Design of a New Type Intelligent Transformation Joint in Heavy Oil Thermal Recovery

Abstract

In order to improve the efficiency of the heavy oil thermal recovery in high temperature and high pressure conditions, a new transformation joint was designed based on the theory of fluid pressure difference. Through the automatic displacement of a one-way valve and a seal tongue under the action of pressure difference, it realized intelligent transformation between the production status and the well testing status. According to the oil recovery requirements about structure size, energy loss, high temperature sealing property and high temperature resistance, thermal expansion of material, designs about structure, key sizes, material model and sealing parts were carried out, and strength of key parts was verified theoretically. Fluent was used to simulate the internal flows of the structure, to analyze and verify the energy loss under the working status. The result shows that the product can meet the requirements of heavy oil exploitation, and its simple structure, high reliability and strong durability can greatly improve the efficiency of crude oil recovery.