Hydraulic Fracturing Control Under Multi-Bedding Fracture Height Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic fracturing technologies struggle to control fracture height effectively in unconventional oil and gas reservoirs with multi-bedding interference, leading to uncontrolled fracture growth that can impair stimulation effectiveness and pose geological hazards.
Innovation Solution
A method involving geological parameter determination, fracturing fluid selection, and construction parameter adjustment to control fracture height, including steps for calculating fracture dimensions and updating parameters until the desired height is achieved, using models like the shear slip model and hydraulic fracturing model to manage multi-bedding interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If fracture height is increased to connect multiple thin layers, then multi-layer reservoir connectivity is improved, but stimulation effectiveness deteriorates when reservoir is thin or contains bottom water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by adjusting construction parameters (injection pressure, flow rate, fluid viscosity) and geological parameters (bedding strength, rock properties) to control fracture height within optimal ranges. The system dynamically modifies these parameters during hydraulic fracturing to achieve desired fracture geometry that connects multiple layers without excessive height that would cause bottom water coning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through real-time monitoring of fracture propagation using micro-seismic detection, pressure sensors, and flow rate measurements. This feedback allows dynamic adjustment of injection parameters to maintain fracture height within target ranges, ensuring connectivity of multiple layers while preventing bottom water intrusion
2Productivity
If hydraulic fracturing is performed in multi-bedding reservoirs, then reservoir stimulation is enhanced, but fracture height control becomes difficult due to bedding interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by conducting pre-fracturing geological modeling and bedding analysis before hydraulic fracturing operations. This includes creating 3D geological models, identifying bedding plane locations and strengths, and pre-calculating optimal fracture pathways. This preliminary preparation enables better control of fracture propagation through multi-bedding structures during actual fracturing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through real-time monitoring and adaptive adjustment of fracturing parameters during hydraulic fracturing operations. The system continuously monitors pressure, flow rate, and micro-seismic signals to detect fracture interaction with bedding planes, then dynamically adjusts injection parameters to maintain desired fracture geometry despite varying bedding interference conditions
3Volume of moving object
If fracture height is not controlled, then multi-layer connectivity may be achieved, but geological hazards increase due to uncontrolled fracture growth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by implementing preventive measures before uncontrolled fracture growth can occur. This includes pre-establishing fracture height limits based on geological modeling, setting maximum injection pressure thresholds, and preparing real-time monitoring systems to detect signs of runaway fracture propagation. These preliminary safeguards prevent geological hazards before they manifest
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 precise control of fracture height, enhancing reservoir connectivity and reducing risks of uncontrolled fracture growth, thereby improving oil and gas recovery rates and minimizing geological hazards.
Implementation Method 1
determining a fluid pressure inside a hydraulic fracture, a fracture width, a fracture length, and the fracture height based on the hydraulic fracturing model
Implementation Method 2
calculating a stress intensity factor at an upper tip of the hydraulic fracture, a stress intensity factor at a lower tip of the hydraulic fracture, and a stress in a tip region of the hydraulic fracture
Implementation Method 3
A method involving geological parameter determination, fracturing fluid selection, and construction parameter adjustment to control fracture height, including steps for calculating fracture dimensions and updating parameters until the desired height is achieved, using models like the shear slip model and hydraulic fracturing model to manage multi-bedding interference
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling a fracture height in unconventional oil and gas reservoirs under multi-bedding interference is provided. The method includes: obtaining geological parameters of a target horizontal well, and determining a fracturing fluid and construction parameters based on a production capacity target of the target horizontal well; determining a hydraulic fracturing process of the target horizontal well based on a hydraulic fracturing model for processing the multi-bedding interference, and evaluating the fracture height; comparing the fracture height with an expected control height, if the fracture height is greater than the expected control height, reducing a displacement of the fracturing fluid or a total time of a hydraulic fracturing to update the construction parameters until the fracture height is less than the expected control height; and performing the hydraulic fracturing on the target horizontal well based on updated construction parameters.