Application of V-cone Flowmeter in Intelligent Gas Lift Valve

In order to solve the difficulties in the process of downhole gas flow test, the V-cone flowmeter was placed in an intelligent gas lift valve to test the gas flow. In order to avoid damage to the flowmeter by the fluctuation of downhole gas displacement, a V-cone buffer device was designed. The finite element analysis and test method were used to simulate and optimize the equivalent diameter ratio <i>β</i> of V cone. The research results show that the test accuracy of the V-cone flowmeter is closely related to the equivalent diameter ratio of V-cone and flow channel. When the maximum throttling diameter of the cone is 23.5 mm, the optimal equivalent diameter ratio (<i>β</i>=0.341) suitable for the intelligent gas lift valve can be obtained. When the flow rate of the gas lift valve is in the range of 10~40 m³/h, the test error is less than 1.000%, which can satisfy the needs of downhole test. The successful application of the V-cone flowmeter in the intelligent gas lift valve provides technical support for oil and gas production wells, and is of great significance for improving the lift efficiency and ultimate recovery rate of such wells.