Flow Constraint Material for Fracturing Fluid Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional hydraulic fracturing techniques often fail to effectively stimulate hydrocarbon production from reservoirs with low permeability, as the fracturing fluid preferentially flows through high permeability fractures, leaving low permeability fractures under-stimulated, which limits overall hydrocarbon extraction.
Innovation Solution
The use of a flow constraint material (FCM) is introduced into the fracturing fluid to partially constrain the fluid flow at the wellbore region, redistributing the fluid flow from high permeability fractures to low permeability fractures, thereby increasing the fracture lengths and widths and enhancing hydrocarbon production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the fracturing fluid is introduced into the reservoir at high pressure to create fractures, then the permeability of the reservoir is increased, but the fluid preferentially flows through high permeability fractures leaving low permeability fractures under-stimulated
Solution Approach 1:
A flow constraint material is introduced as an intermediary substance into the fracturing fluid. This material selectively constrains fluid flow in high permeability fractures while allowing flow in low permeability fractures, thereby redistributing the fracturing fluid to stimulate previously under-stimulated fractures and improve overall hydrocarbon production.
2Quantity of substance
If diverter material is used to force fluid into low permeability fractures, then the fluid distribution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow constraint material changes the flow parameters of the fracturing fluid by selectively constraining flow paths. By modifying the physical properties of the fluid mixture and using parameters such as particle size distribution and material composition, the system achieves improved fluid distribution without requiring complex mechanical diversion devices.
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 improves the mass balance distribution of the fracturing fluid, increases the capacity of low permeability fractures, and enhances hydrocarbon production by ensuring that the fracturing fluid effectively stimulates both high and low permeability fractures, leading to increased hydrocarbon extraction.
Implementation Method 1
the flow constraint material partially constrains the treating fluid from entering a fracture so as to at least partially redistribute the treating fluid to an another fracture or fractures
Implementation Method 2
A fracturing fluid is introduced into the reservoir at a pressure sufficient to break or fracture the reservoir rocks
Implementation Method 3
Particulate solids, e g., proppant particles, are suspended in the fracturing fluid and settle into the fractures to maintain fracture integrity
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for fracturing an interval of a subterranean formation to produce fluid from a reservoir through a wellbore. A treating fluid flows into the wellbore to create fractures in the formation. A flow constraint material is selectively flowed into the wellbore simultaneously with the treating fluid. A parameter of the formation is monitored to determine whether a formation system strain is within a range. When the formation system strain is out of the range, the flow of the flow constraint material is adjusted. The flow constraint material partially constrains the treating fluid from entering a fracture so as to at least partially redistribute the treating fluid to an another fracture or fractures.