Adjustable passive chokes

Abstract

Adjustable passive choke devices, systems, and methods for controlling fluid flow rate, pressure, or both, are provided. The adjustable passive choke devices may include a fluid conduit having a first end, a second end, and an intervening portion positioned in between the first and second ends, the intervening portion having a flow resistance element for reducing a flow rate of a fluid when the fluid is passed through the fluid conduit from the first end to the second end. The devices may also include a selectable bypass line, which is connected upstream and downstream of the flow resistance element and provides a fluid flow bypass path bypassing at least a portion of the flow resistance element when activated.

1 . An adjustable passive choke device for controlling fluid flow rate or pressure, said device comprising:
 a fluid conduit having a first end, a second end, and an intervening portion therebetween, the intervening portion comprising a flow resistance element configured for reducing a flow rate of a fluid when the fluid is passed through the fluid conduit from the first end to the second end; and   a selectable bypass line connected upstream and downstream of at least a portion of the flow resistance element, the selectable bypass line being configured to provide a fluid flow bypass path bypassing at least a portion of the flow resistance element when activated;   whereby activation of the selectable bypass line configures the adjustable passive choke device for increased flow rate by at least partially opening the fluid flow bypass path, and deactivation of the selectable bypass line configures the adjustable passive choke device for decreased flow rate by at least partially closing the fluid flow bypass path.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the selectable bypass line comprises two or more upstream connections, downstream connections, or both, and is configured to provide a plurality of selectable fluid flow bypass paths, with each path bypassing a different proportion of the flow resistance element. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the flow resistance element comprises one or more loops or coils for reducing fluid flow rate by frictional line loss. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more valves for controlling fluid flow through the selectable bypass line. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one of a flow meter downstream of the flow resistance element for determining fluid flow rate and a pressure gauge or pressure sensor for determining pressure downstream of the flow resistance element. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising one or more pressure gauges or pressure sensors for determining a pressure drop across the at least one portion of the flow resistance element. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a programmable logic controller (PLC) for controlling fluid flow through the selectable bypass line. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 2 , wherein the activation and the deactivation of the selectable bypass line and selection of at least one fluid flow bypass path from the plurality of selectable fluid flow bypass paths, is automated, and
 wherein the fluid flow rate or downstream pressure is maintained at a predetermined value, above a predetermined lower limit, below a predetermined upper limit, or within a predetermined range.   
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein the activation and the deactivation of the selectable bypass line and the selection of the at least one fluid flow bypass path, is determined at least in part by at least one of a measured flow rate parameter, a measured pressure drop parameter, or a measured downstream pressure parameter. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising two or more flow resistance elements. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the two or more flow resistance elements are configured to provide the same or different resistance to fluid flow therethrough. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the selectable bypass line is configured to provide one or more fluid flow bypass paths bypassing at least a portion of the two or more flow resistance elements. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising two or more individually selectable bypass lines, with each configured to provide different fluid flow bypass paths when activated. 
     
     
         14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the flow resistance element comprises a 2× multiplier configuration for providing incremental doubling of length or flow resistance between portions of the flow resistance element. 
     
     
         16 . A fluid transport system comprising:
 at least one fluid distribution lines;   a common line for supplying a fluid to the at least one fluid distribution lines;   a pump for supplying the fluid to the common line, and   at least one adjustable passive choke device according to  claim 1  positioned before or within the at least one fluid distribution lines for controlling fluid flow rate therethrough or pressure downstream thereof.   
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16 , further comprising a programmable logic controller (PLC) for controlling the at least one adjustable passive choke device. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 16 , further comprising at least two fluid distribution lines,
 wherein the at least one adjustable passive choke devices is configured to control fluid flow rate whereby the such that fluid flow rate through the at least two fluid distribution lines is substantially equal, or whereby the ratio of fluid flow rate between the at least two fluid distribution lines is: maintained at a predetermined ratio, above a predetermined lower ratio limit, below a predetermined upper ratio limit, or within a predetermined ratio range.   
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the at least one adjustable passive choke devices is configured to adapt to changes in fluid flow resistance in the at least two fluid distribution lines, whereby the fluid flow rate or pressure through the at least two fluid distribution lines remains substantially constant or within a predetermined range. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the fluid distribution lines are injection wells in an oil recovery operation or in a water injection operation. 
     
     
         21 . A method for controlling fluid flow rate or pressure through at least one fluid distribution line, comprising:
 providing an adjustable passive choke device having a fluid flow bypass path;   passing a fluid through the adjustable passive choke device;   controlling the fluid flow rate by performing at least one of:
 increasing the fluid flow rate by at least partially opening the fluid flow bypass path; and 
 decreasing the fluid flow rate by at least partially closing the fluid flow bypass path, 
   
       wherein the at least one fluid distribution line is configured as at least one injection well in an oil recovery operation or in a water injection operation.