Condition dependent self-configuring inflow control device and method

Abstract

A condition dependent self-configuring inflow control device (ICD) including a flow path configured to change in response to a different fluid flow therethrough, a degradable material disposed in the flow path that prevents the change until the degradable material is degraded. A method for maximizing production over a life of a wellbore including maintaining an inflow control device (ICD) in a first of a plurality of configurations wherein the first configuration is of the relatively lowest pressure drop of the plurality of configurations, producing fluids through the ICD, automatically releasing the ICD to change to another of the plurality of configurations, and preferentially producing fluids through the ICD.

1 . A condition dependent self-configuring inflow control device (ICD) comprising:
 a flow path configured to change in response to a different fluid flow therethrough;   a degradable material disposed in the flow path that prevents the change until the degradable material is degraded.   
     
     
         2 . The ICD as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the flowpath includes a mobile member. 
     
     
         3 . The ICD as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the degradable material immobilizes the mobile member. 
     
     
         4 . The ICD as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the flow path is cyclonic. 
     
     
         5 . The ICD as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the material is disposed in a portion of the flow path that causes a reduction in flow path length. 
     
     
         6 . The ICD as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the mobile member is fixed in a first position by the degradable material. 
     
     
         7 . A method for maximizing production over a life of a wellbore comprising:
 maintaining an inflow control device (ICD) in a first of a plurality of configurations wherein the first configuration is of the relatively lowest pressure drop of the plurality of configurations;   producing fluids through the ICD;   automatically releasing the ICD to change to another of the plurality of configurations; and   preferentially producing fluids through the ICD.   
     
     
         8 . The method as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the automatically releasing is degrading a degradable material. 
     
     
         9 . The method as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the automatically releasing is allowing a mobile member to move. 
     
     
         10 . The method as claimed in  claim 7  wherein the automatic releasing is opening a portion of a flow path. 
     
     
         11 . A condition dependent self-configuring inflow control device (ICD) comprising:
 a fluid pathway configured to cause a pressure drop in fluid flowing therein through the ICD;   a degradable material disposed in a portion of the pathway such that while the degradable material is present, the pressure drop for fluid flowing through the ICD is less than the pressure drop for fluid flowing through the ICD when the degradable material is not present.   
     
     
         12 . A condition dependent self-configuring inflow control device (ICD) comprising:
 a mobile member disposed in a fluid pathway of the ICD the moveable member changing a pressure drop in a fluid flowing in the fluid pathway based upon a position of the mobile member; and   a degradable material disposed in contact with the movable member to restrain the movable member in a position of a least pressure drop for the ICD.   
     
     
         13 . A wellbore comprising:
 a borehole in a subsurface formation;   a string in the borehole; and   a condition dependent self-configuring inflow control device (ICD) as claimed in  claim 1  disposed in the string.