Drag-Reducing Propping Fibers for Hydraulic Fracturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In low permeability subterranean formations, traditional hydraulic fracturing methods face challenges due to high frictional losses between treatment fluids and wellbore/tubular surfaces, leading to increased energy costs and reduced efficiency in creating and maintaining fractures for fluid production.
Innovation Solution
The use of drag-reducing propping fibers, which act as both friction-reducing agents and propping agents, are introduced into the wellbore to reduce friction during fluid injection and remain within micro-fractures to keep them open, enhancing fracture complexity and permeability. These fibers have a specific shape and material composition that allows them to self-align and effectively reduce friction, while also being designed to maintain fracture conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional hydraulic fracturing uses high viscosity treatment fluids at high flow rates to create and maintain fractures, then fracture conductivity and permeability are improved, but frictional losses between fluid and wellbore/tubular surfaces increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces fibers that perform dual functions: they act as propping agents to maintain fracture conductivity while simultaneously serving as drag-reducing agents to minimize frictional losses. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by having a single component address both the productivity enhancement and energy loss reduction requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes fibers with specific physical parameters (length, diameter, aspect ratio) that optimize their performance. By controlling fiber dimensions and material properties, the system achieves effective drag reduction and propping capability, thereby improving fracture conductivity while reducing frictional energy losses.
2Productivity
If high flow rates are used to place proppant particulates into micro-fractures, then proppant placement efficiency is improved, but frictional forces between treatment fluid and surfaces are amplified
Solution Approach 1:
The fibers serve dual purposes: facilitating proppant placement in micro-fractures while simultaneously reducing frictional forces during fluid flow. This resolves the contradiction by having the same component enhance both proppant delivery efficiency and reduce frictional resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The fibers act as an intermediary substance between the treatment fluid and the micro-fracture system. They facilitate proppant placement by providing a carrier mechanism while also mediating the friction interaction by reducing direct fluid-surface contact resistance.
3Productivity
If treatment fluid is viscosified to serve as an effective carrier fluid for proppant, then proppant suspension and transport are improved, but energy input requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fibers provide dual functionality: they act as carrier fluid components to suspend and transport proppant while simultaneously serving as drag-reducing agents. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve effective proppant transport with reduced energy input by eliminating the need for high fluid viscosity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fibers are used as a consumable component that performs its carrier and drag-reduction function during the treatment process. After serving their purpose in proppant transport and friction reduction, they remain in the formation to provide ongoing propping, effectively replacing the need for continuous high-energy viscosified fluid circulation.
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 drag-reducing propping fibers significantly reduce frictional losses during fluid injection, lower the energy required for fracturing, and enhance the conductivity and productivity of low permeability formations by maintaining open micro-fractures, thereby improving hydrocarbon or gas production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
drag-reducing propping fibers as friction reducing agents
Implementation Method 2
propping agents in low permeability subterranean formation operations
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for treating a wellbore include providing a wellbore in a low permeability subterranean formation; providing a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and drag-reducing propping fibers; introducing the treatment fluid into the wellbore at a rate and pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one micro-fracture therein, wherein the drag-reducing propping fibers are capable of reducing the friction created within the treatment fluid as it is introduced into the wellbore; and placing the drag-reducing propping fibers into the at least one micro-fracture so as to prop open the micro-fracture.