Downhole Acoustic Imaging for Selective Fracturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fracturing operations in the oil and gas sector require large amounts of water and resources, with existing imaging techniques unable to effectively characterize subsurface formations remote from a single borehole, leading to inefficient use of water and resources.
Innovation Solution
A method using a downhole tool within a borehole to image and identify natural fractures conducive to hydrocarbon production, correlating these fractures to specific zones along the borehole, and selectively fracturing only these zones to reduce water consumption and optimize resource use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional hydraulic fracturing is performed along the entire axial length of the borehole, then hydrocarbon production is maximized, but water consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by identifying and treating only specific zones along the borehole that contain natural fractures conducive to hydrocarbon production. Instead of uniform treatment along the entire axial length, the method selectively targets fracture zones identified through acoustic imaging, applying fracturing treatment only where it will be most effective. This localized approach reduces water consumption while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by performing hydraulic fracturing on only a portion of the borehole length rather than the entire length. Acoustic imaging identifies specific fracture zones that represent less than the full axial length, and fracturing is applied only to these identified zones. This partial treatment reduces water usage while still achieving effective hydrocarbon recovery from the most productive areas.
2Quantity of substance
If acoustic imaging is performed to identify natural fractures, then water usage is reduced, but the complexity of the fracturing operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single downhole tool that performs multiple functions: acoustic imaging to identify natural fractures and subsequent hydraulic fracturing treatment. This multi-functional approach integrates imaging and treatment capabilities in one system, reducing the need for separate equipment and operations. The downhole tool serves both as an imaging device and a fracturing device, simplifying the overall operational complexity despite the advanced capabilities required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by performing acoustic imaging of the formation before initiating hydraulic fracturing. This pre-imaging step identifies the locations of natural fractures along the borehole, allowing operators to plan and execute fracturing treatment only in the most suitable zones. This preliminary characterization reduces water usage by avoiding treatment in non-productive areas, and the imaging data guides the subsequent fracturing operation efficiently.
3Productivity
If fracturing is performed in all zones, then resource utilization is maximized, but costs increase due to unnecessary treatment in non-productive zones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing fracturing resources only to zones with identified natural fractures that are conducive to hydrocarbon production. Acoustic imaging characterizes the formation along the borehole, identifying specific fracture zones that warrant treatment. Resources are concentrated in these local areas of high potential rather than being distributed uniformly, optimizing resource utilization while reducing expenditure on non-productive zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by treating only a subset of zones along the borehole that are identified as productive through acoustic imaging. Rather than fracturing the entire axial length, the method selectively treats fracture zones that represent less than the full length. This partial treatment approach reduces resource expenditure on unnecessary treatment while maintaining effective utilization of resources in the most productive areas.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces water usage by up to 70% and costs by identifying the most productive fracture zones, minimizing unnecessary fracturing and resource expenditure, while also reducing formation water production and associated seismicity risks.
Implementation Method 1
imaging a geologic formation surrounding a borehole using a downhole tool within the borehole... creates an image indicative of natural fractures within the geologic formation
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are methods of reducing water consumption in a fracturing operation. The methods can include imaging a geologic formation surrounding a borehole using a downhole tool within the borehole. The method can further include identifying, within the image, fractures conducive to hydrocarbon production; correlating the fractures conducive to hydrocarbon production to fracture zones; and selecting locations of the fracture zones to be hydraulically fractured, wherein the selected locations collectively represent less than the axial length of the borehole, thereby reducing water consumption compared to hydraulic fracturing along an entirety of the axial length.