Hydraulic Fracturing via Formation Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic fracturing in tight, low-permeability rock formations like shale is inefficient, with only a small percentage of hydrocarbons being extracted, due to high in-situ formation stress that limits fracture network extent and hydrocarbon recovery.
Innovation Solution
Reducing the in-situ temperature of the formation using an endothermic process or cooling fluids like water or liquid nitrogen to lower formation stress, allowing for the creation of larger and more extensive fracture networks when treated with a fracturing fluid at a lower temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If hydraulic fracturing is performed at high in-situ formation temperature, then the formation stress is high which limits fracture network extent, but reducing temperature requires additional cooling processes and fluid injection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the formation by injecting cooling fluids (liquid nitrogen, liquid CO2, or water) to reduce formation temperature. This parameter change directly addresses the contradiction by lowering formation stress through temperature reduction, thereby extending fracture network extent while managing the complexity through controlled thermal modification
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of cooling fluids (particularly liquid nitrogen and liquid CO2) to achieve rapid cooling. The phase change from liquid to gas provides efficient heat transfer and temperature reduction, enabling fracture network extension without requiring overly complex cooling systems
2Productivity
If cooling fluids are injected to reduce formation temperature, then fracture networks become larger and more extensive, but the cooling process requires additional time and fluid injection duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase transitions of cooling fluids to achieve rapid cooling in relatively short timeframes. The phase change process provides efficient heat transfer that quickly reduces formation temperature, minimizing the time loss while maximizing hydrocarbon recovery through extended fracture networks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic injection cycles of cooling fluids followed by fracturing operations. This periodic action allows for controlled cooling periods that reduce temperature sufficiently to extend fracture networks, then transitions to production phases, optimizing both recovery volume and time management
3Quantity of substance
If formation temperature is reduced to lower formation stress, then hydrocarbon extraction volume increases, but the process requires additional cooling fluids and endothermic reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of cooling fluids to maximize cooling efficiency per unit of fluid consumed. The phase change process absorbs significant heat energy, allowing effective temperature reduction with optimized fluid consumption, thereby increasing hydrocarbon extraction volume while managing cooling fluid loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the normally harmful effect of high formation temperature into a benefit by using endothermic reactions and phase transitions. The heat absorption during cooling is transformed into a useful mechanism for stress reduction and fracture network extension, turning the energy that would otherwise be wasted into a productive element that enhances hydrocarbon recovery
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 method enables the extraction of a larger volume of hydrocarbons by creating larger fracture networks at reduced formation stress, either with increased pump pressure or reduced fracturing fluid volumes, enhancing hydrocarbon recovery from tight rock formations.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the temperature reduction in the reducing step is caused by providing an endothermic process, such as an endothermic reaction or endothermic mixing, at the location
Implementation Method 2
the first fluid can be provided to the location at a temperature below the in-situ temperature. For example, the first fluid can be selected from the group consisting of water, liquid nitrogen, a liquid inert gas, and liquid CO2
Implementation Method 3
contacting the location with a first fluid to reduce the temperature of the formation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for producing fractures in a formation to release hydrocarbons (such as a hydrocarbon gas or liquid) from the formation is disclosed. The method comprises reducing the in-situ temperature at a location in a formation having a first temperature by contacting the location with a first fluid and contacting the location with a fracturing fluid to produce fractures in the formation while the location is at a second temperature below the first temperature to release hydrocarbons from the formation. The method can include using an endothermic process to reduce the temperature at the location in the formation.