Fracture Junction Flow Model Using Mass and Momentum Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fracture monitoring tools fail to accurately predict pressure distribution and fluid flow rates in complex fracture networks due to neglect of pressure losses, leading to incorrect predictions and inefficient fracturing treatments in shale reservoirs.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based analytical model that incorporates mass and momentum balance components to simulate fracturing fluid flow through fracture junctions, allowing for the estimation of pressure drops and flow splits, which can be combined with CFD simulations to improve accuracy and reliability of fracture modeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current fracture monitoring tools are used to predict pressure distribution and fluid flow rates, then the complexity of the monitoring system is reduced, but the prediction accuracy deteriorates due to neglect of pressure losses
Solution Approach 1:
The fracture network is segmented into discrete fracture elements and junctions, allowing the application of mass and momentum balance equations at each segment. This segmentation enables accurate tracking of pressure losses and flow rates through individual fracture components while maintaining overall system manageability
Solution Approach 2:
An analytical model incorporating mass and momentum balance equations serves as an intermediary between simplified monitoring tools and complex CFD simulations. This intermediary model captures pressure loss effects that simple tools miss while avoiding the computational complexity of full CFD, thereby improving prediction accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity
2Ease of operation
If pressure losses are neglected in fracture modeling, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of fracture diagnostics deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The model incorporates pressure loss parameters and flow bifurcation parameters into the fracture diagnostics framework. By changing the parameters from simple flow rate assumptions to include pressure loss coefficients and momentum balance terms, the reliability of diagnostics is improved while maintaining computational efficiency through analytical solutions
3Measurement precision
If CFD simulations are used to improve accuracy of fracture modeling, then the measurement precision is improved, but the productivity is reduced due to increased computational time
Solution Approach 1:
The analytical model applies mass and momentum balance equations selectively at fracture junctions and key locations rather than throughout the entire fracture network. This partial application of complex physics captures the essential pressure loss effects that dominate fracture behavior without requiring full CFD simulation of every fracture segment, thereby maintaining accuracy while improving computational efficiency
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 enhances the accuracy of fracture modeling by accounting for pressure losses and flow bifurcation, optimizing fracturing treatments and increasing hydrocarbon production by improving leak-off and proppant placement in naturally fractured formations.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid flow model that incorporates a mass balance component and a momentum balance component
Implementation Method 2
a fluid flow model that incorporates a mass balance component and a momentum balance component
Implementation Method 3
estimate a pressure drop and a flow split at one or more or all fracture junctions
Data Source
AI summary
Determining flow through a fracture junction in a complex fracture network. A flow of a fracturing fluid through a fracture junction of a complex fracture network is modeled using a fluid flow model that models flow based, in part, on mass balance and momentum balance. The fracture junction includes a first outlet to flow a first portion of the fracturing fluid and a second outlet to flow a second portion of the fracturing fluid. A ratio of a first volumetric flow rate of the first portion and a second volumetric flow rate of the second portion, and the pressure drop across the junction are determined in response to modeling the flow of the fracturing fluid through the fracture junction according to the fluid flow model. The determined ratio of flow rates and/or the determined pressure drop is provided.