Lateral Wellbore Segmentation for Fracture Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subterranean hydrocarbon well systems often intersect fractures in the formation layers, which can lead to uncontrolled fluid flow and reduced access to the target zone, limiting the flexibility and efficiency of hydrocarbon production.
Innovation Solution
The method involves forming a horizontal motherbore above the target zone and extending lateral wellbores from it, avoiding fractures and allowing for selective control of fluid flow through the use of control valves, enabling targeted and controlled drainage of connate fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If lateral wellbores are extended to intersect fractures in the target zone, then fluid flow paths are accessed, but uncontrolled fluid flow and reduced access to the target zone occur
Solution Approach 1:
The well system is segmented into a vertical primary wellbore, a horizontal motherbore section above the target zone, and multiple lateral wellbores that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows selective activation of individual lateral wellbores to access different fracture zones while maintaining control over overall fluid flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The motherbore acts as an intermediary structure between the primary wellbore and the lateral wellbores. It provides a controlled transition zone where fluids from multiple lateral wellbores can be regulated before entering the primary wellbore, enabling management of fluid flow from multiple fracture intersections.
2Productivity
If conventional wellbore systems are used to access target zones, then direct access is achieved, but flexibility and efficiency of hydrocarbon production are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The well system incorporates dynamic control capabilities through selective activation of lateral wellbores and adjustable flow control devices. This allows the system to adapt to changing production conditions, optimize hydrocarbon recovery rates, and respond to varying reservoir pressures and fluid compositions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a horizontal dimension with the motherbore extending above the target zone, creating a three-dimensional well architecture. This dimensional change provides enhanced flexibility in accessing multiple lateral zones and fracture systems while maintaining a single surface location.
3Ease of operation
If lateral wellbores are formed to intersect fractures, then fluid flow paths are accessed, but control over connate fluid drainage is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the well system have specialized functions: the primary wellbore provides structural support and access, the motherbore provides horizontal transition, and lateral wellbores provide localized access to specific fracture zones. Flow control devices are placed at strategic locations to regulate fluid flow from each lateral wellbore according to local production needs.
Solution Approach 2:
Flow control devices enable adjustment of flow parameters such as flow rate, pressure, and fluid composition from different lateral wellbores. This allows optimization of connate fluid drainage by controlling the parameters of fluid flow from each lateral section independently.
Data Source
AI summary
A wellbore system and a method of forming the wellbore system, where the wellbore system is made up of a primary wellbore that is disposed entirely above a producing zone and lateral wellbores that extend from the primary wellbore into the producing zone. By penetrating the producing, or target, zone with the lateral wellbores, fractures in the target zone can be better avoided thereby increasing the potential amount of recoverable hydrocarbon. Optionally, wellbore systems are included that have more than a single primary wellbore. Further disclosed is a method of maximizing wellbore production by selectively blocking designated lateral wellbores in which water or other non-hydrocarbon fluid is detected.