centimeter or more), and a selected spacing from one another (e.g., one to several centimeters or more). The thickness and durometer of the outer layer  52  ( FIG. 1C ) of the inflatable element  14  can be selected to allow the circumferential grooves  32 , and the flow control grooves  34  as well, to be easily machined using a lathe and a suitable tool, such as heated knife. For example, heated knifes are commercially available from Ideal Heated Knives of New Hudson, Mich. For forming by heated knife, a representative durometer for the outer layer  52  ( FIG. 1C ) of the inflatable element  14  can be from 60 to 80 on the Shore A scale. 
   As with the circumferential grooves  32  ( FIG. 1 ), the flow control grooves  34  ( FIG. 1 ) are also formed in the outer layer  52  ( FIG. 1C ) and on the outside circumferential surface of the inflatable element  14 . However, the flow control grooves  34  are formed between the circumferential grooves  32  in the flow control segments  56  generally parallel to the longitudinal axis  28  of the flow control packer (FCP)  10 . In addition, the flow control grooves  34  have a depth D ( FIGS. 1D-1F ) that varies along the length L 1  of the flow control packer (FCP)  10 . Also, the flow control grooves  34  can have symmetrical patterns on either side of the medial axis  26  ( FIG. 1 ), and staggered or offset patterns as the ends of the inflatable element  14  are approached. As shown in  FIG. 1C , there are no flow control grooves  34  in a shut off segment  54  of the inflatable element  14  near the first end  22  of the flow control packer (FCP)  10 . As the flow control grooves  34  are formed in a pattern that is symmetrical on either side of the medial axis  26  ( FIG. 1 ), there are also no flow control grooves  34  in a shut off segment  54  ( FIG. 1 ) near the second end  24  of the flow control packer (FCP)  10 . As will be further explained, since the shut off segments  54  of the inflatable element  14  have no flow control grooves  34 , in a fully inflated condition of the inflatable element  14  the ends thereof function to completely shut off flow through the conduit  20  ( FIG. 2A-2C ) in either direction. 
   As also shown in  FIGS. 1D-1F , the depth and width (i.e., the size) of the flow control grooves  34  increases as the medial axis  26  ( FIG. 1 ) of the flow control packer (FCP)  10  is approached. As such, the flow control grooves  34  have a relatively shallow depth D 1  ( FIG. 1D ) and small width W 1  ( FIG. 1D ) near the ends of the inflatable element  14 , an intermediate depth D 2  ( FIG. 1E ) and width W 2  ( FIG. 1E ) on either side between the ends and the medial axis  26  ( FIG. 1 ), and a relatively large depth D 3  ( FIG. 1F ) and width W 3  ( FIG. 1F ), near the medial axis  26  ( FIG. 1 ) of the flow control packer (FCP)  10 . The depths D 1 -D 3  and widths W 1 -W 3  of the flow control grooves  34  can be selected as required, with from 10 mm to 3 cm being representative. In addition, the depth D 3  ( FIG. 1F ) and width W 3  ( FIG. 1F ) near the medial axis  26  ( FIG. 1 ) can be from 1.5 to several times greater than the depth D 1  ( FIG. 1D ) and width W 1  ( FIG. 1D ) near the ends of the inflatable element  14 . The flow control grooves  34  near the medial axis  26  ( FIG. 1 ) are thus able to transmit a higher fluid flow. On the other hand, the flow control grooves  34  near the ends of the inflatable element  14  transmit less fluid flow and produce more frictional head loss in the fluid flow. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 2A-2C , the operation of the flow control packer (FCP)  10  is illustrated. The flow control packer (FCP)  10  can be placed in the conduit  20  to control fluid flow in either direction in the conduit  20 . In  FIG. 2A , an upstream end of the conduit  20  has a fluid pressure P 1 , and a downstream end of the conduit  20  has a fluid pressure P 2 . In this case P 1  is greater than P 2  (P 1 &gt;P 2 ). In addition, fluid flow through the conduit  20  is illustrated by solid fluid flow arrows  44 . However, the flow control packer (FCP)  10  can be used to control fluid flow in an opposite direction in the conduit  20 , such that dotted flow control arrows  46  illustrate the case where P 2  is greater than P 1  (P 2 &gt;P 1 ). In down hole applications, such as where the conduit  20  comprises a well casing or a borehole, the flow control packer (FCP)  10  can be utilized to inject fluid in a downhole direction, and alternately to pump fluids in an uphole direction as well. 
