Patent Publication Number: US-10767454-B2

Title: Multi-position inflow control device

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to an inflow control device of a flow regulating system that is run downhole, and more specifically, to an adjustable, multi-position inflow control device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In the process of completing an oil or gas well, a tubular is run downhole and used to communicate produced hydrocarbon fluids from the formation to the surface. Typically, this tubular includes a screen assembly that controls and limits debris, such as gravel, sand, and other particulate matter, from entering the tubular. Occasionally, the screen assembly is coupled to a flow regulating system, including an inflow control device, which controls the flow of the fluid into the tubular. Differences in influx from the reservoir can result in premature water or gas breakthrough, leaving valuable reserves in the ground. Inflow Control Devices (ICDs) are designed to improve completion performance and efficiency by balancing inflow throughout the length of a completion. The inflow control device may have settings that are adjusted at the surface of the well, are finalized during the manufacturing of the inflow control device, or autonomously restrict flow based on fluid properties. Generally, the settings cannot be adjusted over the life of the well. 
     The present disclosure is directed to a multi-position inflow control device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various embodiments of the present disclosure will be understood more fully from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawings of various embodiments of the disclosure. In the drawings, like reference numbers may indicate identical or functionally similar elements. 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of an offshore oil and gas platform operably coupled to a flow regulating system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a cut-out, side view of the flow regulating system of  FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a partial sectional view of the flow regulating system of  FIG. 2  in a first configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates another partial sectional view of the flow regulating system of  FIG. 2 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is perspective view of the flow regulation system of  FIG. 1  showing hidden lines, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a partial sectional view of the flow regulating system of  FIG. 2  in a second configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a partial sectional view of the flow regulating system of  FIG. 2  in a third configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is perspective view of the flow regulation system of  FIG. 1  showing hidden lines, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  illustrates a cross sectional view of the flow regulating system of  FIG. 2 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  illustrates a cross sectional view of the flow regulating system of  FIG. 2 , according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 11  is a flow chart illustration of a method of operating the apparatus of  FIGS. 1-10 , according to an exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG. 12  illustrates a partial sectional view of the flow regulating system of  FIG. 2  in a fourth configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Illustrative embodiments and related methods of the present disclosure are described below as they might be employed in a pressure actuated inflow control device. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation or method are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developers&#39; specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. Further aspects and advantages of the various embodiments and related methods of the disclosure will become apparent from consideration of the following description and drawings. 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1 , an upper completion assembly is installed in a well having a lower completion assembly disposed therein from an offshore oil or gas platform that is schematically illustrated and generally designated  10 . However, and in some cases, a single trip completion assembly (i.e., not having separate upper and lower completion assemblies) are installed in the well. A semi-submersible platform  15  is positioned over a submerged oil and gas formation  20  located below a sea floor  25 . A subsea conduit  30  extends from a deck  35  of the platform  15  to a subsea wellhead installation  40 , including blowout preventers  45 . The platform  15  has a hoisting apparatus  50 , a derrick  55 , a travel block  56 , a hook  60 , and a swivel  65  for raising and lowering pipe strings, such as a substantially tubular, axially extending tubing string  70 . 
     A wellbore  75  extends through the various earth strata including the formation  20  and has a casing string  80  cemented therein. Disposed in a substantially horizontal portion of the wellbore  75  is a lower completion assembly  85  that includes at least one flow regulating system, such as flow regulating system  90  or flow regulating system  95  or  100 , and may include various other components, such as a latch subassembly  105 , a packer  110 , a packer  115 , a packer  120 , and a packer  125 . 
     Disposed in the wellbore  75  at a lower end of the tubing string  70  is an upper completion assembly  130  that couples to the latch subassembly  105  to place the upper completion assembly  130  and the tubing string  70  in communication with the lower completion assembly  85 . In some embodiments, the latch subassembly  105  is omitted. 
