Abandonable Diverting Structure for Multi-Zone Well Stimulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional hydraulic fracturing methods are ineffective for stimulating previously stimulated hydrocarbon wells or those with pre-perforated pipes, and they require time-consuming and expensive removal of multiple plugs before production can commence.

Innovation Solution

The method involves retaining a sealing structure within the tubular conduit to isolate the uphole and downhole regions, stimulating the subterranean formation by flowing a stimulant fluid stream through perforations, and then isolating the stimulated zone before moving the sealing structure downhole to repeat the process for multiple zones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional hydraulic fracturing operations are used to stimulate previously stimulated hydrocarbon wells or wells with pre-perforated pipe, then the large number of perforations present within the pipe precludes generation of sufficient pressure to (re)fracture the subsurface region, but the patent introduces a diverting structure that redirects fluid flow to enable effective stimulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestimulation effectivenessVSAvoidapplicability to pre-perforated wells

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A diverting structure is introduced as an intermediary element within the tubular conduit to redirect stimulant fluid flow. This diverting structure acts as a mediator that changes the flow path from direct exit through perforations to a redirected path that maintains pressure and directs fluid toward the formation, enabling effective stimulation even in pre-perforated wells where conventional methods fail

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional hydraulic fracturing operations are used, then plugs are abandoned within the pipe and must be removed prior to production, but this removal process is time-consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of stimulation processVSAvoidtime for plug removal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The diverting structure is designed as a disposable, abandonable component that performs its function during stimulation and then remains in place without interfering with production. Rather than requiring removal like conventional plugs, this single-use element is left in the tubular conduit where it causes no harm, eliminating the time-consuming and expensive plug removal process while maintaining stimulation effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If multiple plugs are used in conventional hydraulic fracturing to stimulate multiple zones, then each plug must be removed before production can commence, but this increases operational complexity and cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of zones stimulatedVSAvoidnumber of plugs to be removed

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single diverting structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it redirects fluid flow for stimulation, can be positioned to target different zones sequentially, and remains abandoned without interfering with production. This multi-functional element replaces the need for multiple removable plugs, reducing operational complexity while maintaining the capability to stimulate multiple zones

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This approach enables effective stimulation of previously stimulated hydrocarbon wells and those with pre-perforated pipes, while also eliminating the need to remove multiple plugs, thereby reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The pressure generated by flow of this stimulant fluid stream fractures the zone of the subterranean formation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

conventional hydraulic fracturing operations cannot be utilized to stimulate a previously stimulated hydrocarbon well

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic fracturing: Fracture Mechanics

Implementation Method 3

retaining the sealing structure to at least partially fluidly isolate an uphole region of the tubular conduit, which is uphole from the sealing structure, from a downhole region of the tubular conduit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid isolation: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS12281558B2Methods of stimulating a hydrocarbon well

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 EXXONMOBIL TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING CO

AI summary

Methods of stimulating a hydrocarbon well are disclosed herein. The hydrocarbon well includes a wellbore that extends within a subterranean formation and a tubular that extends within the wellbore and defines a tubular conduit. The methods include retaining a sealing structure within the tubular conduit and, during the retaining, stimulating a zone of the subterranean formation. Subsequent to the stimulating, the methods include fluidly isolating the zone of the subterranean formation from the uphole region by at least partially sealing the plurality of perforations. Subsequent to the fluidly isolating, the methods include moving the sealing structure in a downhole direction within the tubular conduit. The methods also include repeating the retaining, the stimulating, the fluidly isolating, and the moving a plurality of times to stimulate a plurality of corresponding zones of the subterranean formation.