Patent Publication Number: US-11041360-B2

Title: Pressure actuated inflow control device

Description:
PRIORITY 
     The present application is a U.S. National Stage patent application of International Patent Application No. PCT/US2017/028088, filed on Apr. 18, 2017, the benefit of which is claimed and the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     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 a pressure actuated 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 is coupled to a flow regulating system that has a screen assembly that controls and limits debris, such as gravel, sand, and other particulate matter, from entering the tubular as the fluid passes through the screen assembly and an inflow control device that 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 dissolvable plugs extending within fluid passageways to prevent fluid from entering the tubular while the flow regulating system is being positioned downhole, and provide washdown capability at the same time. Once positioned downhole, the dissolvable plugs are dissolved to allow fluid to flow through the fluid passageways and into the tubular. The method of using dissolvable plugs in the inflow control device may not always be the most cost effective and reliable method of transitioning an inflow control device from a “closed” position to an “open” position. 
     The present disclosure is directed to a pressure actuated 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 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the flow regulating system including an inflow control device and a base pipe; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic of a cross-sectional view along the line AA of the inflow control device of  FIG. 3 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic of a portion of the inflow control device of  FIG. 3  in an extended configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the portion of the inflow control device comprising a piston and a housing; 
         FIG. 6  is a schematic of the portion of the inflow control device of  FIG. 5  in a retracted configuration, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic of the portion of the inflow control device of  FIG. 5  in a retracted configuration, according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic of the piston and housing of  FIG. 5 , according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a schematic of the portion of the inflow control device of  FIG. 3 , according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a flow chart illustration of a method of operating the apparatus of  FIGS. 1-9 , according to an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 11  illustrates an additive manufacturing system, according to an exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG. 12  is a diagrammatic illustration of a node for implementing one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
     
    
    
     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 . The elongated tubular screen member  155  may include one or more screens  165 . However, in other embodiments, the one or more screens  165  and/or the screen member  155  may be omitted from the ICD  150 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates 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  disposed on an inner tubular member or base pipe  170  so as to define an exterior flow path or passage  175  between the member  155  and the base pipe  170 . The passage  175  is formed to direct flow towards the interior flow passage  135 . In one or more embodiments, the shroud  160  is disposed about the exterior surface of the member  155  so that at least a portion of the member  155  is covered by the shroud  160 . An interface ring  180  is disposed about the exterior surface of the shroud  160  to secure the shroud  160  and the 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 some embodiments, the sleeve  185  is supported by the interface ring  180 . The ICD  150  may be disposed adjacent or in proximity to the member  155  along the base pipe  170 , preferably concentrically disposed about the exterior surface of the base pipe  170 . In an exemplary embodiment, the ICD  150  is configured to be coupled to the sleeve  185 . In an exemplary embodiment, the ICD  150  includes one or more plugs  190 , each of the plugs  190  restricting the flow of the fluid through a corresponding fluid passageway  195  that axially extends in a longitudinal direction and that is formed in a wall of the ICD  150 . Although only one of the plugs  190  is visible in  FIG. 3 , a series of the plugs  190  may be arranged in parallel, and circumferentially spaced apart within a plurality of fluid passageways  195  formed within the wall of the ICD  150 , as depicted in  FIG. 4 . However, in other embodiments, the plurality of fluid passageways  195  may be arranged in a variety of spacing or arrangements within the wall of the ICD  150  or other downhole tool. Thus, the plurality of fluid passageways that are at least partially formed within the wall provides for parallel flow of the fluid from the passage  175  to the interior flow passage  135  via openings  200  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) in the base pipe  170 . In some cases, some of the fluid passageways are permanently plugged to configure the ICD  150  to expected conditions of the reservoir in the formation  20 . For example, a portion of the fluid passageways are permanently plugged so that a desired pressure differential between the passage  135  and the annulus  140  is maintained or encouraged. The openings  200  are formed radially through the base pipe  170 , which is configured (e.g., with threads at either end, etc.) for interconnection in the tubing string  70 . 