   In  FIG. 2A , the inflatable element  14  is inflated with an inflation pressure Pi having a value selected such that only flow control segments  56  of the inflatable element  14  proximate to the medial axis  26  of the flow control packer (FCP)  10 , press against the inside diameter  36  of the conduit  20 . In this case, the inflation pressure Pi can be selected to overcome the stretch pressure Ps of the inflatable element  14  near the medial axis  26 , and the pressure P 1  in the conduit as well. (Pi&gt;Ps+P 1 ). In addition, the inflation pressure Pi can be selected to achieve a selected downstream pressure P 2 , and a desired flow rate through the flow control channels  34  as well. To insure that the inflatable element  14  only inflates near the medial axis  26 , the inflatable element  14  can be constructed with a lower stretch pressure near it&#39;s center relative to the ends thereof. Stated differently, the flow control segments  56  near the center of the inflatable element  14  have a lower stretch pressure than the flow control segments  56  near the ends of the inflatable element  14 . 
   In  FIG. 2B , the inflatable element  14  is inflated with an inflation pressure Pi having a value selected such that more flow control segments  56  of the inflatable element  14  are in contact with the inside diameter  36  of the conduit  20 . This requires a higher inflation pressure Pi relative to the condition shown in  FIG. 2A . In addition, as the flow control grooves  34  decrease in size in a direction away from the medial axis  26 , the flow rate through the conduit  20  is less than the flow rate relative to the condition shown in  FIG. 2A . The reduced flow rate also occurs due to higher flow restrictions and higher frictional head loss which are a function of the size of the flow control grooves. In the conduit  20  ( FIGS. 2A-2C ), the total head Th is equal to the velocity head Vh plus the pressure head Ph (Th=Vh+Ph). As the frictional losses increase with the smaller size of the flow control grooves  34 , the velocity head Vh, the pressure head Ph, and the total head Th decrease. By way of illustration and not limitation, the flow velocities in  FIGS. 2A and 2B  can be optimized to achieve a flow velocity through the flow control grooves  34  of from about 1 foot/second to 10 feet/second. 
   In  FIG. 2C , the inflatable element  14  is inflated with an inflation pressure Pi having a value selected such that almost all of the inflatable element  14  is in contract with the inside diameter  36  of the conduit  20 . This requires a higher inflation pressure Pi relative to the condition shown in  FIG. 2A  or  2 B. In addition, the flow rate through the conduit  20  can be effectively shut off as the inflatable element  14  has no flow control grooves  34  on the shut off segments  54 . The flow control packer (FCP)  10  can thus be operated to control the flow rate, or to shut off the flow rate through the conduit  20 , as a function of the inflation pressure Pi of the inflatable element  14 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 3 , an alternate embodiment flow control packer (FCP)  10 A is illustrated. The flow control packer (FCP)  10 A is substantially similar to the flow control packer (FCP)  10  ( FIG. 1 ), but is configured to control fluid flow in a conduit  20 A ( FIG. 4A ) in only one direction. In down hole applications, either injection or pumping can be controlled. In addition, the flow direction is dependent on the orientation of the flow control packer (FCP)  10 A in the conduit  20 A ( FIG. 4A ). 
   The flow control packer (FCP)  10 A ( FIG. 3 ) includes a packer mandrel  12 A, an inflatable element  14 A and attachment members  16 A,  18 A. The packer mandrel  12 A and the attachment members  16 A,  18 A are constructed substantially as previously described for packer mandrel  12  ( FIG. 1 ) and attachment members  16 ,  18  ( FIG. 1 ). However, as will be further explained, the inflatable element  14 A is constructed differently than the inflatable element  14  ( FIG. 1 ). As the flow control packer (FCP)  10 A ( FIG. 3 ) is orientation dependent, a first end  22 A thereof is termed a “shut off” end, and a second end  24 A thereof is termed a “flow control end”. 
   As previously described, the flow control packer (FCP)  10 A ( FIG. 3 ) includes a longitudinal axis  28 A. In addition, the packer mandrel  12 A ( FIG. 3 ) includes a center conduit  30 A ( FIG. 3A ), and ribs (not shown) which form an annular space  40 A ( FIG. 3A ) in flow communication with an inflation port  42 A ( FIG. 3A ) for inflating the inflatable element  14 A. 
