Dual Flow Fracturing Tool for Slurry Density Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional well treatment systems face limitations in pumping slurry rate due to flow resistance and erosion, especially in smaller casing sizes, and struggle to quickly adjust slurry density in response to changing reservoir characteristics or for selective fracturing of layers.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a slurry is mixed with a fluid downhole, reducing its density and altering properties such as proppant density or viscosity by flowing fluids through a work string and an annulus, allowing for real-time adjustments during fracturing or gravel packing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the size of the work string is increased to reduce flow resistance, then the slurry pumping rate is improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to larger equipment requirements and inability to use in smaller casing sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the slurry delivery into two separate fluid pathways: a work string for delivering proppant slurry and an annulus for delivering carrier fluid. This segmentation allows each pathway to be optimized independently, enabling high pumping rates without requiring a single large-diameter work string
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges two separate fluid streams (proppant slurry from work string and carrier fluid from annulus) at the downhole mixing location to create the final high-density slurry. This combining approach achieves high pumping capacity while using smaller individual conduits that can be deployed in smaller casing sizes
2Productivity
If the work string is made larger to increase pumping capacity, then the slurry flow rate is improved, but the erosion resistance worsens due to increased flow velocities and larger particle impacts
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the proppant slurry delivery (work string) from the carrier fluid delivery (annulus), the system reduces the flow velocity and particle impact in each individual pathway compared to a single large work string carrying the entire slurry mixture at high velocity
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier fluid delivered through the annulus acts as an intermediary that mixes with the proppant slurry downhole, reducing erosion in the work string by lowering the required flow velocity for achieving the desired pumping capacity
3Adaptability or versatility
If slurry density is changed at the surface to adapt to changing reservoir characteristics, then the treatment effectiveness is improved, but the response time deteriorates due to the need to displace existing slurry in the work string
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-delivers carrier fluid through the annulus to the downhole mixing location before or during proppant slurry delivery. This preliminary action enables rapid density adjustments by simply changing the carrier fluid flow rate or composition at the surface, with immediate effect at the treatment zone without requiring work string evacuation
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic adjustment of slurry density at the treatment zone by independently controlling the carrier fluid flow through the annulus and proppant slurry flow through the work string, allowing real-time adaptation to changing reservoir conditions without the time delay associated with surface density changes
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
Enables rapid changes in slurry properties close to the treatment zone, increased pumping capacity, reduced erosion, and selective fracturing of layers without the need for large work string diameters or surface density adjustments, improving operational efficiency and reducing equipment wear.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid is flowed into the well, with the fluid being initially separated from the slurry. The fluid is mixed with the slurry in the well, thereby causing the property of the slurry to change in the well.
Implementation Method 2
A slurry is flowed into a well, with the slurry having an initial property. A fluid is flowed into the well
Data Source
AI summary
A fracturing/gravel packing tool system with dual flow capabilities. A method of treating a well includes the steps of: flowing a fluid into the well through a work string while simultaneously flowing another fluid into the well through an annulus; and directing each of the fluids to the exterior of a well screen in the well. A well treatment system includes a slurry and a fluid flowed into a well. The slurry has an initial density, but the fluid is mixed with the slurry in the well, thereby causing the slurry to have a reduced density in the well. Another method of treating a well includes the steps of: installing a gravel packing assembly including a well screen in the well; flowing a slurry and a fluid into the well; mixing the slurry with the fluid, thereby reducing a density of the slurry in the well; and flowing the reduced density slurry about an exterior of the well screen.