       FIG. 5  illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the inflow control device  150 . The ICD  150  includes a housing  205  that forms the wall  205   a  within which the first fluid passageway  195  axially extends along a longitudinal axis, which is depicted in  FIG. 5  by the reference numeral  210  (“the axis  210 ”). A first collapsible apparatus  215  is coupled to the housing  205  and configured to change from an extended configuration to a retracted configuration when subjected to a predetermined pressure. The collapsible apparatus  215  may be coupled to the housing using screws, a fiction fit, and the like. However, in other embodiments, portions of the collapsible apparatus  215  may be integrally coupled to the housing  205  such that the housing  205  and portions of the collapsible apparatus  215  are formed from one component. As shown in  FIG. 5 , the first collapsible apparatus  215  is in the extended configuration and has an axial length  220  measured along the axis  210 . The plug  190  is at least partially disposed within the first fluid passageway  195  and operably removable from the fluid passageway  195 . When the first collapsible apparatus  215  is in the extended configuration, the first axially extending plug  190  is disposed within the first fluid passageway at  195  a first position relative to the housing to restrict fluid flow through the first fluid passageway  195 . One or more seals  225 , such as an o-ring, may extend between the plug  190  and an inside surface of the housing  205 . The plug forms a shoulder  230  that engages a corresponding shoulder  235  formed in the housing  205  to limit movement of the plug  190  in the direction depicted in  FIG. 5  by the reference numeral  240 . As a portion of the passageway  195  is in fluid communication with the passage  135 , a face  245  of the plug  190  is exposed to fluid that flows from the passage  135  when the plug  190  is in the first position. As another portion of the passageway  195  is in fluid communication with the passage  175 , a face  247  is exposed to fluid that flows from the passage  175  (from either the annulus  140  and/or the formation  20 ). The plug  190  is retained from moving in a direction depicted in  FIG. 5  by the reference numeral  250  by the collapsible assembly  215  when the collapsible assembly  215  is in the extended configuration. The plug  190  is retained from moving in the direction  240  by the shoulder  230  that engages the shoulder  235  of the housing  205 . The collapsible apparatus  215  generally includes a housing  255  forming a chamber  260  and a piston  265  that is sized to be received in the chamber  260 . When the collapsible apparatus  215  is in the extended configuration, the piston  265  is coupled to the housing  255  such that the chamber  260  is fluidically isolated. The chamber  260  may be an atmospheric chamber, a controlled pressure enclosed chamber, or the like. In some embodiments, the collapsible apparatus  215  is at least partially manufactured using an additive manufacturing process. When the first collapsible apparatus  215  is manufactured using an additive manufacturing process, and when the apparatus  215  is in the extended configuration, the piston  26  and the housing  255  are integrally formed as a seamless unit. A portion  270  of the seamless unit that corresponds to the piston  265  is configured to shear relative to the remainder of the seamless unit at the predetermined pressure. The collapsible apparatus  215  may be formed from any variety of materials including metals, polymers, and ceramics. 
     When in the extended configuration, an applied pressure (or merely a hydrostatic pressure) within the passage  135  provides a force on the apparatus  215  in the direction  250  and a force on the plug  190  via the face  245  in the direction  240 . When in the extended configuration, a pressure associated with the formation  20  and/or a fluid pressure within the annulus  140  provides a force on the plug  190  via the face  247  in the direction  250 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the inflow control device  150  when the collapsible apparatus  215  is in the retracted configuration and the plug  190  is capable of moving from the first position to allow fluid flow through the first fluid passageway  195 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the piston  265  is received in the chamber  260  of the housing  255  such that the collapsible apparatus  215  has an axial length  275  measured along the axis  210  that is less than the length  220 . When the collapsible apparatus  215  is in the retracted configuration, the piston  265  is spaced from the first axially extending plug  190  by a distance  280  along the axis  210  to allow the first axially extending plug  190  to move from the first position relative to the housing  205 . For the collapsible apparatus  215 , the piston  265  is a device that maintains the plug  190  in place until a given applied pressure is exceeded, causing a portion  270  of the collapsible apparatus  215  to shear and collapse in length to release the plug  190 . 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the inflow control device  150  when the collapsible apparatus  215  is in the retracted configuration and the plug  190  is moved to a second position relative to the housing  205  to allow fluid flow through the first fluid passageway  195 . When the collapsible apparatus  215  is in the retracted configuration, the piston  265  remains coupled to the first axially extending plug  190  to move, or pull, the first axially extending plug  190  to the second position relative to the housing  205 . Thus, the piston  265  is rigidly coupled to the plug  190 . 
       FIG. 8  is illustrates another embodiment of the collapsible apparatus  215 . The shape—externally or internally—of the collapsible apparatus  215  may be changed to alter or tailor the way in which the apparatus  215  actuates. The collapsible apparatus  215  as shown in  FIG. 8  depicts a collapsible apparatus  215  having a piston  265  that has a longitudinal axis  265   a  that is angled relative to the longitudinal axis  260   a  of the chamber  260 , unlike the collapsible apparatus  215  of  FIGS. 5-7  in which the longitudinal axis of the piston  265  is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the chamber  260 . 
