Real-time Diverter Control for Fracturing Fluid Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subterranean fracturing techniques face challenges in uniformly distributing fracturing fluid between fractures due to reliance on rule-of-thumb fluid pressure, leading to inadequate or excessive use of diverters, which can delay treatment or cause pressure buildup.
Innovation Solution
A control system utilizing real-time down-hole conditions and historical data to determine the optimal quantity of diverters for dominant fractures, employing fiber optics, micro-seismic measurements, and model-driven or model-free controllers to redistribute fracturing fluid effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If diverters are introduced based on rule-of-thumb fluid pressure, then treatment can proceed without complex real-time monitoring, but the distribution of fracturing fluid between fractures becomes unbalanced and diverter quantity cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring downhole conditions (pressure, temperature, fluid flow rates) and using this information to dynamically adjust diverter injection timing and quantity. Sensors provide continuous data back to the control system, enabling closed-loop control that optimizes fluid distribution across multiple fractures based on actual formation response rather than predetermined rules
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces simple pressure-based mechanical decision-making with an integrated control system that combines electronic sensors, computational algorithms, and automated injection control. This substitution enables precise measurement of fluid flow rates and real-time calculation of optimal diverter quantities based on complex formation characteristics and historical data
2Stress or pressure
If insufficient quantity of diverters is introduced, then pressure build-up is avoided, but redistribution of fracturing fluid flow is delayed and treatment efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by injecting precisely the amount of diverters needed at each stage based on real-time monitoring of fracture response. The system monitors fluid flow rates and pressure changes to determine when sufficient diversion has been achieved, avoiding both insufficient injection (which delays treatment) and excessive injection (which causes unnecessary pressure build-up and waste)
3Reliability
If excess quantity of diverters is introduced, then dominant fractures are properly restricted, but both dominant and non-dominant fractures may be plugged causing unnecessary pressure build up
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time feedback from downhole sensors to monitor pressure changes and fluid flow rates across fractures. When diverters begin to effectively restrict dominant fractures, the feedback signal triggers automatic adjustment or cessation of diverter injection, preventing over-injection that would plug non-dominant fractures and cause harmful pressure build-up
4Manufacturing precision
If real-time monitoring and historical data analysis are implemented, then optimal diverter quantity can be determined, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional control system that simultaneously performs real-time data acquisition from multiple sensors, historical data storage and retrieval, computational analysis of formation characteristics, real-time calculation of optimal diverter quantities, and automated injection control. This universal system handles multiple functions through integrated hardware and software components, reducing overall system complexity compared to separate dedicated systems for each function
Data Source
AI summary
In some aspects, the present disclosure includes systems and methods for determining and delivering diverting material to dominant fractures in a stage of a subterranean formation. The method includes creating or extending a plurality of fractures in a stage of a subterranean formation; pumping fracturing fluid to the plurality of fractures; identifying dominant fractures among the plurality of fractures; determining a desired amount of diverters to deliver to the dominant fractures; and pumping the determined amount of diverters to the dominant fractures so as to redistribute the flow of fracturing fluid between the plurality of fractures.