Ceramic-Assisted Electromagnetic Fracturing Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies face challenges in orienting and controlling the propagation of fracture networks in enhanced oil recovery, particularly due to limited heat penetration depth and low energy efficiency of electromagnetic wave technology downhole.

Innovation Solution

The use of a fracturing assembly with a directional electromagnetic antenna and ceramic-containing members within the wellbore, where electromagnetic waves heat the ceramic materials to create controlled fractures, allowing for directed fracture orientation by positioning the ceramic-containing members at a fracture temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If electromagnetic wave technology is used downhole to heat heavy oil, then viscosity reduction and condensate blockage removal are achieved, but heat penetration depth is limited and energy efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat penetration depthVSAvoidenergy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces ceramic materials as an intermediary substance that absorbs electromagnetic energy and converts it to heat. The ceramic material is injected into the formation and acts as a mediator between the electromagnetic field and the heavy oil, enabling deeper and more efficient heating without directly exposing the formation to high-power electromagnetic waves for extended periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional thermal fracturing methods with electromagnetic-assisted heating. Instead of using mechanical means or conventional heaters, electromagnetic waves are used to heat ceramic materials which then transfer heat to the formation, substituting traditional thermal processing with an electromagnetic-based system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If thermal fracturing is used to create fracture network, then secondary permeability is increased, but fracture orientation and propagation control is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefracture orientation controlVSAvoidpermeability enhancement

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by injecting ceramic materials selectively into specific zones or directions within the formation. The ceramic-containing material is placed in predetermined locations to guide fracture propagation in desired orientations, creating non-uniform distribution that controls where and how fractures develop.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary action by injecting and positioning ceramic materials into the formation before applying electromagnetic heating. The ceramic material is pre-placed in strategic locations to define the intended fracture path and orientation, so that when heating occurs, the fractures propagate along the predetermined ceramic-containing zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method enables effective orientation and creation of fractures in subterranean formations, enhancing oil recovery by improving heat distribution and bypassing damaged zones, thus increasing permeability and production efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

electromagnetic waves produced by the electromagnetic wave source to heat the ceramic-containing member to the fracture temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation heating: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

heat generated causes the formation to fracture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentUS10253608B2Downhole heat orientation and controlled fracture initiation using electromagnetic assisted ceramic materials

Publication Date: 2019.04.09 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

A fracturing assembly for forming fractures in a subterranean formation includes a source tool having a rotational joint moveable to orient the source tool in a range of directions and a directional electromagnetic antenna having an electromagnetic wave source. A ceramic-containing member is located within a distance of the electromagnetic antenna to be heated to a fracture temperature by electromagnetic waves produced by the electromagnetic wave source. The ceramic-containing member is positionable to orient a fracture in the subterranean formation at the fracture temperature.