       FIG. 9  illustrates another embodiment of the collapsible apparatus  215  that includes a shearable element  285  that couples the piston  265  to the housing  255 , with the shearable element  285  being configured to actuate, or shear, at the predetermined pressure. The collapsible apparatus  215  also includes a seal  290  that fluidically isolates the chamber  260  from the passageway  195  when the collapsible apparatus  215  is in the extended configuration. An alternative method to manufacture the collapsible apparatus  215  uses traditional manufacturing methods and the seal  290  and the shearable element  285 . The shear element  285  holds the piston  265  in place relative to the housing  255  and the seal  290  is placed between the two parts to create the atmospheric chamber  260 . The shearable element  285 , such as a shear pin, is configured to shear or actuate at the predetermined pressure. When the predetermined pressure is reached the shearable element  285  is sheared and the piston  265  is able to move into the housing  255  and chamber  260  due to pressure applied to the piston in the direction  250 . Once this collapsible apparatus  215  collapses, the plug  190  is no longer supported and can become unseated from the shoulder  235  of the housing  205  and allow fluid to flow through the ICD  150 . The seals  225  and/or the seals  290  may be an o-ring, plastic, or metal seal. Alternatively the piston  265  and plug  190  could be combined into a single part or mechanically coupled. This would cause the piston  265  to pull the plug  190  away from the shoulder  235 . The coupling could be rigid or allow relative movement between the components. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 10  with continuing reference to  FIGS. 1-9 , a method  300  of operating the inflow control device  150  includes disposing the first axially extending plug  190  in the first position within the first fluid passageway  195  to restrict fluid flow through the first fluid passageway  195  at step  305 ; securing the first axially extending plug  190  in the first position and in an axial direction relative to the housing  205  using the first collapsible apparatus  215  when the first collapsible apparatus  215  is in an extended configuration at step  310 ; subjecting at least a portion of the collapsible apparatus  215  and at least a portion of the first axially extending plug  190  to the predetermined pressure at step  315 ; collapsing the collapsible apparatus  215  from the extended configuration to a retracted configuration in response to the at least a portion of the collapsible apparatus  215  being subjected to the pre-determined pressure at step  320 ; and either: pulling the first axially extending plug  190  to the second position, using the collapsible apparatus  215 , relative to the housing  205  to allow fluid flow through the first fluid passageway  195  at step  325 ; or decoupling the collapsible apparatus  215  from the first axially extending plug  190  to allow for the first axially extending plug  190  to move from the first position at step  330 . 
     At the step  305 , the first axially extending plug  190  is disposed in the first position within the first fluid passageway  195  to restrict fluid flow through the first fluid passageway  195 . 
     At the step  310 , the first axially extending plug  190  is secured in the first position and in an axial direction relative to the housing  205  using the first collapsible apparatus  215  when the first collapsible apparatus is in an extended configuration. 
     At the step  315 , at least a portion of the collapsible apparatus  215  and at least a portion of the first axially extending plug  190  is subjected to the predetermined pressure. The predetermined pressure is one of the applied pressure within the passage  135 , the pressure of the formation  20  and/or the pressure of the fluid within the annulus  140 , and a hydrostatic pressure within the passage  135  or the annulus  140 . 
     At the step  320 , the collapsible apparatus  215  collapses, or changes, from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration in response to the at least a portion of the collapsible apparatus  215  being subjected to the predetermined pressure. Thus, the inflow control device  150  is a pressure actuated inflow control device. When the shearable element  285  couples the piston  265  to the housing  255 , collapsing the collapsible apparatus  215  includes shearing the shearable element  285  to allow for of the piston  265  to move relative to the housing  255 . When the collapsible apparatus  215  is a seamless unit in the extended configuration, collapsing the collapsible apparatus  215  includes shearing the portion  270  of the seamless unit corresponding to the piston  265  relative to the remainder of the seamless unit such that the piston  265  is received within the chamber  260  of the housing  255 . 
     At the step  325 , the first axially extending plug  190  is pulled to the second position as shown in  FIG. 7 , using the collapsible apparatus  215 , relative to the housing  205  to allow fluid flow through the first fluid passageway  195 . In this embodiment, the piston  265  is rigidly coupled to the plug  190  to move the plug  190  upon actuation of the collapsible apparatus  215 . 