     Even though  FIG. 1  depicts a horizontal wellbore, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the apparatus according to the present disclosure is equally well suited for use in wellbores having other orientations including vertical wellbores, slanted wellbores, uphill wellbores, multilateral wellbores or the like. Accordingly, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the use of directional terms such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” “upward,” “downward,” “uphole,” “downhole” and the like are used in relation to the illustrative embodiments as they are depicted in the figures, the upward direction being toward the top of the corresponding figure and the downward direction being toward the bottom of the corresponding figure, the uphole direction being toward the surface of the well, the downhole direction being toward the toe of the well. Also, even though  FIG. 1  depicts an offshore operation, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the apparatus according to the present disclosure is equally well suited for use in onshore operations. Further, even though  FIG. 1  depicts a cased hole completion, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the apparatus according to the present disclosure is equally well suited for use in open hole completions. 
       FIG. 2  illustrates the flow regulating system  90  according to an exemplary embodiment. The flow regulating system  90  regulates flow of a fluid from the formation  20  to an interior flow passage  135  of the tubing string  70  (such as a production tubing string, liner string, etc.). As shown, an annulus  140  is formed radially between the tubing string  70  and the casing string  80 . However, the annulus  140  may be formed radially between the tubing string  70  and the formation  20  when the casing string  80  is omitted in open hole completions. The fluid flows from the formation  20  into the interior flow passage  135  through the flow regulating system  90 . The flow regulating system  90  generally includes a screen assembly  145  and an inflow control device (“ICD”)  150 . The screen assembly  145  prevents or at least reduces the amount of debris, such as gravel, sand, fines, and other particulate matter, from entering the interior flow passage  135 . In one or more embodiments, the fluid passes through the screen assembly  145  then flows through the ICD  150  and into the interior flow passage  135  for eventual production to the surface. However, the ICD  150  may be used in a wide variety of assemblies, such as for example an assembly that is installed or used in an injector well. The screen assembly  145  may include an elongated tubular screen member  155  and a shroud  160  concentrically disposed about the elongated tubular screen member  155 . However, in other embodiments, the screen member  155  and shroud  160  may be omitted from the ICD  150 . 
       FIGS. 3-5  illustrate a more detailed view of the flow regulating system  90  according to an exemplary embodiment. In one or more embodiments, the screen assembly  145  of the flow regulating system  90  is the member  155  (not shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ) disposed on an inner tubular member or base pipe  170  so as to define a flow path or passage  175  between the member  155  and the base pipe  170 . The passage  175  is formed to direct fluid flow towards the interior flow passage  135  via the ICD  150 . An interface ring  180  is disposed about the exterior surface of the screen member  155  to secure the screen member  155  to the base pipe  170 . A sleeve  185  is disposed in proximity to and/or about the exterior surface of the base pipe  170  and defines a portion of the passage  175 . In an exemplary embodiment, the ICD cover sleeve  185  is removable thereby allowing access to the ICD  150 . In some embodiments, the cover sleeve  185  is supported by the interface ring  180 . The ICD  150  may be disposed adjacent or in proximity to the member  155  and form a portion of the base pipe  170 . In an exemplary embodiment, the ICD  150  is configured to be coupled to the cover sleeve  185 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the ICD  150  includes a tubular  190  having an interior flow passage  195  that forms a portion of the interior flow passage  135  or is at least in fluid communication with the interior flow passage  135 . A plurality of passageways  200 , such as passageways  200   a,    200   b,    200   c,  and  200   d  are formed within a wall  205  of the tubular  190 . There may be any number of passageways circumferentially spaced within the wall  205 . As shown, each of the passageways  200  extends between a port, such as ports  210   a,    210   b,    210   c,  and  210   d , and a chamber, such as chambers  215   a,    215   b,    215   c,  and  215   d.  