Abstract: An adaptive fluid switch for regulating the production rate of a fluid. The adaptive fluid switch includes a fluid control valve having a fluid selector, a swirl chamber and a self-impinging valve element. When the fluid produced through the adaptive fluid switch has a viscosity greater than a first predetermined level, the fluid selector determines the fluid to be a selected fluid such that the fluid swirls in one direction in the swirl chamber and follows a low resistance flow path in the valve element. When the fluid has a viscosity less than a second predetermined level, the fluid selector determines the fluid to be a non-selected fluid such that the fluid swirls in the opposite direction in the swirl chamber and follows a high resistance flow path in the valve element, thereby regulating the production rate of the fluid responsive to changes in the viscosity of the fluid.

Abstract: An adaptive fluid switch for regulating the production rate of a fluid. The adaptive fluid switch includes a fluid control module having a fluid selector, a swirl chamber and a self-impinging valve element. When the fluid produced through the adaptive fluid switch has a viscosity greater than a first predetermined level, the fluid selector determines the fluid to be a selected fluid such that the fluid swirls in one direction in the swirl chamber and follows a low resistance flow path in the valve element. When the fluid has a viscosity less than a second predetermined level, the fluid selector determines the fluid to be a non-selected fluid such that the fluid swirls in the opposite direction in the swirl chamber and follows a high resistance flow path in the valve element, thereby regulating the production rate of the fluid responsive to changes in the viscosity of the fluid.

Abstract: An adaptive fluid switch for regulating the production rate of a fluid. The adaptive fluid switch includes a fluid control module having a fluid selector, a swirl chamber and a self-impinging valve element. When the fluid produced through the adaptive fluid switch has a viscosity greater than a first predetermined level, the fluid selector determines the fluid to be a selected fluid such that the fluid swirls in one direction in the swirl chamber and follows a low resistance flow path in the valve element. When the fluid has a viscosity less than a second predetermined level, the fluid selector determines the fluid to be a non-selected fluid such that the fluid swirls in the opposite direction in the swirl chamber and follows a high resistance flow path in the valve element, thereby regulating the production rate of the fluid responsive to changes in the viscosity of the fluid.

Abstract: A downhole fluid flow control system includes a fluid control module having an upstream side, a downstream side and a main fluid pathway in parallel with a secondary fluid pathway each extending between the upstream and downstream sides. A valve element disposed within the main fluid pathway has open and closed positions. A viscosity discriminator including a viscosity sensitive channel forms at least a portion of the secondary fluid pathway. A differential pressure switch operable to open and close the valve element includes a first pressure signal from the upstream side, a second pressure signal from the downstream side and a third pressure signal from the secondary fluid pathway. The fluid control module includes a dissolvable member operable to temporarily lockout the valve element in the open position or temporarily prevent fluid flow through the main and secondary fluid pathways. The dissolvable member is dissolvable by a dissolution solvent downhole.

Abstract: A downhole fluid flow control system includes a fluid control module having an upstream side, a downstream side and a main fluid pathway in parallel with a secondary fluid pathway each extending between the upstream and downstream sides. A valve element disposed within the main fluid pathway has open and closed positions. A viscosity discriminator including a viscosity sensitive channel forms at least a portion of the secondary fluid pathway. A differential pressure switch operable to open and close the valve element includes a first pressure signal from the upstream side, a second pressure signal from the downstream side and a third pressure signal from the secondary fluid pathway. The fluid control module includes a dissolvable member operable to temporarily lockout the valve element in the open position or temporarily prevent fluid flow through the main and secondary fluid pathways. The dissolvable member is dissolvable by a dissolution solvent downhole.

Abstract: A downhole fluid flow control system includes a fluid control module having an upstream side, a downstream side and a main fluid pathway in parallel with a secondary fluid pathway each extending between the upstream and downstream sides. A valve element disposed within the main fluid pathway has open and closed positions. A viscosity discriminator including a viscosity sensitive channel forms at least a portion of the secondary fluid pathway. A differential pressure switch operable to open and close the valve element includes a first pressure signal from the upstream side, a second pressure signal from the downstream side and a third pressure signal from the secondary fluid pathway. The magnitude of the third signal is dependent upon the viscosity of the fluid flowing through the secondary fluid pathway such that the viscosity of the fluid operates the differential pressure switch, thereby controlling fluid flow through the main fluid pathway.

