Fracture Optimization via Formation Logging Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fracture operations in hydrocarbon formations face challenges in optimizing parameters such as geometry and schedule to maximize hydrocarbon production, as existing methods lack effective data-driven approaches to determine optimal settings for wellbore spacing, stage placement, proppant type, and pumping pressures.

Innovation Solution

A method involving logging formation parameters using sensors during drilling or wireline operations, followed by processing these data to determine correlations between formation characteristics and fracture treatment parameters, allowing for real-time adjustments to optimize fracture operations and increase hydrocarbon recovery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional fracture operations are performed without data-driven optimization, then operational simplicity is maintained, but hydrocarbon production is not maximized

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrocarbon productionVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary data collection during drilling operations by logging formation parameters (brittleness, stress, porosity, permeability) before the fracture operation begins. This advance characterization allows optimization of fracture design parameters without adding complexity during the actual fracture operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates a digital model of the formation based on logged parameters and uses this model to simulate and optimize fracture outcomes. This virtual representation allows multiple scenarios to be tested without physical trial-and-error, maximizing productivity while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Productivity

If extensive subsurface characterization is performed to optimize fracture parameters, then hydrocarbon production can be maximized, but operational time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrocarbon productionVSAvoidoperational time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The logging system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it characterizes formation properties for fracture optimization, creates a digital model for simulation, and provides real-time data for parameter adjustment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate characterization operations, reducing time loss while maximizing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses continuous logging to capture formation parameters throughout the wellbore, providing spatially-resolved data that enables optimized fracture staging and geometry. This approach replaces extensive discrete characterization operations with a single continuous measurement process, reducing operational time while maintaining optimization quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If real-time data processing and parameter adjustment are implemented, then fracture operation optimization is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefracture operation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors logged formation parameters and provides real-time feedback to adjust fracture operation parameters (pump rate, proppant concentration, stage placement). This closed-loop control optimizes fracture efficiency without requiring complex manual intervention, as the system automatically processes data and recommends adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

A digital model serves as an intermediary between raw logging data and fracture operation decisions. The model translates complex formation characteristics into actionable recommendations for fracture parameters, simplifying the decision-making process while maintaining optimization quality and reducing direct system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Manufacturing precision

If formation parameters are logged and analyzed to determine optimal fracture parameters, then manufacturing precision of fracture geometry is improved, but measurement and detection difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefracture geometry precisionVSAvoidformation parameter measurement difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical formation testing methods with logging measurements taken during standard drilling operations. This substitution obtains formation parameters (stress, brittleness, porosity, permeability) without requiring separate mechanical tests, reducing measurement difficulty while improving fracture geometry precision through better data quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10677036B2Integrated data driven platform for completion optimization and reservoir characterization

Publication Date: 2020.06.09 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

A method for performing a fracture operation. A log of a formation parameter is obtained for a formation surrounding a wellbore in which the fracture operation is to be implemented. A relation is determined between the formation parameter and a parameter of the fracture operation. A value of the parameter of the fracture operation is selected based on the relation and a value of the formation parameter.