Outflow control device, systems and methods
A well tool assembly can include a well screen configured to filter fluid flow between an interior and an exterior of a tubular string, and an outflow control section that permits the fluid flow in an outward direction and prevents the fluid flow in an inward direction, the outflow control section including at least two outflow control valves arranged in series. A method can include installing a well tool assembly including a well screen, flowing a fluid from an exterior to an interior of a tubular string through the well screen and an inflow control valve of the well tool assembly, and flowing another fluid from the interior to the exterior of the tubular string through the well screen and at least one outflow control valve of the well tool assembly.
1. A well tool assembly for use in a subterranean well, the well tool assembly comprising:
a well screen configured to filter fluid flow between an interior and an exterior of a tubular string in the well;
an outflow control section that permits the fluid flow in an outward direction and prevents the fluid flow in an inward direction, the outflow control section including first and second outflow control valves arranged in series, in which the fluid flow in the outward direction flows through a first fluid passage in a first bulkhead positioned axially in the tubular string on a first side of the well screen; and
an inflow control valve that prevents the fluid flow in the outward direction and permits the fluid flow in the inward direction, in which the fluid flow in the inward direction flows through a second fluid passage in a second bulkhead positioned axially in the tubular string on a second side of the well screen opposite the first side.
2. The well tool assembly of claim 1 , in which the first outflow control valve is configured to open in response to any positive pressure differential from the interior to the exterior of the tubular string, and the second outflow control valve is configured to open only in response to the pressure differential being greater than a predetermined level.
3. The well tool assembly of claim 1 , in which the first outflow control valve opens at a first pressure differential from the interior to the exterior of the tubular string, and the second outflow control valve opens at a second pressure differential from the interior to the exterior of the tubular string, the second pressure differential being greater than the first pressure differential.
4. The well tool assembly of claim 3 , in which the second pressure differential is greater than a third pressure differential required to set a packer in the well.
5. The well tool assembly of claim 3 , in which the second pressure differential is greater than a third pressure differential required to fracture an earth formation penetrated by the well.
6. The well tool assembly of claim 3 , in which the second pressure differential is greater than a third pressure differential required to open a pressure-actuated valve connected in the tubular string.
7. The well tool assembly of claim 1 , in which the first outflow control valve presents a first restriction to the fluid flow, and the second outflow control valve presents a second restriction to the fluid flow, the second restriction being greater than the first restriction.
8. The well tool assembly of claim 1 , in which the first outflow control valve comprises a check valve, and the second outflow control valve comprises a relief valve.
9. The well tool assembly of claim 1 , in which the first and second outflow control valves each comprise a check valve.
10. The well tool assembly of claim 1 , in which the inflow control valve restricts the fluid flow in the inward direction.
11. The well tool assembly of claim 1 , in which the inflow control valve is in parallel with the outflow control section.
12. The well tool assembly of claim 1 , in which the inflow control valve comprises a check valve.