US20180328139A1 - Temporary Barrier for Inflow Control Device - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for controlling fluid flow in a borehole includes a basepipe and a flow device. The basepipe has a through-bore and defines at least one perforation. The throughbore conveys the fluid flow, and the at least one perforation communicates the through-bore outside the basepipe. The flow device comprises a barrier disposed at the at least one perforation. The barrier at least temporarily prevents fluid communication through the at least one perforation. The barrier is resistant to a pressure differential thereacross and is dissolvable over time. The barrier can include at least two elements composed of different materials, and an increase in the pressure differential across can further increase how the barrier prevents the fluid communication through the perforation.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
• Reservoir completion systems installed in production, injection, and storage wells often incorporate screens positioned across the reservoir sections to prevent sand and other solids particles over a certain size from entering the reservoir completion. Conventional sand screen joints are typically assembled by wrapping a filter media around a perforated basepipe so fluids entering the sand screen from the wellbore must first pass through the filter media. Solid particles over a certain size will not pass through the filter media and will be prevented from entering the reservoir completion.
• For example, areservoir completion system10 inFIG. 1 hascompletion screen joints20 deployed on acompletion string14 in aborehole12. Typically, thesescreen joints20 are used for boreholes passing in an unconsolidated formation, andpackers16 or other isolation elements can be used between thevarious joints20 to isolate various zones30A-30C of the formation. During production, fluid produced from theborehole12 directs through thescreen joints20 and up thecompletion string14 to thesurface rig18. Thescreen joints20 keep out fines and other particulates in the produced fluid. In this way, thescreen joints20 can prevent the production of reservoir solids, can in turn mitigate erosion damage to both well and surface components, and can prevent other problems associated with fines and particulate present in the produced fluid.
• In addition to use in an open hole, thescreen joints20 can also be used in cased holes. Additionally, thescreen joints20 can be used for gravel pack operations in which gravel (e.g., sand) is disposed in the annulus of the borehole around thescreen joint20 to support the unconsolidated formation of theopen borehole12.
• Installing thescreen joints20 in theborehole12 can offer some challenges because fluid can pass through thescreen joints20 during run-in. Additionally, it may be desirable to delay fluid communication through thescreen joints20 at least for a period of time during and after installation. To that end, the subject matter of the present disclosure is directed to solving one or more of these challenges along with other possible problems.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
• An apparatus according to the present disclosure controls fluid flow in a borehole. The apparatus comprises a basepipe and a flow device. The basepipe has a through-bore conveying the fluid flow and defines at least one perforation communicating the through-bore outside the basepipe. The flow device comprises a barrier disposed at the at least one perforation. The barrier at least temporarily prevents fluid communication through the at least one perforation. The barrier is resistant to a pressure differential thereacross and is dissolvable over time.
• In one arrangement, the barrier comprises at least two elements composed of different materials. In addition or in an alternative arrangement, the barrier increases the at least temporary prevention of the fluid communication in response to an increase in the pressure differential thereacross.
• The flow device can include at least one nozzle disposed relative to the at least one perforation. The at least one nozzle creates a pressure drop in fluid communication therethrough.
• The flow device can include a fixture affixed at the at least one perforation and defining an orifice therethrough. The fixture holds the barrier captive in the at least one perforation. The orifice of the fixture can include a nozzle disposed thereon for creating a pressure drop in fluid communication therethrough. In general, the nozzle can be composed of a tungsten carbide material. For its part, the fixture can thread into a threaded counterbore of the at least one perforation, although other techniques can be used to affix the fixture.
