DISTRIBUTED INFLOW CONTROL FOR LONG HORIZONTAL WELLS

摘要

An apparatus for controlling the flow of fluids into a hydrocarbon well, comprising a section of production pipe (1) having a conduit communicating between the exterior and interior thereof, a valve (6) for controlling fluid inflow through the conduit and a source of heat arranged to heat the production pipe, valve and/or fluids flowing through the conduit, wherein the valve is a temperature-dependent valve. The valve opening depends upon: the level of added heat;the thermal properties of the fluid mix present; and/or flow rate.