Fiber Optic DAS for Standing Wave Location in Wellbores
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the properties and location of waves created during hydraulic fracturing in wellbores rely heavily on mathematical tools, leading to significant uncertainties in interpreting wellbore conditions, such as the exact location, amplitude, and frequency of the created wave.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) system is used to actively monitor and adjust pressure pulses along the wellbore, creating a standing wave and determining its precise location, allowing for precise control of wave properties like amplitude and frequency, enabling more efficient fracture creation and fluid distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mathematical tools are used to determine wave properties and location in wellbores, then the interpretation process can be performed, but significant uncertainties exist in determining exact location, amplitude, and frequency of the created wave
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mathematical interpretation tools with fiber optic sensing technology that directly measures wave properties. The fiber optic sensor physically detects acoustic waves in the wellbore, converting mechanical wave energy into optical signals that can be precisely measured and interpreted, thereby eliminating the uncertainties associated with purely mathematical methods
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic cable acts as an intermediary between the acoustic waves in the wellbore and the measurement system. It transmits the acoustic information from the distant wellbore environment to the surface measurement equipment, enabling direct observation of wave properties without relying on indirect mathematical interpretations
2Productivity
If higher hydraulic horse power is used to create fractures, then fracture creation efficiency improves, but equipment complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes acoustic vibrations transmitted through the fiber optic cable to monitor and optimize fracture creation. By detecting vibrational patterns and acoustic responses in real-time, the system can determine optimal fracture propagation conditions, allowing for more efficient fracture creation with reduced hydraulic power requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic sensing system provides real-time feedback on wave properties, pressure changes, and fracture development. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of injection parameters to optimize fracture creation efficiency while minimizing the hydraulic horse power required, as the system can respond to actual downhole conditions rather than relying on predetermined parameters
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 lower hydraulic horse power requirements, precise control of fracture growth, and improved fluid distribution, enhancing hydrocarbon production by accurately determining perforation efficiency and fracture characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
A fiber optic Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) system is used to actively monitor and adjust pressure pulses along the wellbore
Implementation Method 2
multiple pressure waves or pulses that combine and create a standing wave at a specific location within a wellbore are generated
Data Source
AI summary
Introduced herein are system and method for precisely determining the actual location of a standing wave created within a wellbore as well as other key properties about the created wave. The introduced system and method utilize a fiber optic sensing system, such as fiber optic Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) system, that actively interrogates and monitors fiber optic sensors along the length of a wellbore. The introduced system and method generate one or more pressure pulses that combine with one another to create a standing wave within a wellbore and process the acoustic response of the standing wave using the fiber optic DAS system over a wide range of frequencies. Based on the measurements, the introduced system and method determine the actual location of the created standing wave and move it to a desired location within the wellbore by adjusting one or more properties of the pressure pulses.