Friction Modifier Control for Hydraulic Fracturing Flow Rates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Simultaneous fracturing of multiple wells using traditional mechanical modulation methods leads to localized erosion, waste of fluid, and reduced component life due to the reliance on point-source flow control devices like valves and chokes, which are prone to wear and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
The use of friction modifiers to alter the frictional resistance of each wellbore, allowing for controlled fluid flow distribution by adjusting the amount of friction reducers or modifiers in the treatment fluid, rather than relying on mechanical devices, thereby optimizing flow rates across multiple wells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If mechanical modulation means (valves and chokes) are used to adjust flow rates between wells, then flow rate control is achieved, but localized erosion occurs and component life is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical flow control devices (valves and chokes) with a computer-controlled pumping system that uses multiple independent pumps to deliver treatment fluid to each wellbore. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical modulation means, thereby preventing localized erosion and extending component life while maintaining precise flow rate control through electronic control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the treatment fluid delivery system into multiple independent pumping units, with each pump dedicated to a specific wellbore. This segmentation allows each pump to independently control flow rate to its assigned well without requiring mechanical modulation, thereby eliminating the erosion problems associated with traditional valve and choke systems.
2Speed
If mechanical modulation means are used to control flow rates, then flow distribution is adjusted, but fluid waste increases and environmental damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical modulation means with computer-controlled pumping systems, the patent achieves precise flow rate control that minimizes fluid waste. The electronic control system can accurately deliver the required flow rates without the inefficiencies and leaks associated with mechanical valves and chokes, thereby reducing environmental damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a computer control system that monitors and adjusts flow rates to each wellbore in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures optimal fluid delivery, preventing over-pumping and minimizing waste, thereby reducing environmental impact while maintaining effective flow rate control.
3Speed
If mechanical modulation means are used, then flow rates between wells are controlled, but time and labor are required for operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical modulation with an automated computer-controlled pumping system. This automation eliminates the need for operators to manually adjust valves and chokes, significantly reducing operation time and labor requirements while maintaining precise flow rate control through electronic programming and monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The computer control system automatically monitors and adjusts flow rates to each wellbore without requiring continuous manual intervention. The system self-regulates the pumping operations, eliminating the time and labor that would otherwise be required for manual operation of mechanical modulation means.
4Ease of operation
If point-source flow control devices are used, then localized flow adjustment is achieved, but erosion and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces point-source mechanical flow control devices with distributed computer-controlled pumping units. Each pump delivers treatment fluid directly to its assigned wellbore without requiring localized mechanical modulation, thereby eliminating the concentrated erosion and wear that occur at valve and choke locations while maintaining full flow control 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
This approach reduces environmental damage and resource consumption by minimizing fluid waste and extending equipment life, while maintaining precise control over flow rates during simultaneous stimulation treatments.
Implementation Method 1
The use of friction modifiers to alter the frictional resistance of each wellbore, allowing for controlled fluid flow distribution by adjusting the amount of friction reducers or modifiers in the treatment fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A system for use in hydraulic fracturing of at least one reservoir. The system including at least one pump for injecting a friction modifier into a wellbore, at least one friction modifier controller for controlling an amount of friction modifier channeled through at least one well bore, and at least one injector. The friction modifier controller is configured to monitor at least one of a fluid flow rate and pressure associated with each wellbore, compare the at least one of the fluid flow rate and the pressure with at least one of a desired flow rate and desired pressure, and adjust a friction modifier level for at least one wellbore based on results of the comparison. The injector is configured to control the pump to deliver an amount of a friction modifier into the wellbore based on the friction modifier level.