Active Fracture Estimation via Pressure Absorption Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In hydraulic fracturing operations, determining the number of active fractures in a borehole is challenging, especially in unconventional reservoirs, as existing methods lack effective means to accurately assess the number of fractures absorbing stimulation fluid and the functional form of pressure losses.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that calculate the number of active fractures by obtaining and analyzing HF fluid pressure values and absorption rates, using a HF pump system to adjust pressure and fluid composition, and employing a processor to derive an active fracture ratio without needing the actual functional form of pressure losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods are used to determine the number of active fractures, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient especially in unconventional reservoirs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical measurement of fractures with a computational approach using pressure and flow rate data. The system uses mathematical modeling and data processing to infer the number of active fractures from hydraulic fracturing operation data, eliminating the need for direct physical measurement devices in the borehole.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pressure and flow rate measurements as intermediary parameters to indirectly determine the number of active fractures. Instead of directly counting fractures, the system measures pressure differential and fluid absorption rate, then uses these intermediary measurements to calculate the fracture count through computational analysis.
2Loss of information
If real-time monitoring of HF fluid pressure and absorption rate is implemented, then the information about active fractures is improved, but the use of energy and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system utilizes the existing hydraulic fracturing operation data (pressure and flow rate measurements already taken during normal operations) to simultaneously determine the number of active fractures. The system processes information that is already being collected for operational control, eliminating the need for separate dedicated measurement devices and reducing additional energy consumption.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the actual functional form of pressure losses is unknown, then the measurement method is more universally applicable, but the manufacturing precision of the calculation model decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from trying to determine the exact functional form of pressure losses to using the measured pressure differential and flow rate absorption rate as direct parameters. By working with measurable quantities rather than theoretical functional forms, the method maintains precision while being applicable to different reservoir types including unconventional reservoirs where pressure loss mechanisms are not well understood.
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
Enables accurate estimation of active fractures, allowing for optimized well system operation planning and real-time adjustments to enhance fracturing efficiency, including identifying additional fractures and modifying fluid composition to optimize fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
a HF pump system, operable to adjust a HF fluid composition and adjust a HF fluid pressure within the borehole
Implementation Method 2
a HF fluid monitor system, operable to determine and transmit HF fluid pressure values and HF fluid rate absorption values
Implementation Method 3
fractures along the borehole length may absorb or take in the HF fluid at various rates
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is directed to a method and system that estimates the number of active fractures for a given hydraulic fracturing fluid pressure. The hydraulic fracturing pressure can be correlated to a corresponding hydraulic fracturing fluid absorption rate of downhole fractures. Using the pressure and rate correlation, an active fracture ratio can be determined and then utilized to estimate the number of active fractures at a given hydraulic fracturing fluid pressure. In other aspects, a target fluid pressure is represented by a curve or other shape corresponding to a fluid friction model so that the fluid pressure correlation to the fluid absorption rate can be utilized to compute the active fracture ratio. The disclosed system is operable to control a well site pump system to adjust the fluid pressure and fluid composition, to monitor the downhole fluid, to collect the fluid values, and to compute an estimated active fracture ratio.