LFDAS Pressure Monitoring for Offset Well Fracture Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fracture models fail to accurately predict energy transfer and pressure field dynamics in complex fracture systems, leading to inefficiencies in well stimulation processes due to unaccounted energy losses and interference between fractures, which complicates optimization of formation development and production.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing Low Frequency Distributed Acoustic Sensing (LFDAS) in conjunction with external pressure gauges to characterize complex fracture systems, and employing machine learning models to analyze LFDAS sensor data to detect pressure communication events, allowing for optimized energy delivery and reduced operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current fracture models are used to predict energy transfer and pressure field dynamics, then the well stimulation process can be planned, but the predictions are inaccurate due to unaccounted energy losses and fracture interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs LFDAS sensors to continuously monitor pressure field dynamics and energy distribution in real-time during well stimulation operations. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect actual pressure communication events and fracture propagation patterns, which are then used to refine and update fracture models, improving prediction accuracy while accounting for previously unmeasured energy losses
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pressure gauge measurements with LFDAS technology that uses acoustic wave propagation through the wellbore casing to detect pressure changes. This substitution enables distributed, continuous monitoring of pressure field dynamics along the entire wellbore length, providing much more detailed data on energy distribution and fracture propagation than point-based mechanical gauges
2Productivity
If complex fracture systems are stimulated without accounting for fracture interference, then well stimulation can proceed, but energy transfer efficiency decreases due to unaccounted interference between fractures
Solution Approach 1:
LFDAS sensors provide real-time feedback on pressure communication events and fracture propagation patterns, allowing the system to detect when fractures begin to interfere with each other. This information is used to adjust stimulation parameters dynamically, optimizing energy distribution across multiple fractures and maintaining stimulation efficiency even in complex fracture systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses LFDAS technology as an intermediary measurement system that indirectly detects fracture propagation and interference by monitoring acoustic signals generated by pressure changes in the wellbore. This intermediary approach enables the system to observe and respond to fracture interactions without directly interfering with the fracturing process
3Loss of information
If traditional pressure monitoring methods are used, then the system is simple, but the ability to detect pressure communication events and characterize fracture systems is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The LFDAS system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it monitors pressure field dynamics, detects pressure communication events, characterizes fracture propagation patterns, and provides data for model refinement. This multi-functionality maximizes the information gained from the monitoring system while justifying the increased complexity through the comprehensive insights it provides
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
Enhances the understanding of energy distribution and pressure field dynamics in complex fracture systems, enabling more efficient well stimulation by minimizing energy losses and optimizing completion strategies, thereby improving production efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
Low Frequency Distributed Acoustic Sensing (LFDAS) sensors mounted on the wellbores of offset monitoring wells
Implementation Method 2
external pressure gauges to characterize complex fracture systems
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic fracturing system and method uses a model trained with external pressure gauge data and LFDAS sensor data to identify pressure communication events based on LFDAS sensor data. One or more monitoring wells are established in proximity to a well undergoing well stimulation, each monitoring well including one or more LFDAS sensors. LFDAS sensor data is received from the LFDAS sensors of the one or more monitoring wells, the received LFDAS sensor data including data received after start of a well stimulation operation. Occurrences of pressure communication events at each monitoring well may then be identified based on the model and on the received LFDAS sensor data.