• In one arrangement, the barrier having the at least two elements of different materials comprise a plurality of barrier layers held captive in the at least one perforation with the fixture. The barrier layers at least temporarily prevent fluid communication between the at least one perforation of the basepipe and the orifice of the fixture.
• The barrier layers can include an inner layer of a first dissolvable material encapsulating in an outer layers of a second dissolvable material different from the first dissolvable material. In an alternative, the barrier layers can include an intermediate layer of a first dissolvable material disposed between first and second layers of a second dissolvable material different from the first dissolvable material.
• In another arrangement, the barrier of the flow device can comprises at least two elements composed of different materials. For example, a first of the at least two elements can include a plug composed of a dissolvable metal as one of the different materials. The plug can be affixed (threaded, welded, etc.) at the at least one perforation. A second of the at least two elements can include a washer composed of a dissolvable material as another of the different materials. The washer can be held captive in between the plug and the perforation. In another example, a first of the at least two elements can include a plug composed of a dissolvable metal as one of the different materials, and the plug can be affixed at the at least one perforation. Here, a second of the at least two elements can include a coating composed of a dissolvable material as another of the different materials and coating the plug.
• In general, the fixture can be composed of a steel material. The first dissolvable material can be composed of a dissolvable metallic material, and the second dissolvable material can be composed of a dissolvable gasket material. Using such different metallic and gasket materials for the layers can allow the at least two elements of the barrier to increase the at least temporary prevention of the fluid communication in response to an increase in the pressure differential thereacross.
• The apparatus can include a filter disposed on the basepipe adjacent the flow device. The filter filters the fluid flow from the borehole to the at least one perforation. For example, the filter and the basepipe can define a gap therebetween communicating the fluid flow with the flow device. A housing of the flow device in fluid communication with the gap can communicating the gap with the at least one perforation. The housing can include at least one nozzle creating a pressure drop in the fluid flow from the gap to the at least one perforation. The flow device can event include at least one inflow valve permitting communication of the fluid flow in an inflow direction from the gap to the at least one perforation and preventing communication of the fluid flow in an outflow direction from the at least one perforation to the gap.
• In another arrangement, the barrier can include a sleeve disposed inside the throughbore of the basepipe adjacent the at least one perforation. At least one seal can seal between the sleeve and the throughbore on both sides of the at least one perforation. In this arrangement, the sleeve can be composed of a dissolvable metallic material, while the at least one seal can be composed of a dissolvable gasket material. A nozzle can be affixed at least partially in the at least one perforation. The at least one seal can also be a plurality of ridges defined on an exterior of the sleeve that engage an inside surface of the through-bore.
• As one example, the apparatus can be a joint for a completion string having the basepipe with the throughbore for conveying the production fluid to the surface. To prevent sand and other fines from passing through openings in the basepipe to the throughbore, a filter or screen can be disposed on the basepipe for screening fluid produced from the surrounding borehole, although a filter or screen may not be always used. Disposed on the basepipe, the flow device having the housing defines a housing chamber in fluid communication with screened fluid from the screen. During production, fluid passes through the screen, enters the housing chamber, and eventually passes into the basepipe's bore through the pipe's perforations.
• To prevent the flow of the fluid at least temporarily through the screen joint during run-in and for a time thereafter, the flow device disposed on the joint includes barriers as discussed herein disposed at the perforations of the basepipe.