     At the step  330 , the collapsible apparatus  215  is decoupled from the first axially extending plug  190  to allow for the first axially extending plug  190  to move from the first position. At the step  330  and as shown in  FIG. 6 , the first axially extending plug  190  remains disposed in the first axially extending fluid passageway  195  at the first position after the collapsible apparatus  215  changes to the retracted configuration, which allows for the pressure within the passage  135  to be maintaining or at least not reduced to the flow of the fluid out of the passage  135  and into the annulus  140  via the fluid passageway  195 . 
     When the method includes the step  330 , the method  300  may also include reducing the applied pressure within the passage  135  below the predetermined pressure to move the first axially extending plug  190  from the first position. When the pressure in the passage  135  is reduced, the reservoir pressure or the pressure within the annulus  140  pushes the plug  190  in the direction  250 , from the first position, and into the passage  135 . 
     The method  300  may also include disposing a second axially extending plug that is identical or substantially identical to the plug  190  in a position that is identical or substantially identical to the first position of the plug  190  within a second fluid passageway that is identical or substantially identical to the passageway  195  to restrict fluid flow through the second fluid passageway; securing the second axially extending plug in the third position and in the axial direction relative to the housing using a second collapsible apparatus when the second collapsible apparatus is in an extended configuration; subjecting at least a portion of the second collapsible apparatus and at least a portion of the second axially extending plug to the pre-determined pressure; collapsing the second collapsible apparatus from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration in response to the at least a portion of the second collapsible apparatus being subjected to the predetermined pressure; and decoupling the second collapsible apparatus from the second axially extending plug to allow for the second axially extending plug to move from the third position. That is, the method  300  may apply to a plurality of plugs  190 . When the collapsible apparatus  215  is configured to decouple from the plugs  190  when moving to the retracted configuration upon being subjected to the predetermined pressure, the plug  190  is allowed to remain in the passageway  195  and may be secured against the shoulder  235  in the direction  240  due to the force exerted on a face  245  of the plug  190  the fluid pressure in the passage  135 . As such, even after one or two of the collapsible apparatuses  215  have already actuated, the fluid flow through the passageways  195  is still restricted, which allows for pressure to remain at the predetermined pressure or increase above the predetermined pressure to actuate any collapsible apparatuses  215  that remain in the extended configuration. 
     Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be altered in a variety of ways. For example, the collapsible apparatus  215  may be used in combination with the plug  190  or other types of devices that alternate between first and second positions, with the collapsible apparatus  215  being used to secure the device in a first position and either pull the device to a second position or merely allow the device to move from the first position when the collapsible apparatus  215  is changed from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration. The plug  190  or device used in conjunction with the collapsible apparatus  215  may be tailored depending on the functionality and pressure rating requirements. The collapsible assembly  215  and/or the plug  190  may be any size and shape. The fluid passageway  195  may extend through the wall of the ICD  150  not only in a direction that is parallel to the axis  210 , but in any direction that may or may not be angled relative to the axis  210 . The plug  190  extends along the longitudinal axis of the passageway  195  and may also extend in any direction that may or may not be angled relative to the axis  210 . For example, the fluid passageway  175  may be formed radially through the housing  205 . Moreover, the fluid passageway  195  may be at least partially formed through the base pipe  170  or be formed using the base pipe  170  and the housing  205  of the ICD  150 . The collapsible assembly  215 , with or without the plug  190 , may be used in any variety of downhole tools and is not limited to inflow control devices that form a portion of a flow regulating system. Additionally, the collapsible apparatus could include a tube having a first and opposing second end, with a rupture disc welded to one of the first and second ends. 
     In an alternate exemplary embodiment, it is not necessary for the wellbore  75  to be cased, cemented or horizontal as depicted in  FIG. 1 . It is also not necessary for the fluid to flow from the formation  20  to the interior flow passage  135 , since in injection, conformance, or other operations, fluid can flow in an opposite direction. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, during the operation of the apparatus  150  and/or the execution of the method  300 , 3D printing capabilities are implemented to create devices actuating with pressure (applied pressure, reservoir pressure, and/or absolute hydrostatic pressure) in order to induce a primary or secondary function. Moreover, 3D printing capabilities allow for the manufacture of components with an integrated atmospheric or even controlled pressure enclosed chamber. This, in conjunction with manufacturing with a defined geometry and using material with known mechanical characteristics, facilitates creating a device which functions/activates under a predefined applied pressure, reservoir pressure, and/or absolute hydrostatic pressure. Depending upon the design, a portion of the component shears at a predefined point and changes in external shape/dimension according to the geometry of the device. The result is a method for actuating devices of many shapes and forms and functionality without risk of contamination from its environment and at a very low cost and ease of manufacture. When the apparatus  215  is at least partially manufactured using additive manufacturing, multiple components may be omitted compared to an apparatus that is manufactured using traditional methods. Thus, the construction method of the apparatus  215  when using additive manufacturing not only reduces the number of items comprising the apparatus  215 , but also increases the reliability while reducing the potential for malfunction. This provides increased functionality, reliability and reduced cost. 
