Friction Reducing Polymer Selection for Hydraulic Fracturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic fracturing operations face challenges due to the adverse effects of varying total dissolved solids concentrations in water sources on friction reducing polymers, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs, as these polymers may lose effectiveness or become too expensive when TDS levels change during fracturing stages.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method that performs real-time water quality analysis and correlates it with archival data to dynamically select the appropriate friction reducing polymer based on TDS concentrations, switching between higher and lower cost polymers as needed to maintain friction reduction properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a friction reducing polymer is selected based on initial water quality tests, then the hydraulic fracturing system can deliver fluid at required rate and pressure initially, but the polymer becomes ineffective when total dissolved solids increase during fracturing stages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic selection of friction reducing polymers based on real-time monitoring of total dissolved solids concentrations. The system transitions from a static polymer selection approach to a dynamic one where polymer type and concentration are adjusted during fracturing stages to maintain effectiveness as water quality changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates continuous monitoring of water quality parameters (total dissolved solids) and uses this feedback to determine when to switch between different friction reducing polymers. This closed-loop approach ensures the polymer selection responds to actual field conditions rather than relying on initial predictions.
2Reliability
If a friction reducing polymer designed for high TDS fluids is used, then the polymer remains effective across varying TDS levels, but the cost of the hydraulic fracturing operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of polymer selection from a fixed high-TDS polymer to a variable selection based on actual TDS measurements. By adjusting which polymer is used (and at what concentration) based on monitored TDS levels, the system optimizes cost while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses lower-cost polymers for low-TDS conditions and switches to higher-cost polymers only when TDS levels require it. This approach replaces the strategy of always using expensive high-TDS polymers with a more economical selective approach.
3Quantity of substance
If a lower cost friction reducing polymer is used for low TDS water, then operational costs are minimized, but the polymer becomes ineffective when TDS levels increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between economical low-TDS polymers and effective high-TDS polymers based on real-time water quality monitoring. This ensures cost optimization during low-TDS stages while maintaining reliability when TDS increases.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary water quality testing and monitors TDS levels throughout the fracturing operation, preparing in advance to switch polymers before effectiveness is lost. This proactive approach prevents the problems that would occur with static polymer selection.
4Device complexity
If water quality is tested only once before fracturing fluid design, then the initial polymer selection can be made, but the selection becomes suboptimal when water quality changes between fracturing stages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous water quality monitoring throughout the fracturing operation rather than a single preliminary test. This continuous measurement approach provides ongoing data to guide polymer selection decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time feedback from continuous water quality monitoring to adjust polymer selection during fracturing stages, transforming the open-loop single-test approach into a closed-loop continuous-adjustment system.
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 ensures continuous effective hydraulic fracturing by maintaining optimal friction reduction while minimizing operational costs, as the selected polymer remains effective across changing TDS levels, thereby enhancing the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the fracturing process.
Implementation Method 1
Pumping rates for hydraulic fracturing operations may regularly exceed 50 barrels per minute (8 m3/min) or more, which may cause turbulence in conduits such as wellbore tubing, liners, and casings. Turbulent flow of hydraulic fracturing fluid decreases the pressure of the fluid as it flows through conduits
Implementation Method 2
Some common friction reducing polymers may include long chain water soluble polymers which may aid in moderating turbulence by reducing eddy currents within a conduit
Implementation Method 3
a relatively higher dissolved solids concentration may cause adverse effects with hydration and stability of a given friction reducing polymer
Data Source
AI summary
A method may include: determining a total dissolved solids (TDS) concentration of a water source; correlating the TDS concentration to an ion concentration; and selecting at least one friction reducing polymer for a hydraulic fracturing operation based at least in part on the ion concentration.