DAS Fiber Optic Wellbore Interaction Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for preventing wellbore interactions, such as fracture-driven interactions, are inadequate as they rely on low-frequency strain/strain-rate measurements that are too slow for real-time intervention.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing fiber optic data from distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) or distributed strain sensing (DSS) for real-time object detection of precursor events, which involves template matching, inversion, or machine-learning techniques like convolutional neural networks to predict and prevent wellbore interactions by adjusting the hydraulic fracturing system's injection volume or rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If low-frequency strain/strain-rate measurements are used for detection, then the detection method is simple and reliable, but the detection speed is too slow for real-time intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the measurement from low-frequency to high-frequency strain/strain-rate measurements. This parameter change enables real-time detection of stress propagation during hydraulic fracturing, allowing intervention before wellbore interactions occur, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement reliability and detection speed
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical strain measurement systems with fiber optic sensing technology (DAS/DSS) that uses optical methods to detect strain. This substitution enables high-frequency measurements with real-time capability, overcoming the speed limitations of traditional mechanical sensors while maintaining measurement accuracy
2Loss of time
If high-frequency measurements are implemented for real-time detection, then the response time is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes fiber optic cables that serve multiple functions: they act as both the injection medium for hydraulic fracturing and the sensing medium for real-time strain detection. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity by eliminating separate sensing infrastructure while enabling high-frequency real-time measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic cable serves itself by simultaneously performing the injection function and the sensing function. The same physical infrastructure (fiber optic cable) that delivers the fracturing fluid also detects the strain signals, making the system self-sufficient and reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced measurement capabilities
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
Enables early detection and prevention of wellbore interactions by predicting stress propagation, allowing for timely intervention to avoid induced fracturing in nearby wells, thereby enhancing operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The fiber optic data is distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) data or distributed strain sensing (DSS) data
Implementation Method 2
The fiber optic data is distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) data or distributed strain sensing (DSS) data
Implementation Method 3
sending instructions to a hydraulic fracturing system based on the object detection. The instructions sent to the hydraulic fracturing system may be to reduce injection volume and/or injection rate or to stop injection
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described for predicting and preventing wellbore interactions at wells that are near the injection well. The method includes receiving fiber optics data; performing object detection by detecting object-like events in the fiber optic data; and sending instructions to a hydraulic fracturing system based on the object detection. The method is executed by a computer system.