Fracture Complexity Estimation via Real-Time Signal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic fracturing operations lack real-time control over fracture complexity, which hinders optimal hydrocarbon recovery as operators cannot accurately assess or adjust fracture complexity during the process.
Innovation Solution
A method that combines a complex fracture model with real-time data analysis to estimate fracture complexity, using signal inputs such as pressure and micro-seismic signals to calculate observed and predicted fracture growth rates, and apply control techniques to adjust fracturing parameters, thereby optimizing fracture geometry and enhancing recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If real-time data collection and analysis systems are implemented to estimate fracture complexity, then fracture complexity can be controlled in real-time, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors pressure signals and micro-seismic data during fracturing operations, compares observed fracture growth rates with predicted rates from the complex fracture model, and provides real-time feedback on fracture complexity. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of fracturing parameters to optimize hydrocarbon recovery while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary information handling system that processes raw data from sensors and translates it into meaningful fracture complexity estimates. This intermediary layer includes the complex fracture model that acts as a mediator between raw measurements and operational decisions, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling real-time control.
2Measurement precision
If complex fracture models are used to predict fracture growth rates, then measurement precision of fracture complexity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex fracture model uses parameter changes to represent different fracture scenarios and growth rates. By adjusting model parameters such as fracture width, length, and propagation speed, the system achieves precise measurement of fracture complexity without requiring overly complex computational structures. The model transforms physical fracture characteristics into measurable parameters that can be directly compared with observed data.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining fracture complexity may comprise receiving one or more signal inputs from a fracturing operation, calculating an observed fracture growth rate based at least partially on the one or more signal inputs, calculating a predicted fracture growth rate, determining a fracture complexity value, and applying a control technique to make adjustments a hydraulic stimulation operation based at least in part on the fracture complexity value. Also provided is a system for determining a fracture complexity for a hydraulic fracturing operation may comprise a hydraulic fracturing system, a sensor unit to receive one or more signal inputs, a calculating unit, a fracture complexity unit, and a controller unit to apply a control technique to adjust one or more hydraulic stimulation parameters on the hydraulic fracturing system.