Insulated Downhole Electrode Structure for Electric Fracturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric-based fracturing methods face limitations such as poor thermal and electrical insulation, limited operating ranges, and instability of electrodes, leading to electrical shorts and inefficient heat transfer, which hinder the application of high voltage and high power electric-based fracturing in well environments.
Innovation Solution
A downhole tool with an insulated electrode configuration, including an insulator chamber and outer enclosure, designed to withstand harsh well conditions, allows for the safe and reliable transfer of high voltage and high power electricity to the formation, using materials like platinum and copper alloys, and geometric designs to prevent thermal concentrations and support electrode weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electric-based fracturing methods are used, then fracturing can be performed, but thermal and electrical insulation is poor leading to electrical shorts and inefficient heat transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple segments with insulating material between them, allowing electrical insulation while maintaining heat transfer efficiency. This segmentation prevents electrical shorts between adjacent electrode sections while the insulating material is configured to conduct heat effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
An insulating chamber filled with insulating material serves as an intermediary between the electrode and the surrounding environment. This intermediary provides electrical insulation to prevent shorts while being configured to allow efficient heat transfer from the electrode to the formation.
2Power
If high voltage and high power electricity are transmitted to the electrode, then fracturing effectiveness is improved, but electrical shorts and system instability occur
Solution Approach 1:
Insulating chambers and protective coverings are installed beforehand on the electrode to prevent electrical shorts before high voltage operation begins. These protective structures are designed to withstand the high voltage and high power conditions while maintaining system stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode is designed with replaceable insulating components that can withstand high voltage stress temporarily. If electrical breakdown occurs, these insulating components can be replaced without replacing the entire electrode system, maintaining operational reliability.
3Temperature
If the electrode is exposed to the surrounding environment, then heat transfer to the formation is improved, but electrical shorts occur
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the electrode structure have different properties: the exposed electrode surface provides thermal conductivity for efficient heat transfer, while the insulating chambers and protective coverings provide electrical insulation. This local differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of heat transfer and electrical safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode system uses composite construction combining conductive materials for heat transfer with insulating materials for electrical protection. The insulating chambers are filled with insulating material that provides both electrical isolation and thermal management properties.
4Reliability
If insulating material is added to the electrode, then electrical insulation is improved, but heat transfer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating material is selected and configured with specific parameters: low thermal conductivity for electrical insulation but high thermal diffusivity or conductivity in the direction of heat transfer. By changing the material parameters and geometric configuration, both electrical insulation and heat transfer efficiency are optimized simultaneously.
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 solution enables efficient and predictable heat transfer to the formation, inducing fractures and enhancing oil and gas extraction, while preventing electrical shorts and maintaining system stability in high-pressure and high-temperature environments.
Implementation Method 1
transferring at least a portion of the transmitted electricity from the electrode to the surrounding environment through an exposed portion of the electrode, and heating the surrounding environment with the transferred electricity
Implementation Method 2
The insulator chamber is configured to thermally and electrically insulate at least a portion of the electrode from the exterior environment
Data Source
AI summary
Downhole tools, systems, and methods for electric-based fracturing are disclosed. A downhole tool for electric-based fracturing may include an outer enclosure, an insulator chamber disposed at least partially within the enclosure, and an electrode disposed at least partially within the insulator chamber. The electrode may extend out from the insulator chamber and the enclosure, and may be configured to transfer electric energy to an exterior environment surrounding the downhole tool. The insulator chamber may be configured to thermally and electrically insulate at least a portion of the electrode from the exterior environment.