• To control the flow of the fluid and create a desired pressure drop for even-flow along the screen joint, the flow device disposed on the joint controls fluid communication from the housing's chamber to the openings in the basepipe. In one implementation, the flow device includes one or more nozzles.
• According to the present disclosure, a method is used for controlling fluid flow from a borehole. A basepipe is run into the borehole. The basepipe has a throughbore for conveying the fluid flow and defines at least one perforation for communicating the throughbore outside the basepipe. At least one barrier disposed at the at least one perforation at least temporarily prevents fluid communication through the at least one perforation. The at least one barrier is resistant to pressure and is dissolvable over time. Eventually, after dissolution of the at least one barrier, fluid communication is allowed through at least one nozzle disposed at the at least one perforation.
• The foregoing summary is not intended to summarize each potential embodiment or every aspect of the present disclosure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 illustrates a completion system having screen joints according to the prior art deployed in a borehole.
• FIG. 2A illustrates, in partial cross-section, a screen assembly having a screen disposed on a basepipe in conjunction with an inflow control device having a temporary barrier according to the present disclosure.
• FIG. 2B illustrates, in detailed cross-section, a screen assembly having another inflow control device with a temporary barrier according to the present disclosure.
• FIG. 2C illustrates, in detailed cross-section, a screen assembly having yet another inflow control device with a temporary barrier according to the present disclosure.
• FIG. 2D illustrates, in cross-section, a basepipe having injection ports with temporary barriers of the present disclosure.
• FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate a cross-sectional views of a first temporary barrier of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 4A illustrates a cross-sectional view of a second temporary barrier of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 4B illustrates a cross-sectional view of a third temporary barrier of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 4C illustrates a cross-sectional view of a fourth temporary barrier of the present disclosure.
• FIGS. 4D-4E illustrate cross-sectional views of alternative elements for the temporary barriers of the present disclosure.
• FIGS. 5A-5B illustrate cross-sectional views of a fifth temporary barriers of the present disclosure.
• FIG. 5C illustrate a cross-sectional views of a sixth temporary barriers of the present disclosure.
• FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate cross-sectional views of seventh, eighth and ninth temporary barriers of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
• As shown inFIG. 2A, anapparatus100 for controlling fluid flow in a borehole includes abasepipe110 and aflow device130. Thebasepipe110 has athroughbore112 and defines at least oneperforation115. Thethroughbore112 conveys the fluid flow, and the at least oneperforation115 communicates thethroughbore112 outside thebasepipe110.
• Theapparatus100 can be a screen assembly, as illustrated in partial cross-section inFIG. 2A, and can have ascreen120 disposed on thebasepipe110. As is typical, thescreen120 includeswire122 wrapped about rods orribs124 disposed longitudinally along the length of thebasepipe110. Thewire122 is typically V-wire that filters fluid flow from the borehole to an annular space ordrainage layer125 between thewire122 and the outside of thebasepipe110. Thewire122 forms various slots for screening produced fluid, and thelongitudinal ribs124 create channels that operate as adrainage layer125. Other types of screen assemblies can be used for thescreen120, including metal mesh screens, pre-packed screens, protective shell screens, or screens of other construction. Moreover, any other form filter can be used for thescreen120, including one or more layers of wire wrappings, porous metal fiber, sintered laminate, pre-packed media, etc.
• Anend ring126 on one end of thebasepipe110 closes off thedrainage layer125 so the filtered fluid entering thedrainage layer125 through thescreen120 is directed to theflow device130 disposed on the other end of thescreen120. In this context, theflow device130 is an inflow control device for thescreen120. Theflow device130 includes ahousing132 abutting thescreen120 and defining aninterior annulus135 communicating with the screen'sdrainage layer125. Thehousing132 is a cylindrical sleeve that slides on thebasepipe110 over afixed end ring134 attached to thebasepipe110. A threadedend ring136 threads onto thefixed end ring134 to keep thehousing132 abutted to thescreen120.