Any number of chambers  215  may be formed within the tubular  190  with any number of flow passages extending between the chambers  215  and ports  210 . Generally, each of the chambers  215   a - 215   d  are formed by an internal surface  190   a  of the tubular  190  and are spaced along a longitudinal axis  220  of the interior flow passage  195 . That is, each chamber is spaced in a longitudinal direction depicted by the arrow having the reference numeral  225  in  FIG. 3 . As shown, an external surface  190   b  of the tubular  190  forms a shoulder having a radially extending shoulder surface  190   c  and the ports  210   a - 210   d  extend through the radially extending shoulder surface  190   c.  Often, the radially extending shoulder surface  190   c  and the screen at least partially form the flow path  175 . Generally, each of the passageways  200 , such as the passageways  200   a  and  200   c,  has a generally tubular shape with a longitudinal axis, such as  230  and  235  (shown in  FIG. 4 ), respectively, that is parallel to the longitudinal axis  220 . However, in some embodiments, the longitudinal axes  230  and  235  may face in a radial direction (i.e., perpendicular to the axis  220 ) or form any angle with the axis  220 . Each passageway  200  defines a length measured along the axis  220  between its corresponding port and chamber. For example, the passageway  200   a  has a length  240  between the port  210   a  and the chamber  215   a  and the passageway  200   c  has a length  245  between the port  210   c  and the chamber  215   c.  Generally, the length  240  is less than, or at least different from, the length  245 . Each of the chambers  215  is also considered a fluid passage, as fluid passes through the chamber from at least one of the passageways  200  to the interior fluid passage  195  and  135 . 
     The ICD  150  also includes a sliding sleeve  260  that also forms an interior passage  265 . The interior passage  265  is in fluid communication with the passage  195 . The sliding sleeve  260  includes an opening  270  or a plurality of openings that extends radially through a wall  275  of the sleeve  260 . The opening  270  may be positioned between a pair of sealing elements  280 . The sliding sleeve  260  is sized to be received within the passage  195  and shiftable in the direction  225  and an opposing direction between a plurality of positions. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the opening  270  is longitudinally aligned with the chamber  215   a  to place the chamber  215   a  in fluid communication with the passages  265  and  195  while the wall  275  fluidically isolates the chambers  215   b,    215   c,  and  215   d  from the interior passage  265  and  195  such that the ICD  150  is configured for a first flow setting that is associated with the passageway  200   a  and the first chamber  215   a.  However, the sliding sleeve  260  is shiftable, using a shifting tool or the like (not shown), to a second position as shown in  FIG. 5 . In the second position, the opening  270  is longitudinally aligned with the second chamber  215   b  to place the second chamber  215   b  in fluid communication with the passages  265  and  195  while the sliding sleeve wall  275  fluidically isolates the chamber  215   a,    251   c,  and  215   d  from the passages  265  and  195  such that the ICD  150  is configured for the second flow setting that is associated with the chamber  215   b  and the passageway  200   b.  The sliding sleeve  260  can be shifted in the direction  225  and an opposing direction such that the opening  270  is longitudinally aligned with the chamber  215   c  to place the chamber  215   c  (and its corresponding passageway  200   c ) in fluid communication with the passages  265  and  195  while the sliding sleeve wall  275  fluidically isolates the chamber  215   a ,  251   b,  and  215   d  from the passages  265  and  195  such that the ICD  150  is configured for a third flow setting that is associated with the chamber  215   c  and its corresponding passageway  200   c . The sliding sleeve  260  can be further shifted in the direction  225  and an opposing direction such that the opening  270  is longitudinally aligned with the chamber  215   d  to place the chamber  215   d  (and its corresponding passageway  200   d ) in fluid communication with the passages  265  and  195  while the sliding sleeve wall  275  fluidically isolates the chamber  215   a,    251   b,  and  215   c  from the passages  265  and  195  such that the ICD  150  is configured for a fourth flow setting that is associated with the chamber  215   d  and its corresponding passageway  200   d.    