Abstract: A downhole fluid flow control system includes a fluid control module having an upstream side, a downstream side and a main fluid pathway in parallel with a secondary fluid pathway each extending between the upstream and downstream sides. A valve element disposed within the main fluid pathway has open and closed positions. A viscosity discriminator including a viscosity sensitive channel forms at least a portion of the secondary fluid pathway. A differential pressure switch operable to open and close the valve element includes a first pressure signal from the upstream side, a second pressure signal from the downstream side and a third pressure signal from the secondary fluid pathway. The magnitude of the third signal is dependent upon the viscosity of the fluid flowing through the secondary fluid pathway such that the viscosity of the fluid operates the differential pressure switch, thereby controlling fluid flow through the main fluid pathway.

Abstract: A downhole fluid flow control system includes a fluid control module having an upstream side, a downstream side and a main fluid pathway in parallel with a secondary fluid pathway each extending between the upstream and downstream sides. A valve element disposed within the main fluid pathway has open and closed positions. A viscosity discriminator including a viscosity sensitive channel forms at least a portion of the secondary fluid pathway. A differential pressure switch operable to open and close the valve element includes a first pressure signal from the upstream side, a second pressure signal from the downstream side and a third pressure signal from the secondary fluid pathway. The magnitude of the third signal is dependent upon the viscosity of the fluid flowing through the secondary fluid pathway such that the viscosity of the fluid operates the differential pressure switch, thereby controlling fluid flow through the main fluid pathway.

Abstract: A downhole fluid flow control system includes a fluid control module having an upstream side, a downstream side and a main fluid pathway in parallel with a secondary fluid pathway each extending between the upstream and downstream sides. A valve element disposed within the main fluid pathway has open and closed positions. A viscosity discriminator including a viscosity sensitive channel forms at least a portion of the secondary fluid pathway. A differential pressure switch operable to open and close the valve element includes a first pressure signal from the upstream side, a second pressure signal from the downstream side and a third pressure signal from the secondary fluid pathway. The magnitude of the third signal is dependent upon the viscosity of the fluid flowing through the secondary fluid pathway such that the viscosity of the fluid operates the differential pressure switch, thereby controlling fluid flow through the main fluid pathway.

Abstract: A downhole fluid flow control system and method includes a fluid control module having a main fluid pathway, a valve element and a pressure sensing module. The valve element has open and closed positions relative to the main fluid pathway to allow and prevent fluid flow therethrough. The pressure sensing module includes a secondary fluid pathway in parallel with the main fluid pathway having an upstream pressure sensing location and a downstream pressure sensing location with a cross sectional area transition region therebetween. In operation, the valve element moves between open and closed positions responsive to a pressure difference between pressure signals from the upstream and downstream pressure sensing locations. The pressure difference is dependent upon the change in cross sectional area and the viscosity of a fluid flowing through the secondary fluid pathway such that the viscosity is operable to control fluid flow through the main fluid pathway.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for supporting a drive shaft of a pump is structured with a cylindrical body having an internal cavity filled with a lubricant, a sealing element arrangement positioned at one or both ends of the cylindrical body and a pressure equalization element that functions to equalize the pressure differential that exists between an area within the cylindrical body and outside of the cylindrical body to improve the operating life of the sealing arrangement and the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for supporting a drive shaft of a pump is structured with a cylindrical body having an internal cavity filled with a lubricant, a sealing element arrangement positioned at one or both ends of the cylindrical body and a pressure equalization element that functions to equalize the pressure differential that exists between an area within the cylindrical body and outside of the cylindrical body to improve the operating life of the sealing arrangement and the bearing assembly.

Abstract: A shaft coupler to connect two coaxial segments of a drive shaft. Each segment includes a tongue, which tongues complement each other to transmit torque and resist axial separation. A bearing surface on each tongue lies within the locking angle of their material so as to resist lateral separation of the segments.

Abstract: A shaft coupler to connect two coaxial segments of a drive shaft. Each segment includes a tongue, which tongues complement each other to transmit torque and resist axial separation. A bearing surface on each tongue lies within the locking angle of their material so as to resist lateral separation of the segments.