Optimizing Fracture Placement in Deviated Wellbores
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic fracturing techniques fail to create complex fracture networks away from the wellbore, and recently developed methods to overcome this issue are operationally difficult to perform.
Innovation Solution
A method optimizing fracture placement along deviated wellbores by introducing fractures in a specific sequence to alter stress anisotropy, creating a complex network of hydraulically connected fractures, which enhances production in tight subterranean formations like shale and tight sand reservoirs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional fracturing techniques are used, then simple fracture creation is achieved, but complex fracture networks away from the wellbore cannot be created
Solution Approach 1:
The method performs preliminary stress alteration by creating initial fractures in a first wellbore before fracturing the second wellbore. These preliminary fractures modify the stress field in the formation, creating favorable conditions for subsequent fracture propagation and complex network development when the second wellbore is fractured
Solution Approach 2:
The fracturing process is divided into distinct stages and wellbores. The first wellbore is fractured in one direction to create initial fractures, then the second wellbore is fractured in a different direction to create additional fractures. This segmentation of the fracturing process into sequential steps enables complex network development while maintaining operational simplicity
2Device complexity
If fractures are introduced in alternating sequence to alter stress anisotropy, then far field complexity is enhanced, but operational difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The method introduces a spatial dimension by utilizing two separate parallel wellbores positioned at different locations in the formation. By fracturing each wellbore in different directions and sequences, the method creates three-dimensional fracture networks that extend in multiple directions from the wellbores, enhancing far-field complexity while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized wellbore construction
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
The method effectively enhances far-field complexity and maximizes the stimulated reservoir volume, improving hydrocarbon production by creating a complex network of fractures that connects with pre-existing natural fractures, thus increasing the conductivity and productivity of unconventional reservoirs.
Implementation Method 1
a first hydraulic fracture is created in a first subterranean formation by injecting a hydraulic fluid into the first subterranean formation
Implementation Method 2
the first hydraulic fracture alters a stress field in the intermediate area between the second wellbore and the first wellbore such that a direction of minimum horizontal stress in the intermediate area changes
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a method of optimizing the placement of fractures along deviated wellbores by hydraulically fracturing a well to form a complex fracture network of hydraulically connected fractures.