Carbonate Acid Fracturing With Controlled Artificial Fracture Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acidizing fracturing methods in carbonate formations lack the ability to control fracture propagation direction and length, leading to uncertain fracture orientation and reduced stimulation efficiency due to geological factors.
Innovation Solution
An acidizing fracturing method that includes designing the propagation direction and length of artificial fractures using a drilling-fracturing integrated tool, comprising a PDC bit, downhole motor, flexible drilling tool, and open hole packer, to create controlled fracture networks without cementing, enhancing communication with natural fractures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional acidizing fracturing is used in carbonate formations, then the process is simple, but the fracture propagation direction and length cannot be controlled, leading to uncertain fracture orientation and reduced stimulation efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines drilling and fracturing operations into a single integrated tool system. The drilling-fracturing integrated tool allows the drill bit to create the fracture path while simultaneously injecting fracturing fluid, merging two separate processes into one unified operation that enables precise fracture propagation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The method performs preliminary drilling to create the fracture path before fracturing fluid injection. The drill bit first establishes the desired fracture trajectory and orientation, then the fracturing fluid is injected to propagate and widen the fracture along the pre-determined path, ensuring controlled fracture development.
2Manufacturing precision
If drilling-fracturing integrated tool is used to create artificial fracture, then fracture propagation can be controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drilling-fracturing integrated tool performs multiple functions within a single device. It can drill to create the fracture path, inject fracturing fluid to propagate the fracture, and potentially perform acidizing operations, making the tool universal and reducing the need for multiple separate equipment systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool system employs a nested structure where the drill bit, fracturing fluid injection system, and other components are integrated within a single tool assembly. The drill string contains the fracturing fluid delivery mechanism, allowing compact integration of multiple functional elements.
3Productivity
If traditional fracturing method is used, then the process is simpler, but more time and cost are required due to well cementation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The method extracts and eliminates the well cementation step from the traditional fracturing process. By using a drillable casing or open-hole completion approach with the integrated tool, the patent removes the time-consuming cementing operation while maintaining fracture control, thereby accelerating the overall process.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated drilling-fracturing method skips intermediate steps such as well cementation and separate fracturing operations. The process rushes through from drilling directly to fracturing in a continuous operation, significantly reducing the total time required for the stimulation treatment.
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
Artificially controls fracture propagation, expands the fracture control area, saves time and cost, and improves fracture network connectivity and acid etching efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
creating an artificial fracture through drilling in the wellbore with designed initiation location and designed propagation azimuth
Implementation Method 2
sealing the artificial fractures by using the open hole packer
Implementation Method 3
injecting fracturing fluid into the artificial fracture to increase pressure until initiation to create fracture network I
Implementation Method 4
injecting acid for acidizing fracturing treatment on the fracture network I to create fracture network II
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to the field of reservoir stimulation in oil and gas formations, and discloses an acidizing fracturing method for carbonate formations and application of the acidizing fracturing method, wherein the method comprises the following steps: (1) designing artificial fractures according to a target location in the fracture-vug formation and a wellbore structure after well completion, and apply of drilling-fracturing integration tool to drill inside rock as the artificial fractures; (2) sealing the artificial fractures with open hole packer and then fracturing it to create fracture network I; (3) injecting acid for acidizing fracturing treatment on the fracture network I to create fracture network II. The invention can artificially control the direction and the length of propagation of the artificial fracture to create complicated fracture network to connect more hydrocarbon reservoirs in fracture-vug formations. This can provide an efficient and reliable stimulation application to save time and cost.