Fracturing Controller for Wellbore Cluster Flow Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic fracturing processes face challenges in monitoring and balancing the distribution of fracturing components within fracture clusters, as direct downhole observation is difficult and costly, making it hard to optimize the distribution of fracture fluid and proppant across multiple fractures.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that modify surface flow rates and measure corresponding pressures to determine flow rates for fracture clusters using a model representing wellbore flow distribution, allowing for the monitoring and optimization of fracturing component distribution without the need for a downhole monitoring system, employing a fracturing controller to adjust pumping rates and pressures based on surface data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If direct downhole monitoring systems are used to observe fracturing components, then measurement precision of flow distribution is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses surface measurements of flow rates and pressures as intermediaries to indirectly determine downhole flow distribution. Instead of placing sensors directly in the wellbore, the system measures parameters at the surface and uses a computational model to infer the flow distribution in fracture clusters, thereby avoiding the complexity of downhole monitoring equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical downhole monitoring equipment with a computational model that processes surface measurements. The model uses mathematical relationships between surface flow rates, surface pressures, and downhole conditions to calculate flow distribution, substituting mechanical sensing equipment with computational analysis.
2Measurement precision
If surface flow rates are modified in series of steps to determine flow distribution, then measurement precision of cluster flow rates is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic step-changes in flow rate followed by measurement of pressure responses. By systematically varying flow rates through discrete steps and measuring the resulting pressure changes, the system can solve the flow distribution problem. This periodic action allows the system to gather sufficient data for precise calculations while maintaining a structured, efficient measurement process.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a method and a computer program product for determining distribution of fracturing components in fracture clusters of a wellbore, and a fracturing controller. An example of the method includes: (1) modifying surface flow rates for pumping a fracturing component into the wellbore, (2) measuring surface pressures for the surface flow rates, and (3) determining flow rates for the fracture clusters employing the surface flow rates, the surface pressures, and a model representing flow distribution of the wellbore. An example fracturing controller includes (1) an interface configured to receive surface flow rates and corresponding surface pressures for pumping a fracturing component into a wellbore, wherein the surface flow rates are modified in a series of steps, and (2) a processor configured to determine flow rates for the fracture clusters employing the surface flow rates, the surface pressures, and a model representing flow distribution of the wellbore.