Diagnostic Lateral Wellbores for Fracture Network Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for hydrocarbon production from subterranean formations, particularly in unconventional shale reservoirs, face limitations in accurately identifying sweet-spots and understanding fracture networks, leading to inefficient recovery and production challenges.

Innovation Solution

The use of multiple lateral wellbores, including primary and diagnostic lateral wellbores, for enhanced imaging and analysis of fracture networks, allowing for real-time observation and optimization of hydraulic fracturing treatments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional single wellbore methods are used for hydrocarbon production, then the simplicity of operation is maintained, but the accuracy of identifying sweet-spots and understanding fracture networks deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of identifying sweet-spots and fracture networksVSAvoidcomplexity of multiple wellbore system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the single wellbore system into multiple separate wellbores (primary lateral wellbore and diagnostic lateral wellbore), each serving specific functions. The primary wellbore handles production while diagnostic wellbores are dedicated to imaging and analysis, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific purpose and improving overall measurement precision without overwhelming complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The diagnostic lateral wellbore acts as an intermediary between the primary production wellbore and the fracture networks. It provides a dedicated pathway for inserting imaging devices and diagnostic tools that can observe and analyze fracture geometry without interfering with hydrocarbon production from the primary wellbore

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If multiple lateral wellbores are deployed for enhanced imaging and analysis, then the measurement precision of fracture geometry improves, but the device complexity and operational difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimaging accuracy of fracture networksVSAvoidoperational simplicity of wellbore system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The diagnostic lateral wellbore is designed as a multi-functional system that can accommodate various imaging devices, diagnostic tools, and analysis equipment through a single wellbore infrastructure. This universal approach allows different diagnostic functions to be performed through one wellbore rather than requiring separate wellbores for each function, simplifying operations while maintaining high measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary diagnostic imaging and analysis through the diagnostic lateral wellbore before full-scale production activities. By conducting sweet-spot identification and fracture network characterization in advance, the system optimizes subsequent production operations and reduces the need for complex real-time adjustments during production

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If diagnostic lateral wellbores are used for real-time observation, then the productivity and production optimization improve, but the loss of time for drilling and installing additional wellbores increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrocarbon recovery rateVSAvoidtime for drilling and installing diagnostic wellbores

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The diagnostic lateral wellbores are drilled and equipped with imaging capabilities before production activities begin. This preliminary action allows sweet-spots to be identified and fracture networks to be characterized in advance, enabling optimized production planning and reducing the time needed for trial-and-error production adjustments later

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback loops where imaging data from diagnostic lateral wellbores is analyzed in real-time during and after production activities. This feedback enables dynamic optimization of production parameters, refracturing decisions, and well placement strategies, ultimately accelerating hydrocarbon recovery by avoiding ineffective production approaches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10253598B2Diagnostic lateral wellbores and methods of use

Publication Date: 2019.04.09 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

Improving the knowledge about how hydraulic fracture networks are generated in subsurface shale volumes in unconventional wellbores may be accomplished with various configurations of at least one diagnostic lateral wellbore using at least one diagnostic device disposed in the diagnostic lateral wellbore. By extending diagnostic lateral wellbores from adjacent lateral wellbores and/or separately drilling diagnostic lateral wellbores, and analyzing signals received by diagnostic devices placed in the diagnostic lateral wellbores, knowledge about fracture networks, the parameters that control fracture geometry and reservoir production and how reservoirs react to refracturing techniques may be greatly improved. Additionally, such diagnostic lateral wellbores can provide quicker location of sweet-spot horizons in reservoirs.