Fracturing Tubular With Deformable Member for Transverse Fracture Depth

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Solution Overview

Problem

In downhole fracturing operations, particularly in horizontal or highly deviated boreholes, fractures tend to orient parallel to the borehole axis, limiting the depth of penetration and effectiveness of the fracturing process, which restricts the permeation enhancement in hydrocarbon recovery and carbon dioxide sequestration.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a tubular with ports and a sealable attachment to the borehole walls, along with a deformable member that engages the walls to apply stress and induce fractures, allowing for longitudinal loading and pressure application to enhance fracture depth and permeability, utilizing a seat and plug mechanism to control fluid communication and stress distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If conventional fracturing is used in horizontal or highly deviated boreholes, then the fracturing operation can be performed, but the fractures orient parallel to the borehole axis and penetration depth is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefracture penetration depthVSAvoidfracture orientation control

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies longitudinal loads to the borehole walls before pressurizing the formation. This preliminary mechanical stressing creates favorable stress conditions that guide fracture propagation in transverse directions rather than parallel to the borehole axis, thereby improving penetration depth before the fracturing fluid is injected

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the dimension of fracture propagation by inducing transverse fractures perpendicular to the borehole axis rather than allowing fractures to propagate parallel to the axis. This is achieved through the application of longitudinal loads that create stress conditions favoring transverse fracture orientation, effectively moving the fracture direction to a different spatial dimension

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The system effectively increases fracture depth and permeability by inducing transverse fractures, improving the effectiveness of the fracturing operation, especially in challenging horizontal or deviated wellbores, by applying focused stress and pressure to the formation, thereby enhancing hydrocarbon drainage and carbon dioxide storage capacity.

Implementation Method 1

deforming a member in operable communication with the tubular into engagement with the walls

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a seal sealably attachable to both the tubular and walls of the formation borehole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 3

stressing the walls with the urging, and pressuring up the formation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFracture mechanics: Fracture Mechanics

Data Source

PatentUS9045953B2System and method for fracturing a formation and a method of increasing depth of fracturing of a formation

Publication Date: 2015.06.02 BAKER HUGHES CO

AI summary

A system for fracturing a formation includes a tubular positionable within a formation borehole having at least one port therethrough configured to provide fluidic communication from inside the tubular to the formation borehole. The system also includes a seal sealably attachable to both the tubular and walls of the formation borehole, a seat in operable communication with the tubular and a member in operable communication with the seat such that movement of the seat relative to the tubular causes the member to engage the walls and provide stress thereto.