     In an exemplary embodiment and as shown in  FIG. 11 , a downhole tool printing system  350  includes one or more computers  355  and a printer  360  that are operably coupled together, and in communication via a network  365 . In one or more exemplary embodiments, the apparatus  215  may be manufactured using the downhole tool printing system  350 . In one or more exemplary embodiments, the one or more computers  355  include a computer processor  370  and a computer readable medium  375  operably coupled thereto. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the computer processor  370  includes one or more processors. Instructions accessible to, and executable by, the computer processor  370  are stored on the computer readable medium  375 . A database  380  is also stored in the computer readable medium  375 . In one or more exemplary embodiments, the computer  355  also includes an input device  385  and an output device  390 . In one or more exemplary embodiments, web browser software is stored in the computer readable medium  375 . In one or more exemplary embodiments, three dimensional modeling software is stored in the computer readable medium. In one or more exemplary embodiments, software involving finite element analysis and topology optimization is stored in the computer readable medium  375 . In one or more exemplary embodiments, any one or more constraints are entered in the input device  385  such that the software aids in the design on the collapsible assembly  215  in which specific portions of the collapsible assembly  215  are sized to shear at the predetermined pressure. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the input device  385  is a keyboard, mouse, or other device coupled to the computer  355  that sends instructions to the computer  355 . In one or more exemplary embodiments, the input device  385  and the output device  390  include a graphical display, which, in several exemplary embodiments, is in the form of, or includes, one or more digital displays, one or more liquid crystal displays, one or more cathode ray tube monitors, and/or any combination thereof. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the output device  390  includes a graphical display, a printer, a plotter, and/or any combination thereof. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the input device  385  is the output device  390 , and the output device  390  is the input device  385 . In several exemplary embodiments, the computer  355  is a thin client. In several exemplary embodiments, the computer  355  is a thick client. In several exemplary embodiments, the computer  355  functions as both a thin client and a thick client. In several exemplary embodiments, the computer  355  is, or includes, a telephone, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, a cellular telephone, other types of telecommunications devices, other types of computing devices, and/or any combination thereof. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the computer  355  is capable of running or executing an application. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the application is an application server, which in several exemplary embodiments includes and/or executes one or more web-based programs, Intranet-based programs, and/or any combination thereof. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the application includes a computer program including a plurality of instructions, data, and/or any combination thereof. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the application written in, for example, HyperText Markup Language (HTML), Cascading Style Sheets (CSS), JavaScript, Extensible Markup Language (XML), asynchronous JavaScript and XML (Ajax), and/or any combination thereof. 
     In one or more exemplary embodiments, the printer  360  is a three-dimensional printer. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the printer  360  includes a layer deposition mechanism for depositing material in successive adjacent layers; and a bonding mechanism for selectively bonding one or more materials deposited in each layer. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the printer  360  is arranged to form a unitary printed body by depositing and selectively bonding a plurality of layers of material one on top of the other. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the printer  360  is arranged to deposit and selectively bond two or more different materials in each layer, and wherein the bonding mechanism includes a first device for bonding a first material in each layer and a second device, different from the first device, for bonding a second material in each layer. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the first device is an ink jet printer for selectively applying a solvent, activator or adhesive onto a deposited layer of material. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the second device is a laser for selectively sintering material in a deposited layer of material. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the layer deposition means includes a device for selectively depositing at least the first and second materials in each layer. In one or more exemplary embodiments, any one of the two or more different materials may be Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene or ABS plastic, Polylactic acid or PLA, polyamide, aluminum, glass filled polyamide, sterolithography materials, silver, titanium, steel, wax, photopolymers, polycarbonate, and a variety of other materials. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the printer  360  may involve directed energy deposition using powder or wire, fused deposition modeling, selective laser sintering, and/or multi-jet modeling. In operation, the computer processor  370  executes a plurality of instructions stored on the computer readable medium  375 . As a result, the computer  355  communicates with the printer  360 , causing the printer  360  to manufacture the apparatus  215  or at least a portion thereof. In one or more exemplary embodiments, manufacturing the collapsible assembly  215  using the system  350  results in an integrally formed collapsible assembly  215  that is a seamless unit. 
