Fracture geometry control and infill drilling

Abstract

Embodiments presented provide for fracture geometry control of hydraulically created fractures in geological stratum. In embodiments, a stimulation well allows for activation of a geological stratum to be fractured, while monitoring activities are conducted by a monitoring well. Data from the monitoring well may be used in creating fracture geometry control of the stimulation well.

Description

ATTORNEY DOCKET IS23.0505 FRACTURE GEOMETRY CONTROL AND INFILL DRILLING CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 596,045, entitled "FRACTURE GEOMETRY CONTROL AND INFILL DRILLING," filed November 03, 2023, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference. FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Aspects of the disclosure relate to control of fractures in geological stratum that may occur during hydrocarbon recovery projects. More specifically, aspects of the disclosure relate to control of fractures in geological stratum to increase return on investment of hydrocarbon field development. BACKGROUND

[0003] Oilfield planning and development in low permeability formations, including shales, usually relies on horizontal drilling and multi-stage sequential fracturing. Usually, drainage distance around hydraulically-induced fracture networks causes fluid to propagate slowly into the porous media. As a result, many hydrocarbon recovery companies provide additional infill drilling with hydraulic fracturing in order to maximize the coverage ratio by area. This approach significantly improves the return on investments, but at the same time, several drawbacks are encountered. One drawback is the non-uniform development of different hydraulically-induced fractures in a stimulated stage. The second is that due to the hydraulically-induced fractures, some of the hydraulically-induced fracture tips can hit neighboring wells, as well as pre-existing fractures, thus resulting in so-called Fracture Driven Interactions (FDI) or frac hits. There is no conventional technology to control the extent of hydraulically-induced fracture tip propagation by combining real-time characterization of current hydraulically-induced fracture tip extensions and applying certain measures preventing excess hydraulically- induced fracture tip development.ATTORNEY DOCKET IS23.0505 FRACTURE GEOMETRY CONTROL AND INFILL DRILLING

[0004] There is a need to provide an apparatus and methods that are easier to operate than conventional apparatus and methods and do not have the non-uniform development of different hydraulically-induced fractures.

[0005] There is a further need to provide apparatus and methods that do not have the drawbacks discussed above including hydraulically-induced fracture tips that can hit neighboring wells, thereby causing deleterious conditions.

[0006] There is a still further need to reduce economic costs associated with operations and apparatus described above with conventional tools and overall economic costs associated with fracture control of wellbores. SUMMARY

[0007] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized below, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the drawings. It is to be noted that the drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments without specific recitation. Accordingly, the following summary provides just a few aspects of the description and should not be used to limit the described embodiments to a single concept.

[0008] In one example embodiment, a method for fracture geometry control is disclosed. The method may comprise hydraulically fracturing a wellbore by pumping a fluid into a geological stratum. The method may further comprise monitoring the hydraulically fractured wellbore at a monitoring wellbore. The method may further comprise inputtingATTORNEY DOCKET IS23.0505 FRACTURE GEOMETRY CONTROL AND INFILL DRILLING wellbore and geological data into a computer model. The method may further comprise running the computer model to determine when crack propagation related to the wellbore exceeds a threshold. The method may further comprise, upon exceeding the threshold, suspending hydraulic fracturing of the wellbore. The method may further comprise when the threshold is not exceeded, continuing to hydraulically fracture the wellbore.

[0009] In another example embodiment, a method for fracture geometry control is disclosed. The method may comprise developing a computer model of an area to be hydraulically fractured. The method may further comprise hydraulically fracturing a wellbore by pumping a fluid into a geological stratum. The method may further comprise monitoring at least one of a stress and a strain in the hydraulically fractured wellbore in at least one monitoring wellbore located adjacent to the fractured wellbore, the monitoring accomplished through use of a fiber optical cable in the monitoring well. The method may further comprise inputting wellbore and geological data from the monitoring well into a computer model. The method may further comprise running the computer model to determine when crack propagation related to the wellbore exceeds a threshold. The method may further comprise upon exceeding the threshold, suspending hydraulic fracturing of the wellbore. The method may further comprise when the threshold is not exceeded, continuing to hydraulically fracture the wellbore.

