Downhole Frac Pulser Using Explosive Pressure Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional downhole fracturing tools face high initial pressure spikes that require robust equipment, leading to increased operational costs and maintenance, as well as non-productive time due to the need for high-pressure fluid delivery from the surface.

Innovation Solution

A downhole fracturing tool assembly that creates a localized pulse of pressure using explosive devices, such as current or spark-initiated digital explosives, or actuator systems like pistons or ball-release mechanisms, to initiate fractures without necessitating high surface pressure requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional downhole fracturing tools use high-pressure fluid delivery from surface, then fractures can be initiated, but equipment wear increases and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment lifeVSAvoidoperational costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical high-pressure fluid delivery system from surface with a downhole explosive device that generates pressure through chemical energy conversion. This substitution eliminates the need for robust surface equipment to withstand high pressure spikes, reducing equipment wear and operational costs while maintaining fracture initiation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the pressure generation mechanism from mechanical (surface pump delivery) to chemical (downhole explosive detonation). This parameter change allows pressure to be generated locally at the fracture site, eliminating the need for high-pressure surface equipment and reducing both equipment wear and operational costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional downhole fracturing tools withstand high pressure spikes, then fractures can be initiated, but maintenance costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment durabilityVSAvoidmaintenance costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical high-pressure withstand system with a chemical pressure generation system. By using explosive devices that generate pressure locally, the system eliminates the need for durable, high-pressure-rated equipment, thereby reducing maintenance costs while maintaining fracture initiation effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If high-pressure fluid delivery is used from surface, then fractures can be initiated, but non-productive time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefracturing efficiencyVSAvoidnon-productive time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent places the pressure generation capability directly at the fracture site before the fracturing operation begins. The explosive device is pre-positioned downhole, eliminating the time required to deliver high-pressure fluid from surface and reducing non-productive time while maintaining fracture initiation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the time-consuming mechanical high-pressure fluid delivery system with an instantaneous chemical pressure generation system. The explosive device generates pressure immediately upon detonation, eliminating the time required for surface equipment to build and deliver high pressure, thereby improving fracturing efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution reduces equipment wear and tear, lowers power requirements, and decreases operational and maintenance costs by generating the necessary pressure locally, minimizing surface pressure spikes and extending equipment life.

Implementation Method 1

The localized fracture initiation system is an explosive device designed to create the localized initial pulse of pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExplosion: Explosion

Implementation Method 2

a current or spark initiated digital explosive

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical initiation: Electric Spark

Implementation Method 3

an actuator, such as a piston or ball-release actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical actuation: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 4

a piston or ball-release actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10914156B2Frac pulser system and method of use thereof

Publication Date: 2021.02.09 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

Provided is a downhole fracturing tool assembly, and a method for fracturing an oil/gas formation. The downhole fracturing tool assembly, in one aspect, includes a tool body, and a localized fracking system located within the tool body. In accordance with this aspect, the localized fracking system is designed to create a localized initial pulse of pressure sufficient to initiate a fracture of a subterranean zone of interest.