   The inflatable element  14 A ( FIG. 3 ) includes circumferential grooves  32 A and flow control grooves  34 A, which are constructed substantially as previously described for the circumferential grooves  32  ( FIG. 1 ) and the flow control grooves  34  ( FIG. 1 ). However, rather than being on the medial axis  26  ( FIG. 1 ) as with the flow control packer  10  ( FIG. 1 ), the largest flow control grooves  34 A ( FIG. 3 ) are formed in flow control segments  56 A near the second end  24 A (flow control end) of the flow control packer (FCP)  10 A. In addition, the smallest flow control grooves  34 A, are formed in flow control segments  56 A near the first end  22 A (shut off end) of the flow control packer (FCP)  10 A. Further, a shut off segment  54 A of the inflatable element  14 A has no flow control grooves  34 A. 
     FIGS. 3A-3D  illustrate the configuration of the flow control grooves  34 A of the flow control packer (FCP)  10 A. As shown in  FIG. 3A , there are no flow control grooves in the shut off segment  54 A near the first end  22 A (shut off end) of the flow control packer (FCP)  10 A. As shown in  FIG. 3B-3D , the largest flow control grooves  34 A are formed in flow control segments  56 A near the second end  24 A (flow control end) of the flow control packer (FCP)  10 A, the smallest flow control grooves  34 A are formed in flow control segments  56 A near the first end  22 A (shut off end), and the flow control grooves  34 A become progressively smaller from the second end  24 A (flow control end) to the first end  22 A (shut off end). 
   The inflatable element  14 A ( FIG. 3 ) of the flow control packer (FCP)  10 A ( FIG. 3 ) also includes multiple layers including an elastomeric base material  48 A ( FIG. 3A ) reinforced with strands  50 A, and an outer layer  52 A wherein the circumferential grooves  32 A and flow control grooves  34 A are formed. The inflatable element  14 A ( FIG. 3 ) is also constructed such that the stretch pressure decreases in a direction from the second end  24 A (flow control end) to the first end  22 A (shut off end). This configuration can be achieved by varying the material or the orientation of the strands  50 A (e.g., helical build angle), the number of plys of material, or the durometer of the elastomeric base material  48 A. Previously incorporated U.S. Pat. No. 5,778,982 to Hauck et al., further describes the construction of inflatable elements for fixed head inflatable packers to achieve a desired stretch pressure and expansion ratio. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 4A-4C , the operation of the flow control packer (FCP)  10 A is illustrated. In  FIG. 4A , the flow control packer (FCP)  10 A has been placed in the conduit  20 A to control fluid flow from left to right. As such, an upstream end of the conduit  20 A has a fluid pressure P 1 , and a downstream end of the conduit  20  has a fluid pressure P 2 . In this case, P 1  is greater than P 2  (P 1 &gt;P 2 ). In addition, fluid flow through the conduit  20 A is illustrated by fluid flow arrows  44 A. In this example, the first end  22 A (shut off end) is placed upstream, and the second end  24 A (flow control end) of the flow control packer (FCP)  10 A is placed downstream in the conduit  20 A. In down hole applications, such as where the conduit  20 A comprises a well casing or a borehole, the flow control packer (FCP)  10 A in this orientation could be utilized to inject fluid in a downhole direction. However, the flow control packer (FCP)  10  could also be used to control fluid flow in an opposite direction in the conduit  20 A (P 2 &gt;P 1 ), by placing the second end  24 A (flow control end) upstream and the first end  22 A (shut off end) downstream. In down hole applications with this alternate orientation, the flow control packer (FCP)  10 A could be utilized to pump fluid in a uphole direction. 
   In  FIG. 4A , the inflatable element  14 A is inflated with an inflation pressure Pi having a value selected such that only flow control segments  56 A of the inflatable element  14 A proximate to the second end  24 A (flow control end) of the flow control packer (FCP)  10 A, press against the inside diameter  36 A of the conduit  20 A. In this case, the inflation pressure Pi can be selected to overcome the stretch pressure Ps of the inflatable element  14 A near the second end  24 A (flow control end), and the pressure P 1  in the conduit as well. (Pi&gt;Ps+P 1 ). In addition, the inflation pressure Pi can be selected to achieve a selected downstream pressure P 2 , and a desired flow rate through the flow control channels  34 A as well. To insure that the inflatable element  14 A only inflates near the second end  24 A (flow control end), the inflatable element  14 A can be constructed with a lower stretch pressure near the second end  24 A (flow control end) relative to the center and the first end  22 A (shut off end). 