[0010] In another example embodiment, an article of manufacture having a non-volatile memory, the non-volatile memory configured to store a set of instructions executable on a computing arrangement, the set of instructions at least partially containing a method for fracture geometry control is disclosed. The set of instructions contained in the article of manufacture may comprise hydraulically fracturing a wellbore by pumping a fluid into a geological stratum. The set of instructions may further comprise monitoring the hydraulically fractured wellbore at a monitoring wellbore. The set of instructions may further comprise inputting wellbore and geological data into a computer model. The setATTORNEY DOCKET IS23.0505 FRACTURE GEOMETRY CONTROL AND INFILL DRILLING of instructions may further comprise running the computer model to determine when crack propagation related to the wellbore exceeds a threshold. The set of instructions may further comprise upon exceeding the threshold, suspending hydraulic fracturing of the wellbore. The set of instructions may further comprise when the threshold is not exceeded, continuing to hydraulically fracture the wellbore. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the drawings. It is to be noted; however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

[0012] FIG.1 is a schematic data acquisition and hydraulic fracturing workflow.

[0013] To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures (“FIGS”). It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one embodiment may be beneficially utilized on other embodiments without specific recitation. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] In the following, reference is made to embodiments of the disclosure. It should be understood; however, that the disclosure is not limited to specific described embodiments. Instead, any combination of the following features and elements, whether related to different embodiments or not, is contemplated to implement and practice the disclosure. Furthermore, although embodiments of the disclosure may achieve advantages over other possible solutions and / or over the prior art, whether or not aATTORNEY DOCKET IS23.0505 FRACTURE GEOMETRY CONTROL AND INFILL DRILLING particular advantage is achieved by a given embodiment is not limiting of the disclosure. Thus, the following aspects, features, embodiments and advantages are merely illustrative and are not considered elements or limitations of the claims except where explicitly recited in a claim. Likewise, reference to “the disclosure” shall not be construed as a generalization of inventive subject matter disclosed herein and should not be considered to be an element or limitation of the claims except where explicitly recited in a claim.

[0015] Although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, components, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first”, “second” and other numerical terms, when used herein, do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed herein could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0016] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, coupled to the other element or layer, or interleaving elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to,” “directly connected to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no interleaving elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed terms.ATTORNEY DOCKET IS23.0505 FRACTURE GEOMETRY CONTROL AND INFILL DRILLING

[0017] Some embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures. Like elements in the various figures will be referenced with like numbers for consistency. In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of various embodiments and / or features. It will be understood; however, by those skilled in the art, that some embodiments may be practiced without many of these details, and that numerous variations or modifications from the described embodiments are possible. As used herein, the terms “above” and “below”, “up” and “down”, “upper” and “lower”, “upwardly” and “downwardly”, and other like terms indicating relative positions above or below a given point are used in this description to more clearly describe certain embodiments.

[0018] Aspects of the disclosure provide for a method for fracture geometry control and infill drilling. In embodiments, the method provides for support of hydraulic fracturing modeling software as well as a strain rate simulator. In embodiments, the strain rate simulator takes data from an in-situ fiber optics cable that may be placed in close proximity to a wellbore. Stresses and strains identified by the in-situ fiber optics cable may be analyzed to determine the presence of fractures in the wellbore vicinity.

[0019] As will be understood, fracture control is an important function for completions of hydrocarbon recovery projects. While hydraulic fracturing has been used for decades in completions of hydrocarbon recovery wells, the process is not without problems. For example, the geological stratum around a wellbore may vary. The stratum may be capable of being fractured very easily or the stratum may be of such significant hardness that fracturing is quite difficult.