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the sliding sleeve  260  can be shifted to a closed position relative to the tubular  190 . In the closed position, the opening  270  is not longitudinally aligned with any of the chambers  215   a - 215   d  to fluidically isolate the flow path  175  from the passages  265  and  195 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7 , the sliding sleeve  260  can be shifted to a bypass opening position relative to the tubular  190 . In the bypass open position, the opening  270  is aligned by a bypass opening  285  formed in the tubular  190  or elsewhere along the tubing string  70 . There may be a plurality of bypass open positions in which the opening  270  bypasses the ICD  150  but not the screen member  155 , or bypasses the screen member  155  and ICD  150  all together. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , a plurality of passages may extend from one chamber to the shoulder surface  190   c.  For example and in one embodiment, the passageways  200 ,  290   a,    290   b ,  290   c  each extend between the chamber  215   a  and one of ports  210   a,    210   e,    210   f,  and  210   g.  Each of the ports  210   a,    210   e,    210   f,  and  210   g  is configured to receive a plug. The chamber  215   a  and the ports  210   a,    210   e,    210   f,  and  210   g  are associated with a flow setting such that, when formation fluid flows through the ports  210   a,    210   e,    210   f,  and  210   g,  the passageway  200   a,  and the chamber  215   a,  a first pressure differential is created between the formation fluid at the ports  210   a,    210   e ,  210   f,  and  210   g  and the formation fluid at the chamber  215   a.  The flow setting associated with the chamber  215   a  is adjustable with the plugging of one or more of the ports  210   a,    210   e,    210   f , and  210   g.  For example, a first flow setting associated with the chamber  215   a  includes none of the ports  210   a,    210   e,    210   f,  and  210   g  being plugged, a second flow setting includes one of the ports  210   a,    210   e,    210   f,  and  210   g  being plugged, a third flow setting includes two of the ports  210   a,    210   e,    210   f,  and  210   g  being plugged, and a fourth flow setting includes three of the ports  210   a,    210   e,    210   f,  and  210   g  being plugged. Each of the first, second, third, and fourth settings are different. Each of the flow settings has a predetermined number of ports to be plugged and each of the flow settings is associated with an expected pressure differential or actual pressure differential. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , a plurality of passages may extend from each of the chambers  215   b - 215   d  to the shoulder surface  190   c  via ports in a similar manner to the passages  200   a,    200   e,    200   f , and  200   g.  Thus, a passage extends from each of ports  210   h - 210   j  to the chamber  215   b;  a passage extends from each of ports  210   k - 210   m  to the chamber  215   c;  and a passage extends from each of ports  210   n - 210   p  to the chamber  215   d.  Plugs  290  may be inserted into the ports  210   h - 210   j  so that the chamber  215   b  is associated with a predetermined flow setting and pressure differential; plugs  290  are inserted into ports  210   l  and  210   m  so that the chamber  215   c  is associated with predetermined flow setting and pressure differential; and no plugs are inserted into the ports  210   d  and  210   n - 210   p  so that the chamber  215   d  is associated with a predetermined flow setting and pressure differential. Thus, as the conditions in the well change over the life of the well, the sleeve  260  can be shifted into the first, second, third, or fourth position so that the ICD  150  is associated with any number of different flow settings and its corresponding pressure differentials. As shown, the ports  210   a - 210   p  are circumferentially spaced within the wall  205  of the tubular  190  but longitudinally aligned. Moreover, the longitudinal axis  295  of the tubular  190  aligns with the longitudinal axis  300  of the sliding sleeve  260 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 10 , a longitudinal axis  295  of the tubular  190  is parallel to and offset from the longitudinal axis  300  of the sliding sleeve  260 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 11  with continuing reference to  FIGS. 1-10 , a method  305  of operating the inflow control device  150  includes selecting a flow setting for each of the chambers  215   a - 215   d  at step  310 ; plugging a number of ports based on each selected flow setting at step  315 ; placing the sliding sleeve  260  into the first position at step  320  and run the ICD  150  into the well; detecting a change in pressure or fluid composition within the annulus  140  at step  325 ; and longitudinally shifting the sliding sleeve  260  into the second position at step  330 . 
     At the step  310 , a flow setting is selected for each of the chambers  215   a - 215   d.  The flow setting selected for each of the chambers  215   a - 215   d  is different from the others of the chambers  215   a - 215   d  and are based, at least in part, on the number of ports, from the group of ports associated with each of the chambers, to be plugged. As a different number of ports can be plugged to result in different flow settings, there are a variety or number of flow setting options associated with each of the chambers  215   a - 215   d.    
