US 12,454,874 B1
Vortex controlled variable flow resistance device and related tools and methods
Roger L. Schultz, Ninnekah, OK (US); Andrew M. Ferguson, Oklahoma City, OK (US); and Michael L. Connell, Mustang, OK (US)
Assigned to Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc., Newcastle, OK (US)
Filed by Thru Tubing Solutions, Inc., Oklahoma City, OK (US)
Filed on Oct. 2, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/492,588.
Application 17/492,588 is a continuation of application No. 16/401,122, filed on May 2, 2019, abandoned.
Application 16/401,122 is a continuation of application No. 14/837,544, filed on Aug. 27, 2015, granted, now 10,513,900, issued on Dec. 24, 2019.
Application 14/837,544 is a continuation of application No. 14/078,971, filed on Nov. 13, 2013, abandoned.
Application 14/078,971 is a continuation of application No. 13/436,864, filed on Mar. 31, 2012, abandoned.
Application 13/436,864 is a continuation of application No. 13/427,141, filed on Mar. 22, 2012, granted, now 8,453,745, issued on Jun. 4, 2013.
Application 13/427,141 is a continuation in part of application No. 13/110,696, filed on May 18, 2011, granted, now 9,212,522, issued on Dec. 15, 2015.
Int. Cl. E21B 34/10 (2006.01); E21B 4/02 (2006.01)
CPC E21B 34/10 (2013.01) [E21B 4/02 (2013.01)] 17 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method for advancing a tubular conduit into a borehole of an oil and gas well, the method comprising:
advancing the tubular conduit into the borehole, wherein the tubular conduit includes a backpressure tool that comprises a vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device;
wherein the vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device defines at least one flow path comprising:
an inlet and an outlet;
a jet chamber;
first and second input channels diverging from the jet chamber;
a vortex chamber with a central opening continuous with the outlet and having first and second inlet openings, wherein each of the first and second input channels defines a straight flow path from the jet chamber to the first and second inlet openings, respectively, of the vortex chamber, wherein the first and second inlet openings of the vortex chamber are positioned to direct fluid in opposite, tangential paths into the vortex chamber so that fluid entering the first input inlet opening produces a clockwise vortex and fluid entering the second inlet opening produces a counterclockwise vortex;
pumping a well fluid through the tubular conduit; and
operating the backpressure tool to reduce frictional engagement between the borehole and the tubular conduit.