[0020] In instances where the geological stratum is fragile, cracks may propagate easily. This propagation may occur over extensive distances. At first analysis, fracturing of geological stratum may appear to be advantageous; however, there are instances whereATTORNEY DOCKET IS23.0505 FRACTURE GEOMETRY CONTROL AND INFILL DRILLING excessive fracturing can be problematic. Such problems occur when a series of wellbores are placed in close proximity to one another. Such wellbores may, in fact, be owned by different organizations and having hydraulic transport from one wellbore to another can increase or decrease the expected hydraulic draw of a wellbore. Such increases or decreases can have economic and legal consequences; therefore, it is desirable to not “over fracture” wellbores.

[0021] Referring to FIG.1, a system 100 is illustrated. The system 100 is configured with a monitoring well 102 and a stimulation well 104. The stimulation well 104 is configured so that activities within the stimulation well 104 allow for activation of hydraulic flow in the stimulation well area. Such activities may include a hydraulic fracturing of the geological stratum around the wellbore in question. In one or more embodiments, hydraulic fracturing may include forming one or more fractures in the geological stratum around the wellbore. As illustrated, the stimulation well 104 may have a fracture area 106 that is affected. In embodiments, the monitoring well 102 may have a cable, such as a fiber optic cable 108, placed within the well. The fiber optic cable 108 may be subjected to various stresses and strains as a result of the hydraulic fracturing.

[0022] As illustrated in FIG.1, stresses on the geological stratum may propagate from the fracture area 106 toward the monitoring well 102. The amount of propagation may vary according to the amount of stress exerted on the fracture area 106, for example. In embodiments, aspects of the disclosure may use a Strain Rate Simulator (SRS) 160, which translates the data from the fiber optics cable (located either in one or more neighbor monitoring well, and / or inside the stimulation well and / or in both monitoring and treatment wells) into the hydraulically-induced fracture tip propagation.

[0023] Referring to FIG.1, a pre-job analysis 150 is conducted for the wellsite. The pre-job analysis may input many features of the wellsite including, but not limited to, theATTORNEY DOCKET IS23.0505 FRACTURE GEOMETRY CONTROL AND INFILL DRILLING types of geological stratum, the wellbore length, the wellbore size, the wellbore inclination angle as well as other features. A strain rate sensitivity model 160 may also be created for the wellsite. Output from the model produced at 160 may be fed to a query at 170 where it is asked if there is a need to stop the fracturing at the tip of one or more fractures. If the answer to the query at 170 is no, then pumping for fracturing may continue at 180. If the answer to the query at 170 is yes, then pumping may be suspended or diverted to another one or more fractures at 190. Other possibilities exist wherein fractures may be diverted through diversion of flow from the pumping mechanism or other intervention is possible. The method may then loop back to evaluation of the SRS model at 160.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 1, a job design and stimulation schedule are prepared and agreed upon with the client. In the job design aspect of the disclosure, simulation of heterogeneous proppant distribution may occur. The job design may also account for proppant distribution as well as use of chemicals and diversion products. In embodiments, different steps or activities may be performed. A list of the possible activities, is included below. 1. Start multi-stage pumping job on wellsite and enable data collection using fiber optics cable in nearby monitoring well(s) and / or stimulated well. 2. Process data using Strain Rate Simulator (SRS) model. 3. Once the excessive propagation of either an individual hydraulically-induced fracture tip, or several (but not all) hydraulically-induced fracture tips is identified, the pre-designed diverter or BB Shield mix (or equivalent) must be pumped. 4. Continue monitoring of hydraulically-induced fracture tip propagation of one or more fractures using the SRS model.ATTORNEY DOCKET IS23.0505 FRACTURE GEOMETRY CONTROL AND INFILL DRILLING a. If the hydraulically-induced fracture(s) (and / or reactivated naturally occurring fractures) from the previous observation have stopped their growth, then continue pumping regular job, and continue to monitor. b. If the hydraulically-induced fracture tip(s) continue to get closer to existing wells / previously mapped / known fractures (natural and / or hydraulically-stimulated), then either reapply the diverter with same or modified diverter design or stop the treatment based on estimated remaining time / distance to the frac hit. 5. Stop the job once desired geometry of know fractures has been reached, or once the full pre-designed job volume has been pumped. 6. Use the developed design to update the original design for the next stage / interval (assuming intervals have similar properties). The above-identified method will allow drilling and stimulation of licensed areas, which have a danger for FDI (infill drilling), or where the effectiveness of stimulated clusters might vary significantly.