     At the step  315 , a number of ports, from the group of ports associated with each of the chambers, is plugged based on each selected flow setting. In some embodiments, the adjustment of the flow settings occurs at the surface of the well. That is, a number of ports can be plugged at the surface of the well. In an exemplary embodiment and as shown in  FIG. 12 , the cover sleeve  185  can be moved relative to the tubular  190  to expose the shoulder surface  190   c  and the ports  210   a - 210   p,  thereby allowing an operator to plug a number of the ports  210   a - 210   p.    
     At the step  320 , the sliding sleeve  260  is placed into the first position. In the first position, the formation fluid flows from the annulus  140 , through the passageway  200   a  and into the passages  195  and  265  (and thus to the passage  135 ) to create a first pressure differential between a pressure within the annulus  140  and a pressure within the passages  195  and  265 . In some embodiments, the pressure differential is created between a fluid pressure exerted on the external surface  190   b  of the tubular  190  and an internal pressure within the passage  265 . 
     At the step  325 , a change is detected in the pressure within the annulus  140 . A change in pressure within the annulus  140  or a change in formation fluid composition or both may be detected during the life of the well. 
     At the step  330 , the sliding sleeve  260  is longitudinally shifted into the second position. In response to the change detected, the sliding sleeve  260  is longitudinally shifted into the second position. In the second position, the formation fluid flows from the annulus  140 , through the passageway  200   a  and into the passages  195  and  265  (and thus to the passage  135 ) to create a pressure differential between the pressure within the annulus  140  and the pressure within the passages  195  and  265 . In an exemplary embodiment, longitudinally shifting the sliding sleeve  260  from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the third position is independent from relative rotation between the sliding sleeve  260  and the tubular  190 . In an exemplary embodiment, longitudinally shifting the sliding sleeve  260  relative to the tubular  190  comprises coupling a shifting tool (not shown) to the sliding sleeve  260 . In an exemplary embodiment, the internal surface  190   a  of the tubular  190  forms a plurality of detents and the sliding sleeve  260  forms corresponding keys such that the keys of the sliding sleeve  260  are locked into one or more of the detents of the tubular  190  when in the first, second, third, fourth, etc. position. 
     In some embodiments, the method  305  continues to include shifting the sliding sleeve  260  relative to the tubular  190  into the third and the fourth positions, with each position having a different flow setting and pressure differential, in response to detecting a change in the pressure within the annulus or change of formation fluid composition. Moreover, the method  305  includes shifting from the second position into the first position or any variation of shifting positions, including the open and the closed position. 
     While four chambers  215   a - 215   d  are shown, any number of chambers may be included or formed in the tubular  190 . Moreover, any number of passageways or passages could extend between each chamber and the external surface  190   b  of the tubular  190 . Additionally, the longitudinal shifting of the sliding sleeve  260  relative to the tubular  190  is not limited to a shifting tool, but instead may be pressure actuated via hydraulic lines, etc. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, during the operation of the apparatus  150  and/or the execution of the method  305 , the ICD  150  can cycle between fully open, fully closed, or a plurality of configured pressure differential settings as desired, thereby allowing for increased control of the tool&#39;s flow characteristics while being adjustable in the well via wireline or e-line tools. In an exemplary embodiment, the ICD  150  utilizes a multi-position sliding sleeve  260  to allow passage through at least one flow path, or to completely close the valve prohibiting flow to communicate. In an exemplary embodiment, the ICD  150  is configured to shift between an open and a closed position, with the ability to cycle between any number of additional positions, wherein each additional position provides a differing pressure drop. In an exemplary embodiment, the ability to select and configure the ICD  150  allows the user to install multiple flow control device settings into a single tool and shift between them as needed during the life of the well. 