   In  FIG. 4B , the inflatable element  14 A is inflated with an inflation pressure Pi having a value selected such that more flow control segments  56 A of the inflatable element  14 A are in contact with the inside diameter  36 A of the conduit  20 A. This requires a higher inflation pressure Pi relative to the condition shown in  FIG. 4A . In addition, as the flow control grooves  34 A decrease in size in a direction away from the second end  24 A (flow control end) towards the first end  22 A (shut off end), the flow rate through the conduit  20 A is less than the flow rate relative to the condition shown in  FIG. 4A . The reduced flow rate also occurs due to higher flow restrictions and higher frictional head loss which are a function of the size of the flow control grooves. In the conduit  20 A ( FIGS. 4A-4C ), the total head Th is equal to the velocity head Vh plus the pressure head Ph (Th=Vh+Ph). As the frictional losses increase with the smaller size of the flow control grooves  34 A, the velocity head Vh, the pressure head Ph, and the total head Th decrease. By way of illustration and not limitation, the flow velocities in  FIGS. 4A and 4B  can be optimized to achieve a flow velocity through the flow control grooves  34 A of from about 1 foot/second to 10 feet/second. 
   In  FIG. 4C , the inflatable element  14 A is inflated with an inflation pressure Pi having a value selected such that almost all of the inflatable element  14 A is in contract with the inside diameter  36 A of the conduit  20 A. This requires a higher inflation pressure Pi relative to the condition shown in  FIG. 4A  or  4 B. In addition, the flow rate through the conduit  20 A can be effectively shut off as the inflatable element  14 A has no flow control grooves  34  in the shut off segment  54 A near it&#39;s first end  22 A (shut off end). The flow control packer (FCP)  10 A can thus be operated to control the flow rate, or to shut off the flow rate through the conduit  20 A, as a function of the inflation pressure Pi of the inflatable element  14 A. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , a system  60  configured to pump water from a well  62  is illustrated. In the illustrative embodiment, the well  62  comprises an aquifer storage and recovery (ASR) well, and the fluid being controlled is water. However, the system  60  can be configured to control other types of wells, and other fluids, such as oil and gas. In addition, the system can be configured to control fluid flow in other piping systems including above ground systems. Further, the system  60  can be configured to inject water into the well  62  rather than pump water from the well  62 . 
   The well  62  includes a cylindrical well casing  64  extending from a ground surface  68  into one or more geological formations at a required depth. This depth is typically from several hundred to several thousand feet. The well  62  also includes an upper water bearing zone  70 , a lower water bearing zone  72  and a confining layer  74  between the water bearing zones  70 ,  72 . The well casing  64  is perforated in the water bearing zones  70 ,  72  such that an inside diameter  66  of the well casing  64  is in flow communication with the water bearing zones  70 ,  72 . 
   The system  60  includes a center conduit  100  in flow communication with a pump  102  at the surface. The system  60  also includes an array of vertical turbine bowls  104  on the outside of the center conduit  100 . The system  60  also includes an upper flow control packer (FCP)  10 U, a lower flow control packer (FCP)  10 L, and a stabilizing packer  76  between the flow control packers (FCP)  10 U,  10 L. The flow control packers (FCP)  10 U,  10 L are substantially similar to the previously described flow control packer  10 A ( FIG. 3 ). In addition, the stabilizing packer  76  is an optional additional element configured to stabilize the flow control packers  10 U,  10 L (FCP) in the well  62 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 6A , the upper flow control packer (FCP)  10 U includes a packer mandrel  12 U, an inflatable element  14 U, and attachment members  16 U,  18 U constructed substantially as previously described. The upper flow control packer (FCP)  10 U can also include a removable bell diverter  106 U, or dome, configured to streamline flow around the upper surface of the upper flow control packer (FCP)  10 U. 
   As shown in  FIG. 6A , the inflatable element  14 U includes circumferential grooves  32 U and flow control grooves  34 U constructed substantially as previously described. In addition, the upper flow control packer (FCP)  10 U is oriented in the well casing  64  with it&#39;s first end  22 U (shut off end) located above, or uphole from its&#39; second end  24 U (flow control end). In addition, couplings  80  are provided for attaching the packer mandrel  12 U of the upper flow control packer (FCP)  10 U to the packer mandrel  84  of the stabilizing packer  76 . The conduits  82  can be attached to the couplings  80  for transmitting inflation fluids between the upper flow control packer (FCP)  10 U, the stabilizing packer  76  and the lower flow control packer (FCP)  10 L. 
   As shown in  FIG. 6B , the upper flow control packer (FCP)  10 U includes inflation ports  42 U and pass through ports  78 U. The inflation ports  42 U allow the conduits  82  to pass through the upper flow control packer (FCP)  10 U for transmitting a fluid (gas or liquid) for inflating the inflatable element  14 U substantially as previously described. The pass through ports  78 U also allow the conduits  82  to pass through the upper flow control packer (FCP)  10 U for transmitting a fluid (gas or liquid) for inflating the stabilizing packer  76  and the lower flow control packer (FCP)  10 L. 