[0025] A significant benefit from the first application of the current approach (infill drilling) is the new market creation. In contrast to the classical (unmanaged) multistage hydraulic fracturing, this approach allows drilling of new wells in those parts of the reservoir which cannot be drilled without excessive frac hit risks (cf. Microseismic monitoring campaign from Continental in South Dakota impacting drilling distance to lease boundary change of regulation). As a result, the total amount of fluid which may be produced increases, while the risk of neighbor wells production interference decreases.

[0026] The second application allows managing stimulation efficiency in real or in near real time by the monitoring of the offset well response to the diverter pumping into the stimulated well and making decisions. The decisions might be changing the diverters concentration or composition; decreasing or increasing rate and proppant concentration; stop pumping; etc. As a result, different clusters accept a similar amount of slurry, whichATTORNEY DOCKET IS23.0505 FRACTURE GEOMETRY CONTROL AND INFILL DRILLING creates more uniform coverage of productive reservoir area by the hydraulic fracture network and improves ultimate hydrocarbons recovery.

[0027] Example embodiments of the claims are described. The example embodiments should not be considered limiting. In one example embodiment, a method for fracture geometry control is disclosed. The method may comprise hydraulically fracturing a wellbore by pumping a fluid into a geological stratum. The method may further comprise monitoring the hydraulically fractured wellbore at a monitoring wellbore. The method may further comprise inputting wellbore and geological data into a computer model. The method may further comprise running the computer model to determine when crack propagation related to the wellbore exceeds a threshold. The method may further comprise upon exceeding the threshold, suspending hydraulic fracturing of the wellbore. The method may further comprise when the threshold is not exceeded, continuing to hydraulically fracture the wellbore.

[0028] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the computer model is a strain rate simulator.

[0029] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the monitoring of the hydraulically fractured wellbore is through a fiber optic cable placed at least in part, within the monitoring wellbore.

[0030] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the computer model uses artificial intelligence.

[0031] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the wellbore is horizontally driven.ATTORNEY DOCKET IS23.0505 FRACTURE GEOMETRY CONTROL AND INFILL DRILLING

[0032] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein a drilling strategy is chosen based on the computer model.

[0033] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the computer model delineates far-field diverting additives to a fracturing fluid.

[0034] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the computer model delineates a pumping schedule.

[0035] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the pumping schedule includes diversion of fluid pumping based upon real-time analysis of the computer model.

[0036] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the computer model transforms data into data that can interpret fracture tip propagation.

[0037] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the monitoring well is more than one monitoring well.

[0038] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the more than one monitoring well are offset wells.

[0039] In another example embodiment, a method for fracture geometry control is disclosed. The method may comprise developing a computer model of an area to be hydraulically fractured. The method may further comprise hydraulically fracturing a wellbore by pumping a fluid into a geological stratum. The method may further comprise monitoring at least one of a stress and a strain in the hydraulically fractured wellbore inATTORNEY DOCKET IS23.0505 FRACTURE GEOMETRY CONTROL AND INFILL DRILLING at least one monitoring wellbore located adjacent to the fractured wellbore, the monitoring accomplished through use of a fiber optical cable in the monitoring well. The method may further comprise inputting wellbore and geological data from the monitoring well into a computer model. The method may further comprise running the computer model to determine when crack propagation related to the wellbore exceeds a threshold. The method may further comprise, upon exceeding the threshold, suspending hydraulic fracturing of the wellbore. The method may further comprise when the threshold is not exceeded, continuing to hydraulically fracture the wellbore.

[0040] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the computer model delineates a pumping schedule.

[0041] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the pumping schedule includes diversion of fluid pumping based upon real-time analysis of the computer model.

[0042] In another example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the computer model transforms data into data that can interpret fracture tip propagation.

