Patent attributes
An adaptive fluid switch for regulating the production rate of a fluid. The adaptive fluid switch includes a fluid control valve having a self-impinging valve element with at least one dissolvable plug configured to initially block fluid flow therethrough. After dissolution of the dissolvable plug and when the fluid produced through the adaptive fluid switch has a viscosity greater than a first predetermined level, the fluid follows a low resistance flow path in the self-impinging valve element but when the fluid has a viscosity less than a second predetermined level, the fluid follows a high resistance flow path in the self-impinging valve element, thereby regulating the production rate of the fluid responsive to changes in the viscosity of the fluid.
