Magnetic Proppants for Fracture Penetration and Clustering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional proppants often cluster and fail to reach the deepest fractures during fracturing operations due to their geometry and size, leading to blocked flow from the rock formation to the wellbore.
Innovation Solution
The use of magnetic proppants with varying sizes and densities, comprising a magnetic core, an insulator coating layer, and an outer coating layer, which are introduced in sequential batches to ensure they reach and maintain open fractures by repelling each other after the outer coating dissolves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If conventional proppants are used in fracturing operations, then fractures can be kept open, but proppants cluster and fail to reach the deepest fractures due to their geometry and size
Solution Approach 1:
The proppant injection process is segmented into multiple stages with progressively larger proppant sizes. Small proppants (0.3-0.6mm) are injected first to reach deep fractures, followed by medium (0.6-1.2mm), then large (1.2-2.4mm) proppants. This segmentation allows each size to perform its optimal function without clustering issues that plague single-size injections.
Solution Approach 2:
The fracturing operation uses periodic action by alternating between injection phases with different proppant sizes and concentrations. Each phase is timed to allow proper placement before transitioning to the next size, creating a periodic pattern that ensures deep penetration followed by fracture widening and stabilization.
2Strength
If larger proppants are used to strengthen fractures, then fracture openness is improved, but proppants cannot reach into the deepest fractures
Solution Approach 1:
The proppant system is segmented by size with small proppants (0.3-0.6mm) designated for deep penetration and large proppants (1.2-2.4mm) designated for fracture strengthening. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by assigning different size classes to different functional requirements within the same fracture system.
Solution Approach 2:
The proppant injection follows a nested pattern where smaller proppants are placed first in the deepest regions, then medium proppants nest around them, and finally large proppants nest in the wider fracture zones. This nested arrangement ensures both deep penetration and adequate fracture support.
3Productivity
If proppants are injected to fill fractures, then connectivity is improved, but proppants accumulate at certain locations blocking flow
Solution Approach 1:
Different proppant sizes are deployed to different locations within the fracture network based on local requirements. Small proppants are carried by fluid into the deepest, narrowest regions where they provide local support, while larger proppants remain in wider zones where they provide structural strength. This local quality approach prevents accumulation blockages by matching proppant size to local fracture geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The proppant injection process dynamically changes parameters including proppant size, concentration, and injection rate. These parameter changes are timed to prevent accumulation - starting with low concentration small proppants, then increasing size and concentration as fractures are filled, optimizing both penetration and fracture support while avoiding blockages.
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 fracturing operations by minimizing proppant clustering and ensuring deeper fracture penetration, maintaining fracture openness and improving gas production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic proppants... comprising a magnetic core... which are introduced in sequential batches to ensure they reach and maintain open fractures by repelling each other
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to compositions and methods for enhancing fracturing operation. In some embodiments, the present application includes compositions and methods that are used to minimize clustering of proppants or introduce proppants into narrow fractures. In some embodiments, the compositions and methods involve magnetic proppants.