Hydraulic Stimulation Discharge Area Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining net pressure energy and discharge area during hydraulic stimulation operations in hydrocarbon-producing wells often fail to accurately distinguish between formation pressure responses, near-wellbore tortuosity, and wellbore storage capacity, requiring experienced personnel and inadequate data for optimization.
Innovation Solution
The use of algorithms based on equations of conservation of mass and energy to calculate hydraulic stimulation diagnostic data, such as discharge area, discharge velocity, net pressure energy, and discharge energy, by assuming a closed downhole fracturing environment, allowing for real-time data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional methods are used to determine net pressure energy and discharge area, then experienced personnel can provide operational insights, but the methods fail to adequately address areas of uncertainty including formation pressure responses, near-wellbore tortuosity, and wellbore storage capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational system that processes pressure data and applies algorithms to distinguish between different sources of pressure response (formation pressure, near-wellbore tortuosity, wellbore storage capacity). This intermediary system acts as a mediator between raw pressure data and operational insights, resolving the uncertainty by systematically separating different pressure components through mathematical modeling and data analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/manual analysis methods with computational algorithms and automated data processing systems. By substituting human expert analysis with computer-based computational models, the system achieves more precise and consistent determination of net pressure energy and discharge area while systematically addressing multiple sources of uncertainty simultaneously.
2Productivity
If real-time data analysis is implemented to optimize hydraulic stimulation operations, then operational efficiency is enhanced, but adequate data collection and processing capabilities are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing automated data collection systems and processing algorithms before hydraulic stimulation operations begin. The system is pre-configured with computational models and data processing capabilities that automatically analyze pressure data in real-time during operations, eliminating the need for manual data collection and enabling immediate optimization decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback mechanisms where pressure data collected during hydraulic stimulation is immediately processed and analyzed by computational algorithms. The system continuously monitors pressure responses, calculates net pressure energy and discharge area, and provides real-time feedback that enables operators to optimize stimulation parameters dynamically during the operation, thereby enhancing productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining discharge area in hydraulic stimulation operations is provided that includes obtaining one or more treatment data inputs from a well system, and determining a discharge area by applying the one or more treatment data inputs to a function that determines discharge area in terms of volumetric flow rate of the fracturing fluid, wherein the discharge area is a total area of all downhole exits through which the fracturing fluid exits a wellbore into a subterranean formation.