• As noted, thebasepipe110 defines thethroughbore112 for the passage of fluids, such as production fluids produced from the formation. Theperforations115 in thebasepipe110 communicate thisthroughbore112 with theinterior135 of theflow device130 so that fluid filtered through thescreen120 and entering the interior135 can pass into thebasepipe110 to be carried to the surface.
• In general, theapparatus100 can be used for “gravel pack” or “fracture pack” operations or can be an openhole screen joint. During production, reservoir fluids travel through thescreen120 and into thedrainage layer125 between thescreen120 and thebasepipe110. The produced fluid passes along thedrainage layer125 to theflow device130. Entering thehousing132, the flow would eventually pass through theperforations115 and in thebasepipe110.
• Before production commences, however, various operations may need to be performed in which fluid flow is preferably prevented from passing between thescreen120 and thebasepipe110 through theperforations115. For this reason, each of the perforations115 (or at least some of them) include abarrier insert150 disposed therein. Thebarrier insert150 is resistant to pressure and is dissolvable over time so fluid passage can be at least temporarily prevented.
• During run-in, for example, thescreen assembly100 along with other completion equipment can be installed in a borehole without using an inner string because the barrier inserts150 can keep flow of running fluid through thebasepipe110 without escaping through theperforations115 andscreen120. Additionally, once the completion is positioned, well fluids can be displaced from the completion through the shoe while thescreen assembly100 provides isolation. In some implementations, it may be desirable to prevent the flow through theperforations115 for several days after installation of thescreen assembly100 so various operations can be performed before thescreen assembly100 is actually intended to be ready for use.
• FIG. 2B illustrates theflow device130 of thescreen assembly100 showing thebarrier insert150 in more detail. Thebarrier insert150 disposed at theperforation115 includes anozzle160 andbarrier165. Thenozzle160 allows fluid communication therethrough and is designed to produce a pressure drop in the flow, such as according to the purposes of an inflow control device. Although thenozzle160 allows fluid communication therethrough, thebarrier165 at least temporarily prevents fluid communication through theperforation115.
• Thebarrier165 removes (e.g., dissolves, degrades, disintegrates, erodes, or the like) over time to open up flow through thenozzle160. (According to the present disclosure, thebarrier165 is described as “dissolving” or being “dissolvable.” It will be appreciated with the benefit of the present disclosure that other forms of removal can also be applicable, including degrading, disintegrating, eroding, or the like.) Once thebarrier165 removes, theflow device130 with thenozzle160 operates as an inflow control device to control flow of fluid into thescreen assembly100—particularly to control the flow of production fluid during production operations. As noted, thenozzle160 can produce a pressure drop in the fluid, and the size and/or number of thenozzles160 can be configured for a given implementation.
• Theflow device130 may or may not have a check valve withball138 andseat137 as shown captured in thehousing132 ofFIG. 2B. Theball138 permits communication of the fluid flow in an inflow direction from thedrainage layer125 to theperforation115 and prevents communication of the fluid flow in an outflow direction from theperforation115 to thedrainage layer125.
• As shown, thebarrier insert150 with thenozzle160 andtemporary barrier165 can be used to cover theperforations115 for aninflow control device130. However, the insert150 (with or without the nozzle160) could be used for other borehole devices, such as a limited entry liner (LEL), injection tubular, downhole tool, or other such device having a port or perforation suitable for temporary covering.
• FIG. 2C illustrates an alternative arrangement in which theflow device130 includes thenozzle160 disposed in thehousing132 apart from thebarrier insert150 at theperforation115 having thebarrier165. In this case, thebarrier insert150 does not necessarily include an integrated nozzle. AsFIGS. 2A-2C show, various arrangements can be used for aflow device130 having anozzle160 andbarrier165.
