1D Flow Model Connection Conditions for Fracture Network Simulation
Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid flow models in well systems, particularly in subterranean fracture networks, face challenges in accurately simulating unsteady, multi-dimensional fluid flow, especially during hydraulic fracturing treatments, due to computational complexity and the need for efficient, real-time predictions of fluid pressure and velocity distributions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of one-dimensional flow models with flow path connection conditions that conserve physical quantities like fluid momentum and mass flux at intersections, allowing for reduced computational costs and efficient simulation of fluid flow in complex fracture networks, by integrating governing equations and using finite difference or finite element methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multi-dimensional flow models are used to simulate unsteady fluid flow in fracture networks, then measurement precision and reliability of fluid pressure and velocity predictions are improved, but device complexity and computational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex three-dimensional fracture network into multiple one-dimensional flow paths that intersect at discrete nodes. Each flow path is modeled separately using 1D flow equations, and the intersections are handled through connection conditions that couple the flow paths. This segmentation reduces the overall computational complexity while maintaining the ability to capture unsteady, multi-dimensional flow behavior through the network of 1D paths.
2Measurement precision
If conventional fracture treatment simulations are performed using detailed multi-dimensional models, then prediction accuracy for fluid distribution is improved, but productivity and computational efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic connection conditions at the intersections of one-dimensional flow paths that can adapt to unsteady flow conditions. The connection conditions use time-dependent parameters and solve the governing equations dynamically at each time step, allowing the model to capture transient flow behavior while maintaining computational efficiency through the simplified 1D path structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the dimensional parameter of the flow model from three-dimensional to one-dimensional, fundamentally altering the complexity of the governing equations. By using 1D flow paths with appropriate connection conditions at intersections, the model achieves a favorable balance between prediction accuracy and computational efficiency, enabling practical application to complex fracture networks.
3Productivity
If one-dimensional flow models are used to reduce computational complexity, then productivity and computational efficiency are improved, but measurement precision and ability to capture multi-dimensional effects are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple one-dimensional flow paths at discrete intersection nodes to represent the complex connectivity of fracture networks. The connection conditions at these nodes combine the flow equations from multiple paths, allowing the model to capture the multi-dimensional flow distribution through the network while maintaining the computational efficiency of 1D path representations. This merging approach enables accurate prediction of fluid pressure and velocity at various locations in the fracture network.
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 enables accurate and computationally efficient simulation of fluid flow in well systems, effectively predicting fluid pressure and velocity distributions, and optimizing hydraulic fracturing treatments by reducing complexity and enhancing predictive capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the flow model includes connection conditions of a junction domain that intersected by the flow paths. The connection conditions of the junction domain conserve physical quantities, such as fluid momentum, mass flux, or the like
Implementation Method 2
the flow model includes connection conditions of a junction domain that intersected by the flow paths. The connection conditions of the junction domain conserve physical quantities, such as fluid momentum, mass flux, or the like
Data Source
AI summary
In some aspects, flow path connection conditions are generated for a flow path intersection in a one-dimensional fluid flow model. The one-dimensional fluid flow model represents a flow of well system fluid in a well system environment. The flow path connection conditions conserve fluid momentum among three or more flow path branches that meet at the flow path intersection. Fluid flow is simulated in the fracture network by operating the one-dimensional fluid flow model based on the connection condition.