Intersecting Fracture Initiation via Stress Field Alteration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for inducing additional fractures in subterranean formations often result in fractures with similar angular orientations to existing ones, failing to introduce new flow directions for hydrocarbons and not accounting for stress alterations, which limits well productivity and is inefficient for refracturing or creating fractures in different zones.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that induce a first fracture with a specific orientation, temporarily altering the stress field, followed by a second fracture at a different orientation using explosive or cryogenic means, allowing for the creation of multiple fractures at various angles to enhance fluid communication and well productivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional methods are used to induce additional fractures, then the number of fracture locations increases, but the fractures have similar angular orientations and do not introduce new flow directions
Solution Approach 1:
The method performs a first fracturing operation to temporarily alter the stress field before performing a second fracturing operation. This preliminary action creates favorable stress conditions that enable subsequent fractures to propagate in different orientations than would be possible under normal stress conditions alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention exploits the dynamic, temporary nature of stress alterations caused by the first fracture. By timing the second fracturing operation to occur while stress alterations are still present, the system dynamically adapts fracture orientations to take advantage of these transient stress conditions, creating fractures at different angles.
2Productivity
If conventional pressurization methods are used, then existing fractures are re-opened, but new fractures in different directions cannot be created
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces conventional gradual pressurization methods with explosive or cryogenic means to initiate fractures. This substitution allows for more precise control over fracture initiation at specific locations and orientations, enabling the creation of new fracture directions rather than simply re-opening existing fractures.
Solution Approach 2:
The method changes the physical parameters of fracture initiation by using explosive or cryogenic means instead of conventional pressurization. This parameter change enables fractures to initiate at different orientations and locations, creating new flow paths rather than merely re-opening existing fractures.
3Productivity
If fractures are placed at the same location after long production, then the first fracture is simply re-opened, but no new productive regions are accessed
Solution Approach 1:
The method performs a preliminary fracturing operation that temporarily alters the stress field, creating favorable conditions for subsequent fractures to propagate into new, previously inaccessible productive regions rather than simply re-opening depleted fracture zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimension to refracturing by creating fractures at different angular orientations and locations. Instead of merely re-opening the same fracture plane, the method creates fractures in different spatial dimensions, accessing new productive regions of the reservoir that were previously unreachable.
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 increases well productivity by creating fractures at different angles, effectively reaching more productive regions and improving drainage efficiency, even in previously depleted wells or different zones, by temporarily altering the stress field to initiate subsequent fractures in new directions.
Implementation Method 1
the first fracture temporarily alters a stress field in the subterranean formation
Implementation Method 2
using explosives to induce a second fracture in the subterranean formation
Implementation Method 3
using cryogenic means to induce a second fracture in the subterranean formation
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems that utilize explosive and cryogenic means to establish fluid communication to areas away from the well bore walls are disclosed. A first fracture is induced in the subterranean formation. The first fracture is initiated at about a fracturing location and the initiation of the first fracture is characterized by a first orientation line. The first fracture temporarily alters a stress field in the subterranean formation. Explosives are then used to induce a second fracture in the subterranean formation. The second fracture is initiated at about the fracturing location and the initiation of the second fracture is characterized by a second orientation line. The first orientation line and the second orientation line have an angular disposition to each other.