     Thus a method of controlling a flow of a formation fluid through an inflow control device including a tubular within which a sliding sleeve having a longitudinal fluid passageway extends has been described. Embodiments of the method may generally include aligning a radial opening formed within the sliding sleeve into a first position relative to the tubular, such that the formation fluid flows through a first fluid passage formed through a wall of the tubular and into the longitudinal fluid passageway of the sliding sleeve to create a first pressure differential between an external pressure applied to an external surface of the tubular with an internal pressure within the longitudinal fluid passage; longitudinally shifting the sliding sleeve relative into a second position relative to the tubular, to align the radial opening with a second fluid passage formed through the wall of the tubular to allow the formation fluid to flow through the second fluid passage and into the longitudinal fluid passageway thereby creating a second pressure differential between the external pressure and the internal pressure; and longitudinally shifting the sliding sleeve into a third position relative to the tubular, to align the radial opening with a third fluid passage formed through the wall of the tubular to allow the formation fluid to flow through the first fluid passage and into the longitudinal fluid passageway thereby creating a third pressure differential between the external pressure and the internal pressure; wherein each of the first, second, and third pressure differentials are different from another of the first, second, and third pressure differentials Any of the foregoing embodiments may include any one of the following elements, alone or in combination with each other:
         The first fluid passage is in fluid communication with a first plurality of fluid passages, wherein each fluid passage of the first plurality of fluid passages includes a port formed through the external surface of the tubular; and each port associated with the first plurality of fluid passages is configured to receive a plug.   Selecting a first flow setting option from a plurality of flow setting options, each flow setting option from the plurality of flow setting options having a different number of ports to be plugged; wherein the first flow setting option has a predetermined number of ports in the first plurality of fluid passages to be plugged; and plugging the predetermined number of ports in the first plurality of fluid passages to be plugged; and the first flow setting is associated with the first pressure differential.   The second fluid passage is in fluid communication with a second plurality of fluid passages, wherein each fluid passage of the second plurality of fluid passages includes a port formed through the external surface of the tubular.   Each port associated with the second plurality of fluid passages is configured to receive a plug.   Selecting a second flow setting option from the plurality of flow setting options; wherein the second flow setting option has a predetermined number of ports to be plugged in the second plurality of fluid passages to be plugged.   Plugging the predetermined number of ports to be plugged in the second plurality of fluid passages.   The second flow setting is associated with the second pressure differential.   Plugging the predetermined number of ports to be plugged in the first plurality of fluid passages and plugging the predetermined number of ports to be plugged in the second plurality of fluid passages occurs at the surface of a well into which the inflow control device is received.   All ports are circumferentially spaced within the wall of the tubular and all ports are longitudinally aligned within the tubular.   Each fluid passage in the first plurality of fluid passages and in the second plurality of fluid passages has a generally tubular shape that has a longitudinal axis that is parallel to and offset from a longitudinal axis of the longitudinal fluid passageway.   Longitudinally shifting the sliding sleeve from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the third position is independent from relative rotation between the sliding sleeve and the tubular.   Each fluid passage from the first plurality of fluid passages has a shorter length than each fluid passage from the second plurality of fluid passages.   Longitudinally shifting the sliding sleeve relative to the tubular includes coupling a shifting tool to the sliding sleeve.   Detecting a change in the external pressure or fluid composition; and wherein longitudinally shifting the sliding sleeve into the second position and/or into the third position is in response to the detected change.       