     In one or more exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in  FIG. 12  with continuing reference to  FIGS. 1-11 , an illustrative computing device  1000  for implementing one or more embodiments of one or more of the above-described networks, elements, methods and/or steps, and/or any combination thereof, is depicted. The computing device  1000  includes a processor  1000   a , an input device  1000   b , a storage device  1000   c , a video controller  1000   d , a system memory  1000   e , a display  1000   f , and a communication device  1000   g , all of which are interconnected by one or more buses  1000   h . In several exemplary embodiments, the storage device  1000   c  may include a floppy drive, hard drive, CD-ROM, optical drive, any other form of storage device and/or any combination thereof. In several exemplary embodiments, the storage device  1000   c  may include, and/or be capable of receiving, a floppy disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or any other form of computer readable medium that may contain executable instructions. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the computer readable medium is a non-transitory tangible media. In several exemplary embodiments, the communication device  1000   g  may include a modem, network card, or any other device to enable the computing device  1000  to communicate with other computing devices. In several exemplary embodiments, any computing device represents a plurality of interconnected (whether by intranet or Internet) computer systems, including without limitation, personal computers, mainframes, personal digital assistants (“PDAs”), smartphones and cell phones. 
     In several exemplary embodiments, the one or more computers  355 , the printer  360 , and/or one or more components thereof, are, or at least include, the computing device  1000  and/or components thereof, and/or one or more computing devices that are substantially similar to the computing device  1000  and/or components thereof. In several exemplary embodiments, one or more of the above-described components of one or more of the computing device  1000 , one or more computers  355 , and the printer  360  and/or one or more components thereof, include respective pluralities of same components. 
     In several exemplary embodiments, a computer system typically includes at least hardware capable of executing machine readable instructions, as well as the software for executing acts (typically machine-readable instructions) that produce a desired result. In several exemplary embodiments, a computer system may include hybrids of hardware and software, as well as computer sub-systems. 
     In several exemplary embodiments, hardware generally includes at least processor-capable platforms, such as client-machines (also known as personal computers or servers), and hand-held processing devices (such as smart phones, tablet computers, (PDAs), or personal computing devices (PCDs), for example). In several exemplary embodiments, hardware may include any physical device that is capable of storing machine-readable instructions, such as memory or other data storage devices. In several exemplary embodiments, other forms of hardware include hardware sub-systems, including transfer devices such as modems, modem cards, ports, and port cards, for example. 
     In several exemplary embodiments, software includes any machine code stored in any memory medium, such as RAM or ROM, and machine code stored on other devices (such as floppy disks, flash memory, or a CD ROM, for example). In several exemplary embodiments, software may include source or object code. In several exemplary embodiments, software encompasses any set of instructions capable of being executed on a computing device such as, for example, on a client machine or server. 
     In several exemplary embodiments, combinations of software and hardware could also be used for providing enhanced functionality and performance for certain embodiments of the present disclosure. In one or more exemplary embodiments, software functions may be directly manufactured into a silicon chip. Accordingly, it should be understood that combinations of hardware and software are also included within the definition of a computer system and are thus envisioned by the present disclosure as possible equivalent structures and equivalent methods. 
     In several exemplary embodiments, computer readable mediums include, for example, passive data storage, such as a random access memory (RAM) as well as semi-permanent data storage such as a compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM). One or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may be embodied in the RAM of a computer to transform a standard computer into a new specific computing machine. In several exemplary embodiments, data structures are defined organizations of data that may enable an embodiment of the present disclosure. In one or more exemplary embodiments, a data structure may provide an organization of data, or an organization of executable code. 
     In several exemplary embodiments, the network  365 , and/or one or more portions thereof, may be designed to work on any specific architecture. In one or more exemplary embodiments, one or more portions of the network  365  may be executed on a single computer, local area networks, client-server networks, wide area networks, internets, hand-held and other portable and wireless devices and networks. 
     In several exemplary embodiments, a database may be any standard or proprietary database software, such as Oracle, Microsoft Access, SyBase, or DBase II, for example. In several exemplary embodiments, the database may have fields, records, data, and other database elements that may be associated through database specific software. In several exemplary embodiments, data may be mapped. In several exemplary embodiments, mapping is the process of associating one data entry with another data entry. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the data contained in the location of a character file can be mapped to a field in a second table. In several exemplary embodiments, the physical location of the database is not limiting, and the database may be distributed. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the database may exist remotely from the server, and run on a separate platform. In one or more exemplary embodiments, the database may be accessible across the Internet. In several exemplary embodiments, more than one database may be implemented. 
