A novel passive flow restrictor attached outside the tubing in an oil well and positioned below casing perforations, causing fluid flow from an oil reservoir formation to at least partially flow through a narrow annular space between the flow restrictor and the casing before entering the tubing. The flow resistance is thereby defined in part by the length of the annular space, which is easily adjusted by lowering or raising the tubing within the casing. The flow restrictor and methods of using thereof are especially advantageous for maximizing oil production in thin oil rim gas reservoir as well as with other oil wells with high Gas-to-Oil Ratio.

A novel passive flow restrictor attached outside the tubing in an oil well and positioned below casing perforations, causing fluid flow from an oil reservoir formation to at least partially flow through a narrow annular space between the flow restrictor and the casing before entering the tubing. The flow resistance is thereby defined in part by the length of the annular space, which is easily adjusted by lowering or raising the tubing within the casing. The flow restrictor and methods of using thereof are especially advantageous for maximizing oil production in thin oil rim gas reservoir as well as with other oil wells with high Gas-to-Oil Ratio.

It is provided a fluid flow control device for establishing a controllable fluid communication between an external fluid reservoir and a base pipe constituting part of a production string, as well as a production string and a method using such a fluid flow control device. The fluid flow control device comprises a primary flow path arranged inside a fluid control device housing, a secondary flow path and a movable valve element arranged at and/or within the primary flow path. The inlet of the secondary flow path is arranged separate from the inlet of the primary flow path.

Certain aspects and features of the disclosure relate to a valve device for use in a wellbore. In one example, the valve device includes a body containing swell fluid, a swellable elastomer, and a piston. The swell fluid can contact the swellable elastomer, causing the swellable elastomer to swell. The swellable elastomer can swell and contact the piston. The swellable elastomer can move the piston from a first position to a second position. In the second position, the piston can open, close, or restrict one or more flow paths through the valve device.

An apparatus includes a seabed-disposed pump that includes an inlet to receive a fluid flow and an outlet. The apparatus includes a liquid retainer that is adapted to receive a fluid flow that is produced by a subsea well. The liquid retainer selectively retains and releases liquid from the fluid flow to regulate a gas volume fraction of the fluid flow that is received at the inlet of the pump.

An apparatus includes a seabed-disposed pump that includes an inlet to receive a fluid flow and an outlet. The apparatus includes a liquid retainer that is adapted to receive a fluid flow that is produced by a subsea well. The liquid retainer selectively retains and releases liquid from the fluid flow to regulate a gas volume fraction of the fluid flow that is received at the inlet of the pump.

Provided are systems and methods for controlling the fluid flow to and from the flow ports of an autonomous inflow control device (AICD). Features may include the addition of a ball check valve to the AICD. A well system may comprise: a production tubing; a flow control device, wherein the flow control device is disposed onto the production tubing; and a ball check valve disposed between the flow control device and the production tubing to restrict flow into the production tubing through a port in the flow control device, wherein the ball check valve comprises a housing and a ball.

An apparatus for controlling a flow of a fluid between a wellbore tubular and a formation may include a frac tool having at least one port in selective fluid communication with the formation, and an inflow control device having a flow control path configured to provide a predetermined pressure drop for a flowing fluid. The inflow control device may have a flow coupler configured to provide selective fluid communication with the at least one port.

An apparatus and a method are for controlling a fluid flow in, into or out of a well. An orientation means is for orienting the apparatus in the well. The apparatus has a main flow channel; a chamber in fluid communication with the main flow channel, and having a flow control element movable between a first non-blocking position and a second blocking position for the fluid flow. The flow control element is movable in response to density of fluid in the chamber. The main flow channel has with pressure changing means causing a pressure differential in a fluid return conduit providing fluid communication between the chamber and a portion of the main flow channel, so that fluid in said chamber is recirculated back to the main flow channel when the main flow channel is open.

An apparatus and a method are for controlling a fluid flow in, into or out of a well. An orientation means is for orienting the apparatus in the well. The apparatus has a main flow channel; a chamber in fluid communication with the main flow channel, and having a flow control element movable between a first non-blocking position and a second blocking position for the fluid flow. The flow control element is movable in response to density of fluid in the chamber. The main flow channel has with pressure changing means causing a pressure differential in a fluid return conduit providing fluid communication between the chamber and a portion of the main flow channel, so that fluid in said chamber is recirculated back to the main flow channel when the main flow channel is open.