• FIG. 2D illustrates, in cross-section, abasepipe110 havingperforations115 with temporary barrier inserts150 disposed therein. In this configuration in contrast to the previous arrangements, thebasepipe110 may lack a screen assembly, although a screen could be disposed about the basepipe and perforations. Here, the barrier inserts150 can be used to temporary block theperforations115 during injection operations, production operations, or both. These barrier inserts150 have thebarriers165 and may or may not havenozzles160 as shown.
• Thetemporary barrier165 permits the screen assembly100 (as inFIGS. 2A-2C) or the plain basepipe110 (as inFIG. 2D) to be installed in a borehole without the use of an inner string and isolates the completion string so well fluid can be displaced through the shoe of the completion. Thetemporary barrier165 holds pressure for a range of time from hours, to days or weeks based on the particular application and well requirements. Eventually, thetemporary barrier165 removes (e.g., dissolves, disintegrates, erodes, or the like) so theinflow control device130 can be used for production. To do this and as discussed in more detail below, thetemporary barrier165 uses a combination of at least two different materials, including dissolvable metal, coatings, and dissolvable gasket rather than a single component, such as a rupture disk, to achieve the required delay.
• With an understanding of how the barrier inserts150 having thebarriers165 and the optional,integrated nozzles160 can be used, discussion turns to a particular configuration illustrated in detail inFIGS. 3A-3B. In this configuration, thebarrier insert150 disposed at theperforation115 incorporates both thenozzle160 and thebarrier165. A fixture orcap152 is affixed at theperforation115 and defines anorifice154 therethrough. Thefixture152 holds thebarrier165 captive in theperforation115, and theorifice154 of thefixture152 includes thenozzle160 disposed therein.
• Thefixture152 can affix in any number of ways in theperforation115. In the present example, thefixture152 threads into a threadedcounterbore117 of theperforation115, but other techniques can be used that involve an interference fit, snap ring, tack weld, etc.
• In general, thebarrier165 includes at least two barrier elements or layers composed of different materials. In the present example, thebarrier165 includesseveral barrier layers170,172 and174 held captive in theperforation115 with thefixture152. The barrier layers170,172 and174 at least temporarily prevent fluid communication between theperforation115 of thebasepipe110 and theorifice154 of thefixture152. To help hold the sandwichedlayers170,172, and174, thefixture152 can include a surrounding lip forming apocket156 in thefixture152. Meanwhile, profiles158 on the fixture's external surface can facilitate threading thefixture152 into theperforation115.
• Thefixture152 can be composed of a steel material, and thenozzle160 can be composed of erosion-resistant material, tungsten carbide, ceramic, or other comparable material. In one arrangement, the barrier layers170,172, and174 comprise anintermediate layer172 of a dissolvable metal inset disposed between first andsecond layers170 and174 of dissolvable rubber gaskets. Themetal fixture152 traps thedissolvable metal inset172 between thedissolvable rubber gaskets170,174 to temporarily plug the basepipe'sperforation115. Alternatively, a reverse arrangement can be used in which an intermediatedissolvable rubber gasket172 can be sandwiched between twodissolvable metal insets170,174 to temporarily plug the basepipe'sperforation115.
• Either way, the use of the metal inset(s) and rubber gasket(s) for thelayers170,172, and174 helps achieve an effective seal. The metal for the inset(s) can be tailored to remove (i.e., dissolve) within a specific time period as can the material of the gasket(s). Additional control over the duration of thetemporary barrier165 can be achieved by coating the dissolvable metal inset(s) with a time delay coating. Thus, a combination of dissolvable metal inset(s) (with or without coating) and the dissolvable rubber gasket(s) can be tailored to achieve a length of time in which thetemporary barrier165 remains in thebasepipe110 before dissolving away to leave thenozzle160 open to flow.
• According to the present disclosure, suitable material for the inset(s) includes, but is not limited to, dissolvable metallic material; reactive metal; magnesium; aluminum; powder metal; magnesium alloy; calcium, magnesium, and/or aluminum including alloying elements of calcium, magnesium, aluminum, lithium, gallium, indium, zinc, and bismuth; and the like. In addition to exposure to the wellbore environment, dissolution/degradation of the inset(s) can be activated by wellbore fluid, active fluid, brine, acid, and the like.
