Superhydrophic flow control device

Abstract

A wellbore subassembly is provided that includes a device having a production flow path toward a production tubing. The production flow path can include a superhydrophobic coating for restricting the production of an unwanted fluid towards the production tubing.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A wellbore subassembly, comprising:
 a gravel pack comprising a plurality of proppants positioned between a production tubing and a wellbore, the plurality of proppants coated with a superhydrophobic material for restricting production of an unwanted fluid toward the production tubing.   
     
     
         2 . The wellbore subassembly of  claim 1 , wherein the unwanted fluid has a greater concentration of at least one of water or natural gas than a wanted fluid. 
     
     
         3 . The wellbore subassembly of  claim 1 , wherein the superhydrophobic material has a contact angle with a water droplet that exceeds one hundred and fifty degrees. 
     
     
         4 . The wellbore subassembly of  claim 1 , wherein the superhydrophobic material includes at least one of manganese oxide polystyrene, zinc oxide polystyrene, precipitated calcium carbonate, carbon nano-tube structures, and silica-based nano-coating. 
     
     
         5 . The wellbore subassembly of  claim 1 , wherein the superhydrophobic material is operable for increasing a velocity of fluid having a greater concentration of oil flowing through the gravel pack.