System and Method for Controlling Fluid Injection in a Well

Abstract

A technique involves injection of a fluid into a subterranean region. An injection string is provided with a plurality of injection devices positioned to enable fluid injection into the subterranean region when the system is deployed in a wellbore. Each injection device comprises a base pipe and a surrounding structure mounted over the base pipe. The surrounding structure is designed to create a desired injection fluid flow path from a base pipe radial flow opening to an outlet of the surrounding structure. Various features are incorporated into or used in cooperation with the surrounding structure to facilitate system functionality and to increase the life of the system.

1 . A system for use in a wellbore to inject a fluid, comprising:
 an injection string having a plurality of injection devices to inject fluid into a surrounding subterranean region, each injection device comprising:
 a base pipe; and 
 a surrounding structure mounted over the base pipe to create an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber separated by a nozzle that restricts flow of injection fluid, the base pipe comprising a radial flow opening positioned to enable flow from an interior of the base pipe to the upstream chamber, the surrounding structure being sealed to the base pipe with a metal seal ring. 
   
   
   
       2 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the surrounding structure is sealed to the base pipe with a plurality of metal seal rings. 
   
   
       3 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the nozzle is removable. 
   
   
       4 . The system as recited in  claim 3 , wherein the surrounding structure further comprises a removable cover positioned to enable access to the nozzle on a low-pressure side of the nozzle. 
   
   
       5 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein all components of the base pipe and the surrounding structure are formed of metal. 
   
   
       6 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the base pipe is free of welds between the base pipe and the surrounding structure. 
   
   
       7 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the nozzle is mounted in a nozzle retainer ring having an axial passage extending from the upstream chamber to the nozzle. 
   
   
       8 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the nozzle is mounted in a nozzle retainer ring, the nozzle conducting flow of injection fluid in a first direction, the nozzle retainer ring further comprising an axial passage positioned to conduct flow of the injection fluid in a second direction. 
   
   
       9 . The system as recited in  claim 4 , wherein the removable cover is slidable to enable adjustment of the size of the downstream chamber. 
   
   
       10 . A method, comprising:
 providing a base pipe with a radial opening;   constructing a surrounding structure with an upstream chamber, a downstream chamber, a nozzle section positioned between the upstream chamber and the downstream chamber, and an outlet in communication with the downstream chamber;   mounting the surrounding structure around the base pipe so the radial opening is in communication with the upstream chamber; and   sealing the surrounding structure with respect to the base pipe via at least one movable ring formed from a non-elastomer material.   
   
   
       11 . The method as recited in  claim 10 , wherein sealing comprises sealing via a movable metal ring. 
   
   
       12 . The method as recited in  claim 11 , wherein sealing comprises sealing via a plurality of movable metal rings. 
   
   
       13 . The method as recited in  claim 10 , wherein constructing comprises removably mounting a nozzle in the nozzle section. 
   
   
       14 . The method as recited in  claim 10 , wherein constructing comprises positioning a removable cover at a location to provide access to the nozzle section on a low-pressure side of the nozzle section. 
   
   
       15 . The method as recited in  claim 10 , further comprising moving the base pipe and the surrounding structure downhole into a wellbore; and injecting a treatment fluid into the surrounding subterranean region through the outlet. 
   
   
       16 . The method as recited in  claim 10 , further comprising using a tool to force the at least one movable ring in an axial direction such that portions of the at least one movable ring move farther in the axial direction then other portions to ensure a seal in a non-circular region of the base pipe. 
   
   
       17 . A system, comprising:
 an injection string having a plurality of injection devices to inject fluid into a surrounding subterranean region, each injection device comprising:
 a base pipe; and; 
 a surrounding structure mounted over the base pipe to create an upstream chamber and a downstream chamber separated by a nozzle that restricts flow of injection fluid, the base pipe comprising a radial flow opening positioned to enable flow from an interior of the base pipe to the upstream chamber, the surrounding structure further comprising a removable cover positioned to enable access to the nozzle on a low-pressure side of the nozzle. 
   
   
   
       18 . The system as recited in  claim 17 , further comprising at least one metal seal ring position to form a seal between the base pipe and the surrounding structure without elastomers. 
   
   
       19 . The system as recited in  claim 17 , wherein the nozzle is removable. 
   
   
       20 . The system as recited in  claim 17 , wherein the removable cover enables adjustment of the size of the downstream chamber. 
   
   
       21 . A method, comprising:
 providing a base pipe with a radial opening;   constructing a surrounding structure with an upstream chamber, a downstream chamber, a nozzle section positioned between the upstream chamber and the downstream chamber, and an outlet in communication with the downstream chamber;   mounting the surrounding structure around the base pipe so the radial opening is in communication with the upstream chamber; and   utilizing a removable cover on the surrounding structure to provide access to the nozzle section on a low-pressure side of the nozzle section.   
   
   
       22 . The method as recited in  claim 21 , further comprising sealing the surrounding structure with respect to the base pipe solely with one or more movable metal seal rings. 
   
   
       23 . The method as recited in  claim 21 , wherein utilizing the removable cover comprises attaching the removable cover with a plurality of fasteners. 
   
   
       24 . The method as recited in  claim 21 , further comprising removing the removable cover and subsequently removing a nozzle from the nozzle section. 
   
   
       25 . The method as recited in  claim 21 , further comprising moving the base pipe and the surrounding structure downhole into a wellbore; and injecting a treatment fluid into the surrounding subterranean region through the outlet.