High-Velocity Fracking Fluid Valve for Overburdened Zone Fracturing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for fracturing subterranean formations in natural gas wells are often ineffective, leading to ceased production due to inability to introduce further fractures, especially in overburdened pressure zones.

Innovation Solution

The application of kinetic energy through high-velocity fracking fluid, accelerated and abruptly decelerated using a downhole fluid velocity-activated annular valve system, to induce fractures in the geological structure, combined with the use of high-pressure gas accumulators and proppants to enhance fracture propagation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional fracturing methods are used in overburdened pressure zones, then production may be maintained initially, but fracture propagation fails and production ceases when further fractures cannot be introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewell productionVSAvoidfracture propagation effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic pulsing of fracking fluid through the formation, alternating between high-velocity injection phases and pause phases. This periodic action allows the fluid to build pressure and kinetic energy during injection, then propagate fractures during the pulse, followed by a pause that allows pressure buildup for the next pulse cycle, thereby overcoming the resistance in overburdened zones where continuous injection fails

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the velocity parameter of the fracking fluid by accelerating it to high velocities (e.g., using jetting nozzles or elastic launch mechanisms) before injection. This parameter change from conventional low-velocity injection to high-velocity injection enables the fluid to overcome the high closure stresses in overburdened pressure zones and achieve fracture propagation where traditional methods fail

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If high pressure is applied to create fractures in resistant formations, then fracture initiation may occur, but water usage increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefracture initiation capabilityVSAvoidwater usage

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes pneumatic mechanisms (compressed gas) or elastic energy storage systems to accelerate and inject the fracking fluid at high velocities. This pneumatic/hydraulic approach replaces the need for continuous high-volume water injection, using instead focused high-velocity pulses that achieve fracture initiation and propagation with significantly reduced fluid consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs preliminary acceleration of the fracking fluid through jetting nozzles or elastic launch mechanisms before the fluid contacts the formation. This preliminary action imparts high kinetic energy to the fluid, enabling it to initiate fractures upon impact without requiring sustained high-pressure water injection, thereby reducing overall water usage while maintaining fracture initiation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method effectively increases formation fracture pressure, allowing for the initiation or revival of well production by creating fractures that were previously resistant to formation, reducing the need for water usage and maintaining fracture propagation with increased efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a high pressure gas accumulator in fluid communication with the central channel of the fracking string and configured to accelerate a fracking fluid downhole

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic energy conversion to kinetic energy: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectKinetic energy transfer and impact force: Impact Force

Implementation Method 3

abruptly decelerating fracking fluid flow... delivering to the subterranean structure a kinetic energy pulse of finite duration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectKinetic energy to pressure conversion: Fluid Hammer

Data Source

PatentUS11111767B2Apparatus, systems, and methods for fracturing a geological formation

Publication Date: 2021.09.07 THE ANDERS FAMILY LIVING TRUST

AI summary

The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to apparatus, systems, and methods of fracturing a geological structure including the application of kinetic energy (e.g., from high velocity frack fluid) to a subterranean structure. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to apparatus, systems, and methods for delivery of high velocity fluid to a well using a down hole valve and/or throttling system. The present disclosure relates to apparatus, systems, and methods of generating pressure using accumulators (e.g., high pressure accumulators) at the surface of a well.