Acoustic Rock Strength Classification During Fracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining rock strength in the oil and gas industry rely on lab measurements and indirect methods, which do not account for in situ conditions during fracking, leading to uncertainties and potential inefficiencies in fracturing plans.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses penetration gradients, calculated from data received by sensors during fracking stages, to classify and improve rock strength estimates, allowing for real-time adjustments to the fracturing plan by creating additional perforation tunnels based on risk profiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If lab measurements and indirect methods are used to determine rock strength, then rock strength can be estimated, but the measurements do not account for in situ conditions during fracking leading to uncertainties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical lab testing methods with acoustic wave-based measurement systems. Acoustic sensors measure rock strength in situ by analyzing wave propagation characteristics through the formation, eliminating the need to extract core samples and perform mechanical tests in laboratory settings. This substitution enables measurements that reflect actual downhole conditions during fracking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to indirectly measure rock strength properties. Instead of directly applying mechanical loads to rock samples, acoustic waves serve as a mediator that interacts with the rock formation, and their propagation characteristics provide information about rock strength, density, and other mechanical properties under in situ conditions.
2Ease of manufacture
If rock strength is measured in labs using core samples, then rock properties can be characterized, but the process does not reflect actual in situ conditions during fracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical core sample extraction and laboratory mechanical testing with in-situ acoustic measurement systems deployed during fracking operations. This substitution allows rock characterization to be performed directly in the formation under actual fracking conditions, eliminating the disconnect between lab measurements and field performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs rock strength measurements preliminarily during the fracking process itself, rather than after core samples are extracted and tested in laboratories. Acoustic sensors are deployed in the wellbore and measurements are taken in real-time or near-real-time, providing rock property data that reflects actual downhole conditions before and during fracturing operations.
3Productivity
If indirect methods are used to estimate rock strength, then measurements can be obtained from logging data, but the estimates may not accurately reflect actual rock strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect estimation methods based on logging data with direct acoustic measurement systems. Instead of using empirical relationships and indirect indicators from conventional logging, the system directly measures rock mechanical properties through acoustic wave propagation, providing more accurate and physically-based rock strength estimates while maintaining operational efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a system can include a computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions and one or more processors communicatively coupled to a computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by the one or more processors cause the one or processors to receive data of a fracking stage, determine a penetration gradient of the fracking stage based on the data, and classify the fracking stage based on the penetration gradient.