• According to the present disclosure, suitable material for the gasket(s) includes, but is not limited to, elastomeric material, dissolvable/degradable rubber, degradable composite polymer, polyglycolic acid (PGA) combined with urethane, polylactic acid (PLA) combined with urethane, mixed polymers, composite of rubber beads in PGA, and the like. In addition to exposure to the wellbore environment, dissolution/degradation of the gasket(s) can be activated by wellbore fluid, active fluid, brine, acid, and the like.
• As noted previously, thetemporary barrier165 eventually removes (e.g., dissolves, disintegrates, erodes, or the like) so flow can pass through theperforation115, such as production from outside thebasepipe110 into thethroughbore112. To do this in the present example, thetemporary barrier165 uses a combination of at least two different materials, including thedissolvable metal inset172 sandwiched between thedissolvable gaskets170 and174, rather than a single component, such as a rupture disk, to achieve the required delay.
• Moreover, rather than simply providing a covering of theperforation115 that can be breached at a predetermined pressure, such as with a rupture disk, thetemporary barrier165 of the present disclosure is resistant to a pressure differential thereacross and more particularly increases the at least temporary prevention of the fluid communication through theperforation115 in response to an increase in the pressure differential thereacross.
• Thebarrier165 can achieve the pressure resistance due to the strength, thickness, material selection, shape, and/or other aspect of at least the metal inset(s). As shown in the present example, the metal inset of theintermediate layer172 is a flat coin of the dissolvable metal material. Other shapes are possible.
• Thebarrier165 can achieve the increased sealing due to the elements orlayers170,172,174 of thebarrier165 being sandwiched against one another and being pressed against the surrounding shoulders of thefixture152 andcounterbore117 of theperforation115. In other words, increased sealing can be achieved due to pressure across thebarrier165 tending to further sandwich the elements orlayers170,172,174 of thebarrier165 together and tending to further press the elements orlayers170,172,174 against the surrounding shoulders (offixture152 and counterbore117) housing thebarrier165.
• A number of variations of thebarrier insert150 can be used. For example,FIG. 4A shows a cross-sectional view of thebarrier insert150 lacking anozzle160 integrated into thecap152. Instead and as noted previously, a separate nozzle (not shown) if desired can be installed elsewhere. Additionally, the inside surface of theorifice154 for thecap152 may have a coating, or thecap152 may be composed of a suitable erosion-resistant material to act as a nozzle for the purposes of controlling flow.
• In previous examples, thebarrier insert150 installed externally on thebasepipe110 into acounterbore117 of theperforation115. A reverse configuration is also possible, as shown inFIG. 4B. Here, thecounterbore117 of theperforation115 can be formed inside thebore112 of thebasepipe110, and thebarrier insert150 can install internally. Such a reverse form of assembly may be needed when elements external to thebasepipe110 would obstruct the ability to install thebarrier insert150 externally. Moreover, such a reverse form of assembly may be needed when elements external to theperforation115 on thebasepipe110 need to be heat treated, welded, etc. during the assembly process and would damage thebarrier insert150 if already installed. Whether internal or external, both sides of thebarrier165 are exposed to fluid and other conditions prompting its removal.
• In previous examples, thebarrier insert150 included three elements orlayers170,172, and174. More or less elements or layers could be used as the case may be. For example,FIG. 4C illustrates thebarrier insert150 having two elements orlayers170,172 for thebarrier165. These twolayers170,172 are preferably composed of different materials and can include arubber gasket170 and ametal inset172, as shown here. Thelayers170,172 can be in either order. Theinner pocket156 of thefixture152 can be coated with a dissolvable gasket material for the purposes of sealing and acting as an outer layer. The shoulder of the perforation could also or alternatively be coated with a dissolvable gasket material in like manner.