     Thus, a multi-position inflow control device has been described. Embodiments of the multi-position inflow control device may generally include a tubular forming a first interior passage, the tubular having a wall within which a first passage and a second passage longitudinally extend; wherein the first passage extends between a first port that is formed in an external surface of the tubular and a first chamber that is formed in an internal surface of the tubular; wherein the second passage extends between a second port that is formed in the external surface of the tubular and a second chamber formed in the interior surface of the tubular; wherein the first passage has a first length in a longitudinal direction and the second passage has a second length in the longitudinal direction that is different from the first length; wherein the first chamber and the first passage are associated with a first flow setting; wherein the second chamber and the second passage are associated with a second flow setting that is different from the first flow setting; and wherein the first chamber is spaced from the second chamber in the longitudinal direction; and a sliding sleeve forming a second interior passage, the sliding sleeve having an opening that extends radially through a wall of the sliding sleeve; wherein the sliding sleeve is sized to be received within the first interior passage and shiftable in the longitudinal direction between a first position and a second position; wherein, when in the first position, the opening is longitudinally aligned with the first chamber to place the first chamber in fluid communication with the second interior passage while the wall of the sliding sleeve fluidically isolates the second chamber from the second interior passage such that the inflow control device is configured for the first flow setting; and wherein, when in the second position, the opening is longitudinally aligned with the second chamber to place the second chamber in fluid communication with the second interior passage while the wall of the sliding sleeve fluidically isolates the first chamber from the second interior passage such that the inflow control device is configured for the second flow setting Any of the foregoing embodiments may include any one of the following elements, alone or in combination with each other:
         A first plurality of passages and a second plurality of passages also extend longitudinally within the wall of the tubular; each passage in the first plurality of passages extends between one port from a first plurality of ports formed in the external surface of the tubular and the first chamber; each passage in the second plurality of passages extends between one port from a second plurality of ports formed in the external surface of the tubular and the second chamber; each passage of the first plurality of passages has the first length and each passage in the second plurality of passages has the second length; each passage of the first plurality of passages and the second plurality of passages is configured to receive a plug; the first flow setting is further associated with the first plurality of passages, and the insertion of a plug in one or more of the passages of the first plurality of passages adjusts the first flow setting; and the second flow setting is further associated with the second plurality of passages, and the insertion of a plug in one or more of the passages of the second plurality of passages adjusts the second flow setting.   The first and second ports are circumferentially spaced and longitudinally aligned within the wall of the tubular.   The external surface of the tubular forms a shoulder having a radially extending shoulder surface; wherein the first and second ports extend through the radially extending shoulder surface.   The inflow control device is coupled to a screen; and wherein the radially extending shoulder surface of the tubular and the screen at least partially form a fluid passage.   The sliding sleeve is shiftable, between the first position and the second position, independent of relative rotation between the sliding sleeve and the tubular.   Each of the first and second passages has a generally tubular shape with a longitudinal axis that is parallel to the first interior passage.   A longitudinal axis of the first interior passage is parallel to and offset from a longitudinal axis of the tubular.   A longitudinal axis of the first interior passage coincides with a longitudinal axis of the tubular.   The sliding sleeve is shiftable between the first position and the second position multiple times.       

     The foregoing description and figures are not drawn to scale, but rather are illustrated to describe various embodiments of the present disclosure in simplistic form. Although various embodiments and methods have been shown and described, the disclosure is not limited to such embodiments and methods and will be understood to include all modifications and variations as would be apparent to one skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Accordingly, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. 
     In several exemplary embodiments, while different steps, processes, and procedures are described as appearing as distinct acts, one or more of the steps, one or more of the processes, and/or one or more of the procedures could also be performed in different orders, simultaneously and/or sequentially. In several exemplary embodiments, the steps, processes and/or procedures could be merged into one or more steps, processes and/or procedures. 
     It is understood that variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Furthermore, the elements and teachings of the various illustrative exemplary embodiments may be combined in whole or in part in some or all of the illustrative exemplary embodiments. In addition, one or more of the elements and teachings of the various illustrative exemplary embodiments may be omitted, at least in part, and/or combined, at least in part, with one or more of the other elements and teachings of the various illustrative embodiments. 
     In several exemplary embodiments, one or more of the operational steps in each embodiment may be omitted. Moreover, in some instances, some features of the present disclosure may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Moreover, one or more of the above-described embodiments and/or variations may be combined in whole or in part with any one or more of the other above-described embodiments and/or variations. 
     Although several exemplary embodiments have been described in detail above, the embodiments described are exemplary only and are not limiting, and those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many other modifications, changes and/or substitutions are possible in the exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the present disclosure. Accordingly, all such modifications, changes and/or substitutions are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the following claims. In the claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents, but also equivalent structures.