   As shown in  FIG. 6C , the stabilizing packer  76  includes a packer mandrel  84  and an inflatable element  86 . The stabilizing packer  76  is a conventional fixed end inflatable packer having the inflatable element  86  configured for inflation to sealingly engage the inside diameter  66  of the well casing  64 . As such, the inflatable element  86  does not include circumferential grooves or flow control grooves. However, the stabilizing packer  76  includes openings  88  in the packer mandrel  84  which allow fluid flow into the inside of the packer mandrel  84  when the inflatable element  86  is inflated to sealingly engage the inside diameter  66  of the well casing  64 . The stabilizing packer  76  also includes a finned pass through area  90  ( FIG. 6D ) which allows fluid flow through the stabilizing packer  76 , and a bleed port  92  ( FIG. 6D ) for deflating the inflatable element  86 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 6E , the lower flow control packer (FCP)  10 L includes a packer mandrel  12 L, an inflatable element  14 L, and attachment members  16 L,  18 L constructed substantially as previously described. The inflatable element  14 L includes circumferential grooves  32 L and flow control grooves  34 L constructed substantially as previously described. In addition, the lower flow control packer (FCP)  10 L is oriented in the well casing  64  with it&#39;s second end  24 L (flow control end) located above or uphole from it&#39;s first end  22 U (shut off end). As shown in  FIG. 6F , the lower flow control packer (FCP)  10 L includes an inflation port  42 L for a conduit  82  for transmitting a fluid (gas or liquid) for inflating the inflatable element  14 L substantially as previously described. The lower flow control packer (FCP)  10 L also includes additional ports for conduits  82  including inflation ports  94 L to the stabilizing packer  76 L, a level or inflate port  96 L, and an air tube port  98 L. In addition, the lower flow control packer (FCP)  10 L can include a bell diverter  106 L having drain holes  112 L which allow water to drain when the system  60  is pulled from the well  62 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the operation of the system  60  is illustrated. In  FIG. 5A , water is pumped from the lower water bearing zone  72  to the surface  68 . To perform this function, the upper flow control packer (FCP)  10 U is inflated to a pressure selected to achieve a shut off condition. In addition, the lower flow control packer (FCP)  10 L is inflated to a pressure selected to achieve a desired flow rate through the annular grooves  32 L ( FIG. 6E ) and the flow control grooves  34 L ( FIG. 6E ) of the lower flow control packer (FCP)  10 L. In this configuration of the system  60 , water can flow from the lower water bearing zone  72  into the well casing  64 , and between the lower flow control packer (FCP)  10 L and the inside diameter  66  of the well casing  64 . In addition, water can flow into the openings  88  of the stabilizing packer  76  and through the stabilizing packer  76 , into the inside diameter of the center conduit  100 , and upward through the center conduit  100  to the surface  68 . Flow arrows  108  indicate the flow direction of the water from the lower water bearing zone  72 , through the lower flow control packer (FCP)  10 L, through the stabilizing packer  76 , and through the center conduit  100  to the surface  68 . 
   In  FIG. 5B  water is pumped from the upper water bearing zone  70  to the surface  68 . To perform this function the lower flow control packer (FCP)  10 L is inflated to a pressure selected to achieve a shut off condition. In addition, the upper flow control packer (FCP)  10 U is inflated to a pressure selected to achieve a desired flow rate through the annular grooves  32 U ( FIG. 6A ) and the flow control grooves  34 U ( FIG. 6A ) of the upper flow control packer (FCP)  10 U. In this configuration of the system  60  water can flow from the upper water bearing zone  70  into the well casing  64 , and between the upper flow control packer (FCP)  10 U and the inside diameter  66  of the well casing  64 . In addition, water can flow into the openings  88  of the stabilizing packer  76  and through the stabilizing packer  76 , into the inside diameter of the center conduit  100 , and upward through the center conduit  100  to the surface  68 . Flow arrows  110  indicate the flow direction of the water from the upper water bearing zone  70 , through the upper flow control packer (FCP)  10 U, through the stabilizing packer  76 , and through the center conduit  100  to the surface  68 . 
   While a number of exemplary aspects and embodiments have been discussed above, those of skill in the art will recognize certain modifications, permutations, additions and subcombinations thereof. It is therefore intended that the following appended claims and claims hereafter introduced are interpreted to include all such modifications, permutations, additions and sub-combinations as are within their true spirit and scope.