Autonomous Flow Rate Control for Hydraulic Stimulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic stimulation operations in geological formations face challenges in achieving uniform distribution of fluid and proppant among perforation clusters, leading to inconsistent fracture propagation and increased treating pressure, which can result in screenouts and inter-well communication.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for autonomous flow rate control using a computer processor to determine time-derivative pressure data, moving average values, and flow rate adjustments based on predetermined rules, optimizing pump system operations to enhance distribution uniformity and reduce pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual flow rate control is used in hydraulic stimulation operations, then operational flexibility is maintained, but distribution uniformity of fluid and proppant among perforation clusters deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements autonomous flow rate control where the pump system automatically adjusts its own operation based on real-time pressure data and predetermined rules, eliminating the need for external manual intervention while achieving uniform distribution of fluid and proproant among perforation clusters
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors pressure data from the hydraulic stimulation operation and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust flow rates according to predetermined rules, ensuring optimal distribution uniformity through closed-loop control
2Manufacturing precision
If flow rate adjustments are made frequently to optimize distribution, then distribution uniformity improves, but system response time and update complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts flow rates based on real-time pressure conditions while operating at predetermined update intervals, allowing flexible response to changing formation conditions without requiring continuous updates that would increase system complexity and time loss
3Productivity
If high treating pressure is applied to propagate fractures, then fracture propagation efficiency improves, but risk of screenouts and inter-well communication increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the pressure parameter dynamically by adjusting flow rates according to real-time pressure data and predetermined rules, maintaining optimal treating pressure that ensures fracture propagation while preventing screenouts and inter-well communication through automated control
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include determining time-derivative pressure data based on pressure data regarding a pump system that is performing a hydraulic stimulation operation in a geological region. The method may further include determining a moving average value based on the time-derivative pressure data and a predetermined time window. The method may further include determining a flow rate adjustment for the pump system based on the moving average value, an update interval for adjusting flow rates, and a predetermined flow rate rule. A size of the predetermined time window may be different from the update interval. The method may further include using smoothed pressure data to determine time-derivative pressure data. The method may further include determining a flow rate adjustment for the pump system based on the time-derivative pressure data derived from the smoothed pressure data.