• FIG. 4D illustrates an example of anotherbarrier165 for use in the barrier insert (150) having ametal inset173 encapsulated in agasket shroud171. This combinedelement173/171 can be used alone or in combination with other elements or layers in the barrier insert (150) of the present disclosure.FIG. 4E illustrates another example of abarrier165 for use in the barrier insert (150) having ametal inset173 encapsulated in acoating175. This too can be used alone or in combination with other elements or layers in the barrier insert (150) of the present disclosure. According to the present disclosure, suitable material for thecoating175 can include, but is not limited to, epoxy; thermal barrier of alumina, silica, ceramic, zirconia, rare-earth oxides, metal-glass composites, etc.; anodized layer; and the like.
• FIGS. 5A-5B shows cross-sectional views of abarrier insert150 lacking a nozzle. Theinsert150 includes adissolvable metal plug180 affixed (e.g., threaded) in thecounterbore117 of theperforation115 and includes adegradable washer182 to prevent fluid from breaching the threads and acting as a time delay. The threadedplug180 can also be coated. Aprofile188 allows a tool to thread theplug180 into thecounterbore117 of theperforation115.
• In abarrier insert150 ofFIG. 5C, adissolvable metal plug180 is affixed (e.g., threaded and welded or inserted and welded) in thecounterbore117 of theperforation115 to create a seal. A degradable washer is not used, but the threadedplug180 can be coated.
• Turning to yet another configuration illustrated in detail inFIG. 6A, thebarrier insert150 includes thenozzle160 affixed at least partially in theperforation115 and includes the at least onebarrier165 disposed in thethroughbore112 of thebasepipe110. Thebarrier165 is asleeve190 disposed inside thethroughbore112 of thebasepipe110 adjacent theperforation115. At least oneseal192 seals between thesleeve190 and thethroughbore112 on both sides of theperforation115.
• Thesleeve190 is composed of a dissolvable metal, and the at least oneseal192 includes seal rings composed of a dissolvable rubber. Thedissolvable metal sleeve190 is assembled with the dissolvable rubber seal rings192. Thesleeve190, which can be swaged to the interior of the basepipe'sthroughbore112, is inserted into thethroughbore112. In this way, as thedissolvable metal sleeve190 expands out, the rubber seals192 get compressed between the two mating parts and seal thenozzle160 temporarily.
• In use, thesleeve190 is not subject a pressure differential from end-to-end and would tend not to move in thebore112. All the same, a ledge orshoulder113 can be provided for fixing thesleeve190. In use, the dissolvable metal of thesleeve190 reacts with completion fluid and dissolves away. A coating can also be applied to the inside bore of thedissolvable metal sleeve190 to increase the duration of the temporary barrier. The dissolvable gasket material of theseals192 also dissolves overtime.
• As shown inFIG. 6B, the at least one seal for thedissolvable metal sleeve190 can alternately include asheet194 of dissolvable rubber formed on the outer diameter. This will form a uniform seal along the length of thesleeve190 rather than just at both ends as described earlier. Although not depicted, it will be appreciated that a reverse arrangement can be used in which thesleeve190 and seals192,194 are disposed externally on thebasepipe110.
• FIG. 6C illustrates anotherbarrier insert150 including anozzle160 affixed at least partially in theperforation115 and includes the at least onebarrier165 disposed in thethroughbore112 of thebasepipe110. Thebarrier165 is asleeve190 disposed inside thethroughbore112 of thebasepipe110 adjacent theperforation115. Instead of or in addition to a rubber seal, thesleeve190 includes machinedridges193 on its outer surface that collapse after thesleeve190 has been swaged out to the basepipe's through-bore112. Theseridges193 on the outer surface of thesleeve190 act as a seal against the inside surface of the through-bore112. As an alternative to enhance the sealing, thesleeve190 can also be coated with a thin elastomeric coating (degradable or non-degradable) on the machinedridges193.
• The foregoing description of preferred and other embodiments is not intended to limit or restrict the scope or applicability of the inventive concepts conceived of by the Applicants. It will be appreciated with the benefit of the present disclosure that features described above in accordance with any embodiment or aspect of the disclosed subject matter can be utilized, either alone or in combination, with any other described feature, in any other embodiment or aspect of the disclosed subject matter.
• In exchange for disclosing the inventive concepts contained herein, the Applicants desire all patent rights afforded by the appended claims. Therefore, it is intended that the appended claims include all modifications and alterations to the full extent that they come within the scope of the following claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims (26)