[0043] In another example embodiment, an article of manufacture having a non-volatile memory, the non-volatile memory configured to store a set of instructions executable on a computing arrangement, the set of instructions at least partially containing a method for fracture geometry control is disclosed. The set of instructions contained in the article of manufacture may comprise hydraulically fracturing a wellbore by pumping a fluid into a geological stratum. The set of instructions may further comprise monitoring the hydraulically fractured wellbore at a monitoring wellbore. The set of instructions may further comprise inputting wellbore and geological data into a computer model. The setATTORNEY DOCKET IS23.0505 FRACTURE GEOMETRY CONTROL AND INFILL DRILLING of instructions may further comprise running the computer model to determine when crack propagation related to the wellbore exceeds a threshold. The set of instructions may further comprise, upon exceeding the threshold, suspending hydraulic fracturing of the wellbore. The set of instructions may further comprise when the threshold is not exceeded, continuing to hydraulically fracture the wellbore.

[0044] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

[0045] While embodiments have been described herein, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments are envisioned that do not depart from the inventive scope. Accordingly, the scope of the present claims or any subsequent claims shall not be unduly limited by the description of the embodiments described herein.

Claims

ATTORNEY DOCKET IS23.0505 FRACTURE GEOMETRY CONTROL AND INFILL DRILLING CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A method for fracture geometry control, comprising: hydraulically fracturing a wellbore by pumping a fluid into a geological stratum; monitoring the hydraulically fractured wellbore at a monitoring wellbore; inputting wellbore and geological data into a computer model; running the computer model to determine when crack propagation related to the wellbore exceeds a threshold; upon exceeding the threshold, suspending hydraulic fracturing of the wellbore; and when the threshold is not exceeded, continuing to hydraulically fracture the wellbore.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the computer model is a strain rate simulator.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring of the hydraulically fractured wellbore is through a fiber optic cable placed at least in part, within the monitoring wellbore.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the computer model uses artificial intelligence.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the wellbore is horizontally driven.ATTORNEY DOCKET IS23.0505 FRACTURE GEOMETRY CONTROL AND INFILL DRILLING 6. The method of claim 1, wherein a drilling strategy is chosen based on the computer model.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the computer model delineates far- field diverting additives to a fracturing fluid.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the computer model delineates a pumping schedule.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the pumping schedule includes diversion of fluid pumping based upon real-time analysis of the computer model.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the computer model transforms data into data that can interpret fracture tip propagation.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the monitoring well is more than one monitoring well.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the more than one monitoring well are offset wells.

13. A method for fracture geometry control, comprising: developing a computer model of an area to be hydraulically fractured; hydraulically fracturing a wellbore by pumping a fluid into a geological stratum; monitoring at least one of a stress and a strain in the hydraulically fractured wellbore in at least one monitoring wellbore located adjacent to the fractured wellbore, the monitoring accomplished through use of a fiber optical cable in the monitoring well;ATTORNEY DOCKET IS23.0505 FRACTURE GEOMETRY CONTROL AND INFILL DRILLING inputting wellbore and geological data from the monitoring well into a computer model; running the computer model to determine when crack propagation related to the wellbore exceeds a threshold; upon exceeding the threshold, suspending hydraulic fracturing of the wellbore; and when the threshold is not exceeded, continuing to hydraulically fracture the wellbore.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the computer model delineates a pumping schedule.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the pumping schedule includes diversion of fluid pumping based upon real-time analysis of the computer model.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the computer model transforms data into data that can interpret fracture tip propagation.

17. An article of manufacture having a non-volatile memory, the non-volatile memory configured to store a set of instructions executable on a computing arrangement, the set of instructions at least partially containing a method for fracture geometry control, comprising: hydraulically fracturing a wellbore by pumping a fluid into a geological stratum; monitoring the hydraulically fractured wellbore at a monitoring wellbore; inputting wellbore and geological data into a computer model; running the computer model to determine when crack propagation related to the wellbore exceeds a threshold;ATTORNEY DOCKET IS23.0505 FRACTURE GEOMETRY CONTROL AND INFILL DRILLING upon exceeding the threshold, suspending hydraulic fracturing of the wellbore; and when the threshold is not exceeded, continuing to hydraulically fracture the wellbore.

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