Fracking Efficiency Evaluation via Dynamic Fracture Width Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic fracturing monitoring techniques, particularly cross-well distributed strain measurements, are limited by qualitative analysis, hindering the understanding of fracture geometry and its relation to hydraulic fracturing efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A fracking efficiency evaluation system and method that utilizes distributed fiber-optic sensing to calculate dynamic fracture widths, enabling the generation of parameters such as fracture unevenness, fracture surface area, and leakage volume estimation, to create a comprehensive completion design plan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cross-well distributed strain measurements are used for monitoring, then fracture geometry information can be obtained, but the analysis remains qualitative and cannot provide quantitative evaluation of hydraulic fracturing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/geological interpretation methods with a physics-based elastic wave propagation model. By substituting qualitative geological assessment with quantitative wave mechanics equations, the system transforms distributed strain measurements into precise fracture geometry parameters including width, length, height, and orientation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the analytical parameters from qualitative descriptors to quantitative physical parameters. By introducing specific measurable parameters such as fracture width (w), length (L), height (H), and orientation angles (θ, φ) derived from strain measurements, the system enables mathematical evaluation of fracturing efficiency rather than subjective qualitative assessment.
2Reliability
If distributed fiber-optic sensing is implemented, then monitoring capability is enhanced, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the distributed fiber-optic sensing system multi-functional by enabling it to simultaneously perform multiple monitoring tasks: fracture detection, strain measurement, and quantitative geometry characterization. A single fiber-optic cable installation provides comprehensive data for evaluating entire hydraulic fracturing stages, eliminating the need for multiple separate monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the fiber-optic cable to serve itself as both the sensing element and the data transmission medium. The cable naturally distributed along the wellbore automatically detects strain changes from passing fractures and transmits this information back to the surface, requiring no additional active components or power sources at the measurement location.
3Loss of information
If quantitative analysis techniques are developed, then diagnostic capabilities are improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring fracture parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the elastic wave propagation model as an intermediary between the raw strain measurements and the fracture geometry parameters. This mathematical model acts as a bridge that translates difficult-to-measure fracture characteristics into easily obtainable strain data from the fiber-optic sensors, making quantitative measurement feasible through intermediate physical relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical measurement of fracture parameters with indirect measurement through elastic wave interactions. Instead of attempting to directly measure fracture width and orientation, the system uses strain measurements from elastic waves and applies physics-based models to infer the fracture geometry, significantly reducing measurement difficulty.
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
The system provides quantitative analysis and interpretation techniques, enhancing the diagnostic capabilities for hydraulic fracturing designs, optimizing fracture geometry, and reducing costs associated with unconventional well development.
Implementation Method 1
Distributed strain sensing (e.g., low-frequency distributed acoustic sensing, or LF-DAS) based cross-well monitoring provides critical information constraining key principles on fracture density, height, length, and orientation
Implementation Method 2
DFOS effectively turns a length of fiber-optic cable into a linear network of sensors that are sensitive to mechanical strain, vibration, and temperature variations along the length of a wellbore
Implementation Method 3
DFOS effectively turns a length of fiber-optic cable into a linear network of sensors that are sensitive to mechanical strain, vibration, and temperature variations along the length of a wellbore
Data Source
AI summary
A fracking efficiency evaluation system and method of use of the system can be implemented to generate a completion design plan based on quantitative analysis of fracture widths. The fracture widths can be implemented to create a frac unevenness parameter, a fracture surface area parameter, and a leakage volume estimation parameter. One or more of the parameters can be used to generate the completion design plan for optimizing performance of a treatment well.