Hydraulic Fracturing Device with Mechanical Anchor and Packer Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-stage hydraulic fracturing devices face issues with reliable fixation and manufacturability, leading to damage and inefficiency, especially in wells with cemented casing columns, where perforation fails to establish a hydraulic connection with productive formations, and fluid circulation is hindered.
Innovation Solution
A device equipped with a mechanical anchor, hydraulic fracturing port, and straight-way packers, which allows for reliable perforation, cavern washout, and hydraulic fracturing by isolating each formation interval with a mechanical anchor and hydraulic monitoring holes, ensuring stable operation and efficient fluid management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a perforating device is activated at high pressure to perforate the casing pipe, then the perforation is achieved, but the casing pipe is damaged and depressurization occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the perforation process into two distinct stages: first, perforation is performed with the packer retracted to avoid damage; second, after perforation is complete, the packer is advanced to seal the casing and prevent fluid leakage. This segmentation allows the perforating element to access the casing for perforation while the packer prevents harmful fluid escape during the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The packer is advanced to seal the casing pipe before the perforating element activates at high pressure. This preliminary sealing action prevents fluid leakage and casing damage during the subsequent high-pressure perforation operation, while still allowing the perforation to be performed effectively.
2Reliability
If packers are activated to isolate formation intervals for hydraulic fracturing, then selective fracturing is achieved, but the device cannot be reliably fixed and gaskets are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses separate functional elements: the packer for isolation, the anchor for fixation, and the gasket for sealing. Each element performs its specific function independently, with the anchor providing mechanical fixation and the gasket providing sealing, preventing the damage that occurs when packers are pressed directly against the casing wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket acts as an intermediary element between the packer and the casing wall, distributing the sealing force and preventing direct contact and damage between the packer and the casing. The anchor serves as an intermediary for fixation, providing a reliable mechanical connection without requiring direct pressing of the packer against the casing.
3Reliability
If perforation is performed with activated packers, then isolation is achieved, but fluid circulation through the annulus is prevented and cavern washout is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the isolation function from the circulation function: the packer provides isolation of the formation interval, while the annular space remains open for fluid circulation. The hydraulic monitoring holes provide a separate pathway for fluid communication, allowing both isolation and circulation to occur simultaneously without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic monitoring holes serve as intermediaries that maintain fluid circulation pathways even when the packer is activated for isolation. These holes provide alternative channels for fluid flow, ensuring that cavern washout and fluid circulation can occur independently of the packer's isolation function.
4Productivity
If multiple formation intervals are processed in one tripping process, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple formation intervals in a single tripping operation. The packer, anchor, and hydraulic monitoring holes are configured to perform isolation, fixation, and fluid circulation functions simultaneously across multiple intervals, eliminating the need for separate operations and reducing overall device complexity despite the enhanced capability.
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 safe and efficient selective processing of multiple productive formation intervals in one tripping process with reliable fixation and complete isolation, preventing damage and ensuring high-quality hydraulic fracturing.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulic fracturing fluid is supplied under pressure, the packers are activated to separate the interval of the productive formation from an annulus
Implementation Method 2
working fluid is supplied under pressure through a tubing string to the perforator, the well casing is perforated
Implementation Method 3
A device equipped with a mechanical anchor, hydraulic fracturing port, and straight-way packers, which allows for reliable perforation, cavern washout, and hydraulic fracturing by isolating each formation interval with a mechanical anchor
Data Source
AI summary
The proposed technology relates to methods and devices for selective treatment of wellbores that allows treating several intervals of a productive formation in a single trip. The proposed device for implementing the method includes a mechanical anchor, hydraulic fracturing port, packers and a perforator disposed in the device's bottom part. It is lowered into a well casing to the depth of productive formation. Working fluid is supplied to the perforator via a tubing string, the well casing is perforated, and caverns are washed out. The device is positioned so that the perforation interval is situated between the packers, fixed in the well casing by the anchor, and working fluid is then cut off. Hydraulic fracturing fluid is supplied, and the productive formation's interval is isolated from the well casing's annulus by activation of the packers. Hydraulic fracturing is executed, and the device is removed from the well casing.