Biodegradable Diverting Agents for Uniform Horizontal Well Stimulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

During multi-stage plug-and-perf or multi-stage frac sleeve completion methods, reservoir entry points in horizontal wells are often under-stimulated and not uniformly broken down, leading to incomplete fracture propagation.

Innovation Solution

The use of biodegradable diverting agents (BDAs) in combination with sliding sleeve arrangements, where a single ball and baffle system is employed to align and stimulate multiple reservoir entry points, ensuring consistent and complete fracture propagation by preventing pressure loss and allowing for increased fluid flow through frac sleeves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional plug-and-perf or frac sleeve methods are used, then the completion process can be performed, but the reservoir entry points are not uniformly stimulated and remain under-stimulated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniformity of reservoir entry point stimulationVSAvoidcompleteness of fracture propagation

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces diverting agents into the fracture before proppant placement to pre-establish flow diversion paths. This preliminary action ensures that subsequent proppant is distributed uniformly across multiple reservoir entry points, achieving complete and uniform stimulation that conventional methods cannot accomplish

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If multiple ball and baffle systems are used to stimulate multiple reservoir entry points, then more entry points can be treated, but the device complexity increases and coiled tubing is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of reservoir entry points stimulatedVSAvoidcomplexity of ball and baffle system

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a single ball and baffle system that performs multiple functions: it activates the frac sleeve, introduces diverting agents, and facilitates proppant placement. This universal system can stimulate multiple reservoir entry points without requiring multiple separate systems or coiled tubing, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The diverting agent acts as an intermediary substance that enables the single ball and baffle system to achieve multi-point stimulation. The diverting agent temporarily blocks certain fracture paths, directing fluid and proppant to alternative entry points, thus allowing one system to accomplish what would otherwise require multiple systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 ensures thorough and uniform stimulation of the reservoir, allowing for more effective fracture propagation and increased well treatment efficiency, enabling the use of a single ball and baffle system throughout the wellbore, reducing the need for coiled tubing and enabling intervention-less completion methods.

Implementation Method 1

providing a biodegradable diverting agent to interact with the at least one opening in the first frac sleeve, restricting the fluid from flowing into the at least one opening in the first frac sleeve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical blocking:

Data Source

PatentUS11091981B2Completion methodology for unconventional well applications using multiple entry sleeves and biodegradable diverting agents

Publication Date: 2021.08.17 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A heel-to-toe method and system for horizontal well treatments incorporates use of frac ball and sleeve in conjunction with biodegradable diverting agents.