Explosive Fracturing Systems for Downhole Rubblization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic fracturing methods for accessing geologic energy resources are limited by their dependence on in-situ formation stress and lack of customization to specific geologic properties, resulting in suboptimal permeability enhancement and restricted energy resource extraction.
Innovation Solution
The development of explosive systems and methods that utilize high-energy density sources, including high explosives and propellants, geometrically configured and timed to create a 360° rubblization zone with extended radial reach, minimizing near-bore pulverization and maximizing flow channels through optimized shock wave interaction and material placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hydraulic fracturing is used to create fracture zones, then permeability is enhanced, but the method is limited by dependence on in-situ formation stress and lacks customization to specific geologic properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the fracturing method by using explosive devices instead of hydraulic pressure. The explosive devices can be configured with different charge sizes, types, and placement depths to customize the fracturing effect to specific geologic properties, eliminating dependence on in-situ formation stress while maintaining reliable permeability enhancement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the hydraulic mechanical system with an explosive mechanical system. Instead of using pressurized fluid to create fractures, the invention uses explosive detonation to generate shock waves that create and propagate fractures, providing both customization capability and reliability independent of formation stress conditions.
2Productivity
If traditional hydraulic fracturing methods are used, then energy resource extraction is enabled, but permeability enhancement is suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing explosive devices at specific depths and orientations within the wellbore to target particular geologic layers and fracture zones. This localized approach allows optimization of permeability enhancement in specific areas, thereby improving overall energy resource extraction efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-configuring explosive devices with calculated charge sizes and placement positions before deployment. This allows the fracturing process to be optimized in advance based on geologic survey data, resulting in superior permeability enhancement and higher energy extraction efficiency.
3Length of stationary object
If explosive devices are used to create a 360° rubblization zone, then radial reach is extended, but near-bore pulverization occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the explosive charge into multiple smaller charges distributed at different depths and positions within the wellbore. This segmentation allows the creation of a 360° rubblization zone with extended radial reach while minimizing the concentration of explosive energy at any single location, thereby reducing near-bore pulverization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point explosive charge to a distributed three-dimensional arrangement of multiple charges at different depths and radial positions. This dimensional change allows the explosive energy to be distributed over a larger volume, extending the rubblization zone radially while reducing the intensity of pulverization near the borehole.
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 achieves a significantly larger rubblization zone with a radius three to six times greater than traditional methods, enhancing permeability and energy resource extraction efficiency while minimizing rock pulverization near the borehole.
Implementation Method 1
geometrically configured and timed to create a 360° rubblization zone with extended radial reach, minimizing near-bore pulverization and maximizing flow channels through optimized shock wave interaction
Implementation Method 2
explosive systems and methods that utilize high-energy density sources, including high explosives and propellants
Data Source
AI summary
Explosive devices and assemblies are described herein for use in geologic fracturing. Components of energetic material used in the explosive devices can be initially separated prior to inserting the assembled system down a wellbore, then later combined prior to detonation. Some exemplary explosive units for insertion into a borehole for use in fracturing a geologic formation surrounding the borehole can comprise a casing comprising a body defining an internal chamber, a first component of an explosive positioned within the internal chamber of the casing, and an inlet communicating with the internal chamber through which a second component of the explosive mixture is deliverable into the internal chamber to comprise the explosive.