In Situ Channelization for Proppant Placement Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multistage hydraulic fracturing tools face challenges in controlling the heterogeneous placement of proppants, which affects the conductivity of fractures and productivity in wells, making it difficult to form effective pillars and clusters.
Innovation Solution
An in situ method and system that injects a treatment slurry with solid particulates and an additive to facilitate clustering and anchoring within the fracture, forming interconnected, hydraulically conductive channels by altering the concentration of an anchorant during injection to stabilize and prop open the fracture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional multistage hydraulic fracturing tools are used to inject proppant, then fracture treatment can be performed, but heterogeneous placement of proppant occurs making it difficult to control and form effective pillars and clusters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of the anchorant additive in the treatment slurry to control proppant clustering and placement. By adjusting the anchorant concentration, the system achieves heterogeneous proppant distribution that forms effective pillars and clusters, resolving the contradiction between placement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an anchorant additive as an intermediary substance that mediates between the proppant particles and the fracture walls. This anchorant facilitates controlled clustering and anchoring of proppant, enabling precise placement control without requiring complex mechanical control systems.
2Productivity
If homogeneous proppant distribution is achieved in the fracture, then fracture filling is complete, but fracture conductivity is reduced due to lack of pillars and clusters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating non-uniform proppant distribution through anchorant concentration variation. Different regions of the fracture receive different amounts of anchorant, resulting in localized proppant clusters and pillars in specific areas while maintaining overall fracture filling. This heterogeneous distribution enhances conductivity and productivity by creating preferential flow paths.
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 enhances fracture conductivity by creating stable, interconnected channels and pillars, improving well productivity and reducing non-productive time in multistage completion processes.
Implementation Method 1
an additive that facilitates clustering of the solid particulates in the fracture
Implementation Method 2
anchoring of the clusters in the fracture
Implementation Method 3
provide hydraulic conductivity through the fracture following closure
Data Source
AI summary
In situ channelization treatment fluids are used in a multistage well treatment. Also, methods, fluids, equipment and/or systems relating to in situ channelization treatment fluids are used for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore.