Real-time Fracture Geometry Estimation via Offset Wellbore Poro-elastic Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining fracture geometry during hydraulic fracturing operations are inaccurate, inconsistent, and often performed post-operation, leading to potential human error and lack of real-time monitoring.
Innovation Solution
The system utilizes poro-elastic responses from offset wellbores to estimate fracture geometry in real-time by analyzing pressure measurements, leveraging databases with formation characteristics to model and control fracture dimensions such as length, height, and width during the fracturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current methods are used to determine fracture geometry, then the process can be completed, but the measurement precision is poor and real-time monitoring is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses poroelastic response measurements from offset wellbores as an intermediary to indirectly determine fracture geometry in the target wellbore. Instead of directly measuring fracture dimensions, the system measures pressure responses in offset wellbores that are affected by the fracture, using these responses as a mediator to infer fracture geometry parameters with improved precision and real-time capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical measurement methods with a field-based measurement approach using poroelastic response. Instead of physically measuring fracture dimensions, the system substitutes mechanical measurement with pressure measurement in offset wellbores, which provides real-time data without interfering with the fracture operation.
2Loss of time
If fracture geometry is determined after the operation, then measurement can be performed, but real-time monitoring and control is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurements in offset wellbores during the fracture operation itself, rather than waiting for post-operation analysis. By continuously monitoring poroelastic responses in offset wellbores throughout the fracturing process, the system enables real-time determination of fracture geometry, eliminating time delays and allowing immediate adjustments to maximize hydrocarbon production.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a feedback loop where poroelastic response measurements from offset wellbores are continuously monitored and used to determine fracture geometry in real-time. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of fracture operations, allowing operators to optimize treatment parameters during the process rather than after completion, thereby improving productivity.
3Extent of automation
If human experience is used to determine fracture geometry, then qualitative assessment is possible, but human error and inconsistency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the fracture operation system to self-monitor and self-determine fracture geometry through automated poroelastic response measurement. Instead of relying on human operators to interpret fracture characteristics, the system automatically measures pressure responses in offset wellbores and calculates fracture geometry parameters, eliminating human error and improving measurement consistency through objective, repeatable data collection.
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 approach provides accurate and real-time monitoring and control of fracture geometry, enhancing the precision of hydraulic fracturing operations and improving hydrocarbon production by allowing for immediate adjustments based on measured data.
Implementation Method 1
taking a set of pressure measurements from a set of offset wellbores; identifying a set of poro-elastic responses from the set of pressure measurements
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for modeling a fracture geometry. The method may comprise taking one or more pressure measurements from an offset wellbore, identifying a pressure trend of the offset wellbore, and comparing the one or more pressure measurements to the pressure trend to identify a poro-elastic trend. The method may further comprise creating a poro-elastic model of a target wellbore from the poro-elastic trend, identifying the fracture geometry of a fracture in the target wellbore from at least the poro-elastic trend, and comparing the fracture geometry to a target fracture geometry. The system may comprise a pressure measurement device disposed in an offset wellbore, one or more pieces of equipment configured for a fracture operation and connected to a target wellbore, and an information handling system.