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for controlling fluid flow in a borehole, the apparatus comprising:

a basepipe having a throughbore and defining at least one perforation, the throughbore conveying the fluid flow, the at least one perforation communicating the throughbore outside the basepipe; and

a flow device comprising a barrier disposed at the at least one perforation, the barrier at least temporarily preventing fluid communication through the at least one perforation and being dissolvable over time, the barrier being resistant to a pressure differential thereacross and increasing the at least temporary prevention of the fluid communication through the at least one perforation in response to an increase in the pressure differential thereacross.

2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the flow device comprises at least one nozzle disposed relative to the at least one perforation, the at least one nozzle creating a pressure drop in fluid communication therethrough.

3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the flow device comprises a fixture affixed at the at least one perforation and defining an orifice therethrough, the fixture holding the barrier captive in the at least one perforation.

4. The apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein the orifice of the fixture comprises a nozzle disposed thereon, the nozzle creating a pressure drop in fluid communication therethrough.

5. The apparatus ofclaim 4, wherein the nozzle comprises an erosion-resistant material.

6. The apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein the fixture threads into a threaded counterbore of the at least one perforation.

7. The apparatus ofclaim 3, wherein the barrier comprises at least two elements composed of different materials, the at least two elements held captive in the at least one perforation with the fixture, the at least two elements at least temporarily preventing fluid communication between the at least one perforation of the basepipe and the orifice of the fixture.

8. The apparatus ofclaim 7, wherein the at least two elements comprise an inner layer of a first dissolvable material encapsulated in an outer layer of a second dissolvable material different from the first dissolvable material.

9. The apparatus ofclaim 7, wherein the at least two elements comprise an intermediate layer of a first dissolvable material sandwiched between first and second outer layers of a second dissolvable material different from the first dissolvable material.

10. The apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein the fixture comprises a steel material.

11. The apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein the first dissolvable material comprises a dissolvable metallic material, and wherein the second dissolvable material comprises a dissolvable gasket material.

12. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the barrier comprises at least two elements of different material increasing the at least temporary prevention of the fluid communication through the at least one perforation in response to an increase in the pressure differential thereacross.

13. The apparatus ofclaim 12, wherein a first of the different materials of the at least two elements comprises a dissolvable metallic material, and wherein a second of the different materials of the at least two elements comprise a dissolvable gasket material.

14. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising a filter disposed on the basepipe adjacent the flow device and filtering the fluid flow from the borehole to the at least one perforation.

15. The apparatus ofclaim 14, wherein the filter and the basepipe define a gap therebetween communicating the fluid flow with the flow device.

16. The apparatus ofclaim 15, wherein the flow device comprises a housing in fluid communication with the gap and communicating the gap with the at least one perforation.

17. The apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein the housing comprises at least one nozzle creating a pressure drop in the fluid flow from the gap to the at least one perforation.

18. The apparatus ofclaim 16, wherein the flow device comprises at least one inflow valve permitting communication of the fluid flow in an inflow direction from the gap to the at least one perforation and preventing communication of the fluid flow in an outflow direction from the at least one perforation to the gap.

19. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one barrier comprises:

a sleeve disposed on the basepipe adjacent the at least one perforation; and

at least one seal sealing between the sleeve and the basepipe on both sides of the at least one perforation.

20. The apparatus ofclaim 19, wherein the sleeve comprises an dissolvable metallic material; and wherein the at least one seal comprises a dissolvable gasket material.

21. The apparatus ofclaim 19, wherein the at least one seal comprises a plurality of ridges defined on an exterior of the sleeve and engaging an inside surface of the through-bore.

22. The apparatus ofclaim 19, wherein a nozzle is affixed at least partially in the at least one perforation.

23. An apparatus for controlling fluid flow in a borehole, the apparatus comprising:

a basepipe having a through-bore and defining at least one perforation, the throughbore conveying the fluid flow, the at least one perforation communicating the throughbore outside the basepipe; and

a flow device comprising a barrier disposed at the at least one perforation, the barrier at least temporarily preventing fluid communication through the at least one perforation and comprising at least two elements composed of different materials, the barrier being resistant to a pressure differential thereacross and being dissolvable over time.

24. The apparatus ofclaim 23, wherein a first of the at least two elements comprises a plug composed of a dissolvable metal as one of the different materials, the plug affixed at the at least one perforation; and wherein a second of the at least two elements comprises a washer composed of a dissolvable material as another of the different materials, the washer held captive in between the plug and the perforation.

25. The apparatus ofclaim 23, wherein a first of the at least two elements comprises a plug composed of a dissolvable metal as one of the different materials, the plug affixed at the at least one perforation; and wherein a second of the at least two elements comprises a coating composed of a dissolvable material as another of the different materials and coating the plug.

26. A method of controlling fluid flow from a borehole, the comprising:

running a basepipe into the borehole, the basepipe having a throughbore and defining at least one perforation, the throughbore conveying the fluid flow, the at least one perforation communicating the through-bore with the borehole;

at least temporarily preventing fluid communication through the at least one perforation with at least one barrier disposed at the at least one perforation, the at least one barrier being resistant to pressure and being dissolvable over time; and

allowing fluid communication through at least one nozzle disposed at the at least one perforation after dissolution of the at least one barrier.

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