Extendable Conduits for Hydraulic Fracturing Without Cementing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fracturing methods in oil or gas wells are costly and logistically complex, often requiring cementing and packer placement, which can lead to uncertainties in pressure delivery and fracture location.

Innovation Solution

The method employs extendable conduits with degradable plugs and sliding sleeves to deliver pressurized fluid directly to the formation, bypassing the annular space, allowing for pinpoint pressure application and fracture initiation without cementing or extensive packer use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cementing and packer placement are used to isolate zones for fracturing, then zone isolation and pressure delivery are achieved, but cost and logistical complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezone isolation reliabilityVSAvoidcompletion system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the need for cementing operations and separate packer placement by integrating zone isolation functionality directly into the production string through extendable members that seal against the formation, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining isolation reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The production string is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the flow path for production and as the isolation mechanism through its extendable members that can seal against the formation, eliminating the need for separate dedicated isolation components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If cementing operations are performed to maintain well integrity, then formation support is provided, but cost and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewell integrityVSAvoidcompletion time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The extendable members are pre-positioned within the production string in a retracted state before well completion, allowing the well to be put into production without waiting for cementing operations to complete, thereby reducing time loss while maintaining well integrity through the extendable sealing mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If external packers are used to isolate zones, then fracture fluid can be directed to specific zones, but uncertainty in pressure delivery and fracture location increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvezone selection flexibilityVSAvoidfracture location precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the mechanical packer system with extendable members that directly engage the formation, providing more precise control over pressure delivery and fracture initiation location through direct formation contact rather than annular space isolation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple packers and sliding sleeves are installed for zone isolation, then selective fracturing is enabled, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveselective zone fracturingVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the zone isolation, fluid delivery, and fracturing functions into a single integrated production string with extendable members, eliminating the need for multiple separate packers and sliding sleeves, thereby simplifying installation while maintaining selective fracturing capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 costs and logistical complications by ensuring precise fracture placement and maintaining well integrity without cementing, while the degradable materials enhance sealing and prevent fluid loss, allowing for efficient fracturing operations.

Implementation Method 1

The extendable members are extended into engagement with the formation in a sealed passage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

pressurized fracturing fluid can be delivered through the plugged extendable members

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure delivery: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentEP2761122B1Method and system for hydraulic fracturing

Publication Date: 2016.09.21 BAKER HUGHES CO

Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4A~4B

AI summary

A fracturing operation is done in open hole without annular space isolation. The annular space is spanned by extendable members that are located behind isolation valves. The extendable members can comprise a biodegradable plug that allows extension of the extendable members by application of pressure. With the plug remained in place, additional pressure can be delivered until at least a portion of the degradable material is pushed onto the surface of the formation. At least a portion of the pushed degradable material provides a seal between the end of the extendable members and the surface of the formation to allow pressure to build until the formation frac gradient is exceeded and the formation is fraced.