Multi-directional Bernoulli Fractures in Deviated Wellbores
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for fracturing horizontal or deviated wellbores often result in fractures that are not optimally oriented, leading to reduced production efficiency due to constriction and tortuosity issues, as they do not account for stress alterations and often replicate existing fracture directions, limiting the increase in drainage area and causing premature screen outs.
Innovation Solution
The method involves creating multiple fractures at different angles by introducing vertical mini-holes along the wellbore and using the Bernoulli principle to initiate fractures that follow the local maximum stress direction, uninfluenced by near-wellbore stresses, allowing for radial and perpendicular fracture orientations that enhance hydrocarbon flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional methods are used to induce additional fractures with near-identical angular orientation to previous fractures, then the number of locations for drainage into the wellbore increases, but new directions for hydrocarbons to flow into the wellbore are not introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The method introduces asymmetric fracture orientations by creating fractures at different angular orientations rather than replicating identical orientations. This asymmetry in fracture geometry allows hydrocarbons to flow into the wellbore from multiple different directions, addressing the limitation of conventional symmetric fracture patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds angular orientation as a new dimension of variability in fracture design. By controlling fractures to propagate at different angles relative to the wellbore axis, the method creates a three-dimensional fracture network that enables multi-directional drainage, transforming the conventional two-dimensional planar fracture approach
2Productivity
If fractures are placed radially and perpendicular to the horizontal or deviated wellbore for optimal drainage, then the drainage area increases, but severe choking occurs that reduces production during initial stages
Solution Approach 1:
The method applies local quality by creating fractures with specific angular orientations tailored to local stress conditions and wellbore geometry. Rather than uniform radial fractures, each fracture is oriented to optimize its specific location's drainage potential while minimizing choking effects, creating heterogeneity in fracture properties that balances drainage area with production flow
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the conventional radial fracture approach by creating fractures that extend at angles away from the wellbore rather than directly radially outward. This inverted geometry allows fractures to drain large formation areas while the angled orientation prevents direct radial inflow constriction, effectively reversing the cause-effect relationship of production choking
3Productivity
If longitudinal fractures are created in horizontal wells, then the similar drainage area is achieved with slightly improved efficiency, but production increases rapidly followed by rapid production decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The method segments the single longitudinal fracture approach into multiple fractures with different angular orientations. This segmentation creates a network of fractures that collectively drain the formation, distributing production pathways and preventing the rapid depletion characteristic of single longitudinal fractures, thereby extending production duration
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional longitudinal fracture propagation to multi-dimensional fracture networking by introducing angular orientation variability. This dimensional expansion creates multiple drainage pathways at different angles, transforming the production profile from rapid increase-decrease to sustained production through diversified flow paths
4Reliability
If hydra jet assist fracturing is used to create transverse fractures, then tortuosity and screen out issues are eliminated, but radial inflow to the wellbore still constricts production flow
Solution Approach 1:
The method introduces asymmetric angular orientations in fracture propagation while maintaining the stability benefits of hydra jet assist fracturing. By orienting fractures at non-radial angles, the invention eliminates the symmetric radial inflow pattern that causes production constriction, while the hydra jet mechanism continues to prevent tortuosity and screen out issues
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 increases well productivity by creating fractures that effectively drain a larger formation area, reducing constriction and tortuosity issues, leading to sustained production levels and improved reservoir sweep efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
injecting a high-velocity fluid jet into the mini-hole to a pressure sufficient to create a Bernoulli-induced fracture at the mini-hole tip
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for creating vertical mini-holes in a subterranean formation while creating multi-directional Bernoulli-induced fractures therein are provided. These methods are particularly useful in horizontal or deviated wells. In some embodiments, the method includes forming a mini-hole in the subterranean formation perpendicular to the deviated wellbore. The mini-hole is in fluid communication with the deviated wellbore at a proximal end and has a tip located at a distal end. The method further includes injecting fluid into the mini-hole with a maximum pressure forming at the tip so as to initiate a fracture along local formation stresses proximate the tip of the mini-hole.