Conformable inflow control device and method

Abstract

A conformable inflow control device includes a first tubular having a plurality of perforations therethrough, a second tubular positioned radially of the first tubular defining an annular space therebetween having at least one port therethrough, and a pressure drop device disposed at the annular space positioned between the plurality of perforations and the at least one port configured to create a drop in pressure in response to fluid flow therethrough. Also included is an expandable media disposed radially outwardly of the first tubular configured to expand while permitting fluid flow therethrough.

1 . A conformable inflow control device comprising:
 a first tubular having a plurality of perforations therethrough;   a second tubular positioned radially of the first tubular defining an annular space therebetween having at least one port therethrough;   a pressure drop device disposed at the annular space positioned between the plurality of perforations and the at least one port configured to create a drop in pressure in response to fluid flow therethrough; and   an expandable media disposed radially outwardly of the first tubular configured to expand while permitting fluid flow therethrough.   
     
     
         2 . The conformable inflow control device of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of centralizers configured to centralize the first tubular within a structure. 
     
     
         3 . The conformable inflow control device of  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of centralizers longitudinally separate portions of the expandable media. 
     
     
         4 . The conformable inflow control device of  claim 1 , wherein the expandable media filters fluid flowable therethrough. 
     
     
         5 . The conformable inflow control device of  claim 1 , wherein the expandable media is configured to conform to walls of a structure within which the conformable inflow control device is positionable. 
     
     
         6 . The conformable inflow control device of  claim 1 , wherein the pressure drop device is configured to generate a selected pressure drop at expected fluid flow rates therethrough. 
     
     
         7 . The conformable inflow control device of  claim 1 , wherein the pressure drop device includes at least one channel having a shape of at least one from the group consisting of a spiral, a helical, a labyrinth and a maze. 
     
     
         8 . The conformable inflow control device of  claim 7 , wherein a length of the at least one channel is greater than a largest dimension defining a cross sectional area of the at least one channel. 
     
     
         9 . The conformable inflow control device of  claim 1 , wherein the expandable media expands upon exposure to changes in temperature. 
     
     
         10 . The conformable inflow control device of  claim 1 , wherein the expandable media is polymeric 
     
     
         11 . The conformable inflow control device of  claim 1 , wherein the expandable media is foam. 
     
     
         12 . The conformable inflow control device of  claim 1 , wherein the second tubular is positioned radially inwardly of the first tubular. 
     
     
         13 . The conformable inflow control device of  claim 1 , wherein the expandable media is configured to centralize the first tubular within at structure. 
     
     
         14 . A method of conforming an inflow control device to a structure comprising:
 positioning an inflow control device within a structure; and   expanding an expandable media surrounding the inflow control device into contact with walls of the structure.   
     
     
         15 . The method of conforming an inflow control device to a structure of  claim 14 , further comprising filtering fluid flowing through the expandable media. 
     
     
         16 . The method of conforming an inflow control device to a structure of  claim 14 , further comprising altering a temperature of the expandable media. 
     
     
         17 . The method of conforming an inflow control device to a structure of  claim 14 , wherein the expanding includes swelling.