In Situ Fracture Gelation for Far-Field Fracture Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fracturing operations face challenges in controlling fracture formation and propagation, particularly in unconventional formations, leading to inefficient hydrocarbon recovery due to unpredictable fracture geometry and formation damage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an aqueous composition with a gelling agent and an encapsulated crosslinker into fractures, allowing for controlled crosslinking to increase viscosity and form a gel, which can direct and control fracture growth, either inhibiting or redirecting it as needed, using delayed crosslinking mechanisms and external triggers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fracturing operations are performed to stimulate hydrocarbon production, then productivity increases, but fracture geometry becomes unpredictable and formation damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gel as an intermediary substance injected into the fracture. This gel acts as a mediator that can be controlled to stop fracture propagation at desired locations, thereby providing precision control over fracture geometry while maintaining the productivity benefits of fracturing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in the physical and chemical parameters of the fracturing fluid, specifically transitioning it into a gel state through crosslinking. This parameter change enables the fluid to exert controlled resistance to fracture propagation, allowing precise control over fracture geometry and preventing formation damage.
2Manufacturing precision
If gel is injected to control fracture propagation, then fracture geometry is controlled, but the gel must be removed to restore fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs breaking agents that are selectively removed or degraded after the gel has served its fracture control function. This allows the system to discard the gel (and breaking agents) once fracture geometry control is achieved, restoring fluid flow without requiring complex removal processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a periodic sequence where the gel is introduced for fracture control, then systematically removed or degraded. This periodic action—gel injection for control, followed by gel removal to restore flow—provides cyclic control over fracture propagation while maintaining operational simplicity.
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 method enhances hydrocarbon recovery by precisely controlling fracture geometry, reducing formation damage, and optimizing fracture propagation, thereby improving productivity and efficiency in unconventional formations.
Implementation Method 1
allowing for release of the crosslinker from its encapsulant, thereby crosslinking the gelling agent within the at least one fracture
Implementation Method 2
an encapsulated or other form of crosslinker into at least one fracture present in a subterranean formation
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are methods for the control of fracture formation and propagation during fracturing operations performed on a subterranean formation. These methods can comprise injecting an aqueous composition comprising a gelling agent and a crosslinker into at least one fracture present in the subterranean formation via a wellbore in fluid communication with the subterranean formation; displacing the gelling agent and the crosslinker to a desired location within the at least one fracture present in the subterranean formation.