US Patent 9650865 Autonomous active flow control valve system

An autonomous active flow control valve system for regulating and controlling flow across well segments is disclosed. In one example embodiment, the valve system includes a central control unit and one or more flow control devices communicatively coupled to the central control unit. Each flow control device includes at least one valve and at least one sensor for sensing various well or flow parameters. The central control unit receives sensor data from the sensor and controls the valve according to a pre-programmed control protocol. The valve may be opened, closed, and adjusted in response to detected well or flow parameters in order to maintain a desirable flow profile across well segments either in production or injection well.