Expandable Casing for Permeability Plane Orientation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for creating increased permeability planes in subterranean formations are ineffective when significant overburden stress exists, as fractures tend to propagate orthogonally to the lowest stress vector, limiting control over permeability orientation and stimulation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The method involves installing a casing section in a wellbore, expanding it, and applying controlled compressive or reduced stresses to initiate permeability planes by injecting fluid after expansion, using a tool string with a casing expander and flow control device to manage stress directions and propagate planes radially outward.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fracturing fluid is pumped into the injection casing to simultaneously dilate the injection casing and fracture the surrounding formation, then the fracture propagation is initiated, but the fracture propagates orthogonally to the lowest stress vector instead of in predetermined orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by expanding the injection casing before fracturing the formation. The casing is expanded to apply controlled compressive stresses to the formation in predetermined orientations, creating a controlled stress regime that directs subsequent fracture propagation along desired paths rather than orthogonally to the lowest stress vector
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the stress state parameters of the formation by expanding the casing to apply compressive stresses in specific orientations. This modifies the stress regime from the natural overburden state to a controlled state where fractures will propagate in predetermined directions orthogonal to the applied compressive stresses
2Manufacturing precision
If increased compressive stress is produced in the formation prior to propagating an increased permeability plane, then the permeability plane propagation is controlled, but the stress application complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the expandable injection casing as an intermediary device to apply controlled compressive stresses to the formation. The casing acts as a mediator between the wellbore and the formation, allowing stress application in predetermined orientations without requiring complex external stress application systems
Solution Approach 2:
The injection casing serves multiple functions: it provides structural support in the wellbore, acts as a stress application device through expansion, and serves as the injection conduit for fracturing fluid. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating multiple functions into a single device
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 allows for precise control over the orientation and propagation of increased permeability planes, enhancing stimulation efficiency and economic performance by creating a desired stress regime before significant permeability plane propagation.
Implementation Method 1
expanding the casing section in the wellbore... applying an increased compressive stress to the formation
Implementation Method 2
a fluid is injected into the formation... injecting step is performed after the expanding step is completed
Implementation Method 3
piercing the formation with one or more penetrations extending radially outward from the wellbore, thereby relieving the reduced stress at the penetrations
Data Source
AI summary
Casing expansion and formation compression for permeability plane orientation. A method of forming at least one increased permeability plane in a subterranean formation includes the steps of: installing a casing section in a wellbore intersecting the formation; expanding the casing section in the wellbore; and then injecting a fluid into the formation, the injecting step being performed after the expanding step is completed. Another method includes the steps of: applying an increased compressive stress to the formation, the compressive stress being radially directed relative to a wellbore intersecting the formation; and then piercing the formation radially outward from the wellbore, thereby initiating the increased permeability plane. Yet another method includes the steps of: applying a reduced stress to the formation, the reduced stress being directed orthogonal to a wellbore intersecting the formation; and then piercing the formation with at least one penetration extending radially outward from the wellbore, thereby relieving the reduced stress at the penetration.