Friction Reducing Polymer Selection for Hydraulic Fracturing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydraulic fracturing operations face challenges due to varying water quality, particularly total dissolved solids (TDS) concentrations, which can affect the performance and cost-effectiveness of friction reducing polymers, leading to inefficient pressure maintenance and increased operational costs.

Innovation Solution

Implementing real-time water quality analysis and correlating 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

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a friction reducing polymer is selected based on initial water quality tests, then the polymer provides effective friction reduction at the tested TDS level, but the polymer becomes ineffective or suboptimal when TDS concentration changes during fracturing operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefriction reduction effectivenessVSAvoidadaptability to varying TDS concentrations

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts polymer selection based on real-time TDS monitoring. Instead of using a static polymer choice, the system continuously adapts to changing water quality conditions by selecting from multiple polymer options as TDS levels vary during the fracturing operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of polymer selection based on TDS concentration thresholds. Different polymers are selected for different TDS ranges, allowing the system to optimize friction reduction performance across varying water quality conditions rather than relying on a single polymer for all conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a severe duty friction reducing polymer designed for high TDS fluids is used, then the polymer maintains effectiveness in high TDS conditions, but the operational cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefriction reduction effectiveness in high TDSVSAvoidoperational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system selects different polymers based on TDS parameter thresholds. Standard polymers are used when TDS levels are within acceptable ranges, while severe duty polymers are only deployed when TDS exceeds thresholds that would render standard polymers ineffective, thereby optimizing cost while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses cost-effective standard polymers for the majority of operating conditions rather than continuously using expensive severe duty polymers. Only when water quality deteriorates beyond a threshold does the system switch to the more expensive severe duty polymer, minimizing operational costs while maintaining necessary performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Power

If pumping rates are increased to maintain pressure and flow rates against turbulent flow, then the required horsepower increases, but the friction reducing polymer can moderate turbulence and reduce horsepower requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehorsepower requirementsVSAvoidenergy loss to turbulence

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system optimizes polymer concentration and selection parameters based on real-time TDS levels to maximize friction reduction effectiveness. By matching the right polymer to the right water quality conditions, the system minimizes turbulence and energy loss, reducing horsepower requirements compared to using inappropriate polymers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effective friction reduction while optimizing costs by selecting the most suitable polymer for changing TDS levels, maintaining hydraulic fracturing efficiency and reducing operational expenses.

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11505736B2Method to hydraulically fracture a well

Publication Date: 2022.11.22 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A system may include: a source of water fluidically coupled to a fracturing blender; water testing equipment disposed between the source of water and the fracturing blender wherein the water testing equipment is operable to measure at least one property of the source of water; a plurality of friction reducing polymers operable to be added to the fracturing blender; and a control system comprising: at least one processor; and a memory coupled to the processor to provide software that configures the processor to receive an input signal from the water testing equipment and select at least one of the plurality of friction reducing polymers.