Autonomus fluid control device having a movable valve plate for downhole fluid selection

摘要

An apparatus and method are described for autonomously controlling flow of fluid in a subterranean well where fluid flow is controlled based on a fluid characteristic such as viscosity or density which changes over time. Fluid flows into a vortex assembly where a centrifugal force is imparted to the fluid. A less viscous fluid will have a relatively greater velocity and centrifugal force than a more viscous fluid. The fluid exits the vortex chamber by both a vortex outlet and a peripheral outlet. An autonomous valve element moves between an open position in which fluid flows freely through the peripheral outlet and a closed position in which fluid flow through the peripheral outlet is restricted. The valve element is moved by the centrifugal force of the fluid such that a fluid having a higher centrifugal force moves the valve element to the closed position thereby reducing the total fluid flow through the vortex assembly.