Downhole Fluid Evaluation for Fracture Scale Deposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subterranean formations, such as shale, experience blockages due to the deposition of scales and other solids in fractures, which restrict the extraction of resources over time.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for evaluating fluids to reduce solid deposition in fractured subterranean formations by simulating downhole conditions in a testing vessel, using materials representative of the formation, and assessing the deposition of solids over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fracturing techniques are used to extract subterranean resources, then resource extraction is enabled, but scale and solid deposition occur in fractures leading to blockages over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by evaluating fluids before they are used in the subterranean formation. The testing vessel simulates downhole conditions to predict which fluids will cause scale and solid deposition, allowing the selection of fluids that maintain fracture integrity over time while enabling resource extraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing vessel acts as an intermediary between fluid evaluation and field application. It provides a controlled environment that simulates downhole conditions, allowing researchers to assess fluid behavior and deposition characteristics before implementing fluids in the actual subterranean formation, thus preventing blockages while maintaining productivity.
2Measurement precision
If fluids are flowed through the testing vessel for an extended period, then deposition characteristics are accurately characterized, but testing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting conditions within the testing vessel (such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, and fluid composition) to simulate downhole conditions. These parameter changes enable accurate deposition characterization over extended periods while maintaining relevance to actual field conditions, allowing precise measurement without excessive testing time.
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
Enhances the extended extraction of subterranean resources by minimizing and preventing the development of scale and solid depositions, thereby maintaining the integrity of the fracture network.
Implementation Method 1
providing a fluid that flows through the plurality of materials inside the testing vessel for a period of time... evaluating the plurality of materials to characterize the deposition of the solid on at least some of the plurality of materials
Data Source
AI summary
A method for evaluating a fluid to reduce a deposition of a solid within a fractured subterranean formation may include obtaining information about materials inside of a testing vessel, where the materials are designed to be representative of the fractured subterranean formation. The method may also include providing a fluid that flows through the materials inside the testing vessel for a period of time, where the testing vessel is subjected to conditions designed to be representative of downhole conditions of the fractured subterranean formation. The method may also include evaluating the material to characterize the deposition of the solid on at least some of the materials after the period of time.