     In several exemplary embodiments, a computer program, such as a plurality of instructions stored on a computer readable medium, such as the computer readable medium  375 , the system memory  1000   e , and/or any combination thereof, may be executed by a processor to cause the processor to carry out or implement in whole or in part the operation of the system  350 , and/or any combination thereof. In several exemplary embodiments, such a processor may include one or more of the computer processor  370 , the processor  1000   a , and/or any combination thereof. In several exemplary embodiments, such a processor may execute the plurality of instructions in connection with a virtual computer system. 
     In several exemplary embodiments, a plurality of instructions stored on a computer readable medium may be executed by one or more processors to cause the one or more processors to carry out or implement in whole or in part the above-described operation of each of the above-described exemplary embodiments of the system, the method, and/or any combination thereof. In several exemplary embodiments, such a processor may include one or more of the microprocessor  1000   a , any processor(s) that are part of the components of the system, and/or any combination thereof, and such a computer readable medium may be distributed among one or more components of the system. In several exemplary embodiments, such a processor may execute the plurality of instructions in connection with a virtual computer system. In several exemplary embodiments, such a plurality of instructions may communicate directly with the one or more processors, and/or may interact with one or more operating systems, middleware, firmware, other applications, and/or any combination thereof, to cause the one or more processors to execute the instructions. 
     During operation of the system  350 , the computer processor  370  executes the plurality of instructions that causes the manufacture of the collapsible assembly  215  using additive manufacturing. Thus, the collapsible assembly  215  is at least partially manufactured using an additive manufacturing process. Manufacturing the collapsible assembly  215  via machining forged billet stock or using multi-axis milling processes often limits the geometries and design of the collapsible assembly  215 . Thus, with additive manufacturing, complex geometries—such as the chamber  260  or a plurality of chambers—are achieved or allowed, which results in the creation of one type of pressure actuated inflow control device. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the collapsible assembly  215  is a metal tubular member although the collapsible assembly  215  may be composed of a non-metal material, such as a plastic or composite material. 
     Thus, a pressure actuated inflow control device has been described. Embodiments of the pressure actuated inflow control device may generally include a housing having a wall within which a fluid passageway axially extends; a collapsible apparatus coupled to the housing and configured to change from an extended configuration to a retracted configuration when subjected to a predetermined pressure; and an axially extending plug at least partially disposed within the fluid passageway and operably removable from the fluid passageway; wherein, when the collapsible apparatus is in the extended configuration, the axially extending plug is disposed within the fluid passageway at a first position relative to the housing to restrict fluid flow through the fluid passageway; and wherein, when the collapsible apparatus changes to the retracted configuration, the axially extending plug is either: moved to a second position relative to the housing to allow fluid flow through the fluid passageway; or capable of moving from the first position to allow fluid flow through the fluid passageway. Any of the foregoing embodiments may include any one of the following elements, alone or in combination with each other: 
     The collapsible apparatus includes: a housing forming a chamber; and a piston sized to be received in the chamber; wherein, when the collapsible apparatus is in the extended configuration: the piston is coupled to the housing to fluidically isolate the chamber; and the collapsible apparatus has a first axial length; and wherein, when the collapsible apparatus is in the retracted configuration: the piston is received in the housing; and the collapsible apparatus has a second axial length that is less than the first axial length. 
     A shearable element couples the piston to the housing and wherein the shearable element is configured to actuate at the predetermined pressure. 
     The collapsible apparatus is at least partially manufactured using an additive manufacturing process. 
     When the collapsible apparatus is in the extended configuration, the piston and the housing are integrally formed as a seamless unit; and a portion of the seamless unit corresponding to the piston is configured to shear relative to a remainder of the seamless unit at the predetermined pressure. 
     When the collapsible apparatus is in the extended configuration, the piston is coupled to the axially extending plug to secure the axially extending plug at the first position relative to the housing. 
     When the collapsible apparatus is in the retracted configuration, the piston is spaced from the axially extending plug to allow the axially extending plug to move from the first position. 
     When the collapsible apparatus is in the extended configuration, the piston is coupled to the axially extending plug to secure the axially extending plug at the first position relative to the housing. 
     When the collapsible apparatus is in the retracted configuration, the piston remains coupled to the axially extending plug to move the axially extending plug to the second position relative to the housing. 
     The inflow control device forms a portion of a tubing string that defines an internal flow path and that is configured to extend within a wellbore extending within a reservoir having a reservoir pressure; and wherein the predetermined pressure is one of a predefined applied pressure within the internal flow path of the tubing string, the reservoir pressure, and a hydrostatic pressure. 
