Fracture Face Permeability Measurement System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current proppant conductivity tests in hydraulic fracturing primarily measure conductivity losses within high permeability proppant packs and fail to assess damage at the fracture face, which affects sustained production rates due to factors like proppant embedment, fracture aperture reduction, and proppant crushing.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that include a housing with a cavity for holding a test sample, multiple inlets for fluid delivery in different directions, and a force applicator to apply compressive force, allowing for the determination of fluid and test sample characteristics, including fracture face formation permeability and conductivity, by flowing fluid through the sample while applying compressive force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current proppant conductivity tests are used, then conductivity losses within high permeability proppant packs can be measured, but damage at the fracture face cannot be assessed
Solution Approach 1:
The test system segments the measurement process into distinct flow paths: one through the proppant pack and another through the fracture face region. This allows separate assessment of conductivity losses in each zone, with the fracture face evaluation being the novel contribution. The system divides the core sample into measurable sections to isolate fracture face damage from proppant pack effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a new measurement dimension by evaluating fracture face conductivity separately from traditional proppant pack measurements. This dimensional addition to the testing methodology enables simultaneous assessment of both proppant pack conductivity and fracture face damage, transforming a single-measurement approach into a multi-dimensional evaluation system.
2Reliability
If proppant embedment and fracture aperture reduction occur, then sustained production rates are affected, but these effects cannot be measured by current tests
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces indirect mechanical assessment methods with direct fluid flow measurements through the fracture face. Instead of relying on mechanical tests to infer permeability changes, the invention uses fluid conductivity measurements under controlled stress conditions to directly quantify fracture face permeability and aperture reduction effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The test system varies key parameters including applied stress, fluid flow rate, and temperature to measure fracture face permeability under different conditions. This parameter variation allows characterization of how proppant embedment and stress affect fracture aperture and permeability, providing data for more reliable production forecasting.
3Loss of information
If multiple fluid inlets and force applicator are added, then fracture face damage can be assessed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test system is designed with multi-functionality, where the force applicator serves both to apply compressive stress and to create sealed flow paths. The housing structure performs multiple functions including containment, sealing, and support for measurement components. This universal design reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the stress application mechanism with the fluid flow measurement system into an integrated test cell. The force applicator and fluid inlets/outlets are combined in a single housing structure, eliminating the need for separate external stress application devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full assessment capability.
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
Enables a more accurate assessment of proppant embedment and fracture face damage, improving production forecasting and well performance by measuring permeability and conductivity reductions due to proppant embedment and stress, leading to better decision-making in hydrocarbon exploration and production.
Implementation Method 1
a force applicator configured to apply compressive force to the test sample within the cavity
Implementation Method 2
flowing fluid through the test sample using a first fluid inlet and a fluid outlet; flowing fluid through the test sample using another fluid inlet and the fluid outlet
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a system includes a housing having a cavity defined therein for holding a test sample, a first inlet in fluid communication with the cavity to deliver fluid to the test sample, a second inlet in fluid communication with the cavity to deliver fluid to the test sample, the first inlet configured to deliver fluid to the test sample in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction that the second inlet is configured to deliver fluid to the test sample, an outlet in fluid communication with the cavity to receive fluid from the test sample, and a force applicator configured to apply compressive force to the test sample within the cavity. The force applicator forms a seal with the housing while applying compressive force to the test sample. The system also comprises at least one sensor configured to, while fluid flows from at least one of the inlets through the test sample to the outlet, determine a fluid characteristic, a test sample characteristic, or any combination thereof.