Down-hole Tool Injection System for Continuous Fracturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fracturing techniques in wellbore operations require wireline interventions, leading to non-productive time, increased costs, and resource utilization due to the need for perforation and isolation processes, which disrupt pumping operations and result in higher production costs and potential leakages from isolation plugs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a well intervention-less technique to activate perforation devices from the surface, eliminating the need for wireline operations by using a system that selectively forms perforations and isolates them during fracturing stages without the use of isolation plugs, allowing continuous pumping and reducing production phase complications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wireline interventions are used for perforation and isolation during fracturing stages, then perforation and isolation can be accomplished, but non-productive time is lost and pumping operations are interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
Perforation devices are pre-positioned within the launcher system at the surface before fracturing operations begin. The devices are prepared and staged in advance, allowing them to be deployed immediately when needed without requiring wireline interventions during pumping operations. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for interrupting fracturing workflows to perform perforation tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
A launcher system serves as an intermediary device that bridges the gap between surface operations and downhole perforation/isolation needs. The launcher contains pre-positioned perforation devices that can be injected into the wellbore through the fracturing line without requiring wireline access. This intermediary system enables perforation capabilities while maintaining continuous pumping operations.
2Reliability
If wireline operations are performed between pumping stages, then perforation can be achieved, but time and resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges fracturing operations with perforation operations by integrating pre-positioned perforation devices into the fracturing workflow. Both functions are accomplished through a single continuous operation using the same fracturing line and equipment, eliminating the need for separate wireline intervention steps and reducing overall non-productive time.
Solution Approach 2:
The launcher system enables continuous fracturing operations to proceed without interruption for perforation tasks. Perforation devices are injected and deployed continuously during the fracturing workflow, maintaining the continuity of useful action and eliminating idle time associated with wireline operations between pumping stages.
3Reliability
If isolation plugs are used to isolate perforations, then perforation isolation can be achieved, but potential leakages occur and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the need for isolation plugs entirely by using selectively activatable perforation devices that can be triggered individually or in groups. Each perforation device contains its own isolation mechanism, eliminating the requirement for separate isolation plugs and the associated leakage risks and costs. The harmful element of isolation plugs is removed from the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The perforation devices are designed as disposable, single-use components that are injected into the wellbore and activated once. Each device performs its perforation function and then remains isolated without requiring additional isolation plugs. This disposable approach eliminates the need for durable, expensive isolation plugs and reduces the risk of plug-related leakage problems.
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 reduces time and resource usage, eliminates interruptions in pumping operations, and decreases production costs by enabling simultaneous fracturing and perforation without wireline interventions, enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the fracturing process.
Implementation Method 1
pushing the down-hole tool from the launcher to a launching chamber in proximity to a wellhead of the respective wellbore through the respective supply line at a second pressure lower than the first pressure of the fracturing line
Implementation Method 2
automatically adjusting a pressure of the launching chamber to substantially equal the first pressure of the fracturing line after the launching chamber is sealed from the respective supply line
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject technology relate to systems and methods for injecting down-hole tools into a fracturing line. A fracturing system may include a fracturing line of a respective wellbore and a launcher operationally coupled to the fracturing line though a respective supply line at a pressure lower than a pressure of the fracturing line. The fracturing system may further include a magazine containing a plurality of down-hole tools that is operationally coupled to the launcher for sending a down-hole tool of the plurality of down-hole tools to the launcher. The fracturing system may also include a launching chamber operationally coupled to the respective supply line for receiving the down-hole tool and having a pressure automatically adjustable to substantially equal the pressure of the fracturing line after the launching chamber is sealed from the respective supply line for disposing the down-hole tool into the fracturing line.