Fracturing Fluid Rheological Model for Complex Mixtures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic fracturing models struggle to accurately predict the rheological behavior of fracturing fluids, especially when multiple fluids mix within complex fracture networks in unconventional reservoirs, affecting fracture network creation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based fluid model that predicts the rheological behavior of fracturing fluids by using input variables such as reference viscosity, fluid properties, and specific modules for shear rate, temperature, salinity, cross-linker chemistry, and proppant information, allowing for the simulation of both Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids and their mixtures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current hydraulic fracturing models are used to predict rheological behavior of fracturing fluids, then the modeling process can be implemented, but the prediction accuracy deteriorates when multiple fluids mix within complex fracture networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by incorporating multiple input variables (reference viscosity, fluid properties, shear rate, temperature, salinity, cross-linker chemistry, proppant information) to dynamically adjust the rheological behavior predictions. This allows the model to adapt to different fluid compositions and mixing scenarios while maintaining prediction accuracy across complex fracture networks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by creating a comprehensive fluid model that can handle both Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids, as well as mixtures of multiple fracturing fluids. The model's multi-functional capability allows it to predict rheological behavior across diverse scenarios including single fluids, fluid mixtures, and complex fracture networks simultaneously
2Measurement precision
If a comprehensive fluid model with multiple input variables and modules is implemented, then the accuracy of fracturing rheological behavior modeling is improved, but the model complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the comprehensive fluid model into distinct functional modules, each handling specific input variables (shear rate module, temperature module, salinity module, cross-linker chemistry module, proppant information module). This modular structure improves measurement precision while managing model complexity through organized, independent components that can be selectively applied
Data Source
AI summary
In one example of determining fracturing rheological behavior of fracturing fluids, a reference viscosity and fluid properties of a fracturing fluid are received. A fracturing rheological behavior of the fracturing fluid is modeled using a fluid model that models the fracturing rheological behavior of Newtonian and non-Newtonian fluids based, in part, on the received reference viscosity and the received fluid properties of the fracturing fluid. The fracturing rheological behavior of the fracturing fluid is provided. If a fracturing fluid is a mixture of two or more fracturing fluids, then a rheological behavior of the mixture is modeled based on a mixing rheological model. The fracturing rheological behavior of the mixture is then modeled based on the rheological behavior modeled by the mixing rheological model.