     Thus, a method of controlling a flow of a fluid through an inflow control device including a housing having a wall within which a first fluid passageway axially and a second fluid passageway extend has been described. Embodiments of the pressure actuated inflow control device may generally include disposing a first axially extending plug in a first position within the first fluid passageway to restrict fluid flow through the first fluid passageway; securing the first axially extending plug in the first position and in an axial direction relative to the housing using a first collapsible apparatus when the first collapsible apparatus is in an extended configuration; subjecting at least a portion of the collapsible apparatus and at least a portion of the first axially extending plug to a predetermined pressure; collapsing the collapsible apparatus from the extended configuration to a retracted configuration in response to the at least a portion of the collapsible apparatus being subjected to the predetermined pressure; and either: moving the first axially extending plug to a second position, using the collapsible apparatus, relative to the housing to allow fluid flow through the first fluid passageway; or decoupling the collapsible apparatus from the first axially extending plug to allow for the first axially extending plug to move from the first position. Any of the foregoing embodiments may include any one of the following elements, alone or in combination with each other:
         The first collapsible apparatus includes a housing forming a chamber; and a piston sized to be received in the chamber.   When the first collapsible apparatus is in the extended configuration: the piston is coupled to the housing to fluidically isolate the chamber; and the first collapsible apparatus has a first axial length.   When the first collapsible apparatus is in the retracted configuration: the piston is received in the housing; and the first collapsible apparatus has a second axial length that is less than the first axial length.   A shearable element couples the piston to the housing.   Collapsing the collapsible apparatus from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration in response to the at least the portion of the collapsible apparatus being subjected to the predetermined pressure includes shearing the shearable element.   The first collapsible apparatus is at least partially manufactured using an additive manufacturing process.   When the first collapsible apparatus is in the extended configuration, the piston and the housing are integrally formed as a seamless unit; a portion of the seamless unit corresponding to the piston is configured to shear relative to the portion of the seamless unit corresponding to the housing at the predetermined pressure; and collapsing the collapsible apparatus from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration in response to the at least the portion of the collapsible apparatus being subjected to the predetermined pressure includes shearing the portion of the seamless unit corresponding to the piston relative to a remainder of the seamless unit such that the piston is received within the chamber of the housing.   Decoupling the collapsible apparatus from the first axially extending plug to allow for the first axially extending plug to move from the first position; and when the collapsible apparatus is in the extended configuration, the piston is coupled to the first axially extending plug to secure the first axially extending plug at the first position relative to the housing; and wherein collapsing the collapsible apparatus from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration in response to the at least the portion of the collapsible apparatus being subjected to the predetermined pressure includes decoupling the collapsible apparatus from the first axially extending plug.   When the collapsible apparatus is in the extended configuration, the piston is coupled to the first axially extending plug to secure the first axially extending plug at the first position relative to the housing.   Moving the first axially extending plug to the second position, using the piston of the collapsible apparatus, relative to the housing to allow fluid flow through the first fluid passageway.   The inflow control device forms a portion of a tubing string that defines an internal flow path and that is configured to extend within a wellbore extending within a reservoir having a reservoir pressure; and wherein the predetermined pressure is one of an applied pressure within the internal flow path of the tubing string, the reservoir pressure, and a hydrostatic pressure.   Decoupling the collapsible apparatus from the first axially extending plug to allow for the first axially extending plug to move from the first position; wherein the predetermined pressure is the applied pressure within the internal flow path of the tubing string; and wherein the method further includes reducing the applied pressure within the wellbore below the predefined predetermined pressure to move the first axially extending plug from the first position.   The chamber is one of an atmospheric chamber and a controlled pressure enclosed chamber.   The predetermined pressure is an applied pressure within the internal flow path of the tubing string; and wherein the first axially extending plug remains disposed in the first axially extending fluid passageway at the first position after changing the collapsible apparatus to the retracted configuration thereby maintaining the applied pressure within the wellbore at or above the predetermined pressure.   Disposing a second axially extending plug in a third position within the second fluid passageway to restrict fluid flow through the second fluid passageway; securing the second axially extending plug in the third position and in the axial direction relative to the housing using a second collapsible apparatus when the second collapsible apparatus is in an extended configuration; subjecting at least a portion of the second collapsible apparatus and at least a portion of the second axially extending plug to the predetermined pressure; collapsing the second collapsible apparatus from the extended configuration to the retracted configuration in response to the at least a portion of the second collapsible apparatus being subjected to the predetermined pressure; and decoupling the second collapsible apparatus from the second axially extending plug to allow for the second axially extending plug to move from the third position.       

     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.