Micro-tunnels Restore Fracture Access in Horizontal Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horizontal wells face challenges in maximizing hydrocarbon recovery due to fractures being unsupported and prone to closure by formation layers or proppant sealing, leading to reduced production efficiency and potential premature well termination.
Innovation Solution
The method involves creating micro-tunnels from the main bore to intersect and restore fluid communication with non-producing regions of fractures, using tools like coiled tubing and micro-tunneling devices to bypass seals and pinch points, ensuring access to previously inaccessible hydrocarbon reserves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If horizontal wells are used to access underground hydrocarbons, then the well can target particular formation layers more precisely, but the fractures formed are unsupported and prone to closure by formation layers or proppant sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fracture treatment into multiple segments by creating separate micro-tunnels to different fracture zones. Each micro-tunnel provides independent access and support to specific fracture regions, preventing closure while maintaining precise targeting of individual formation layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces micro-tunnels as intermediary structures between the main bore and fracture zones. These micro-tunnels act as mediators that provide structural support and maintain fluid pathways, preventing direct contact between proppant and formation layers that would cause sealing.
2Productivity
If standard stimulation operations are applied to horizontal wells, then proppant can be delivered to fractures, but production efficiency increases are limited compared to vertical wells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional single-dimension fracture treatment to multi-dimensional access by creating micro-tunnels that extend laterally from the main bore at various angles. This dimensional approach allows simultaneous treatment of multiple fracture zones, dramatically increasing hydrocarbon recovery while maintaining high production efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different treatment approaches to different fracture zones by creating customized micro-tunnels for each region. Each micro-tunnel is tailored to the specific geological conditions and fracture characteristics of its target zone, optimizing proppant delivery and maintaining open pathways for maximum local productivity.
3Area of stationary object
If fractures extend through multiple formation layers, then access to broader production regions is achieved, but pinch points and sealing by ash beds occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary creation of micro-tunnels and placement of support structures before conducting full-scale fracturing operations. This preliminary action prevents formation layers and ash beds from sealing the fracture pathways during the high-pressure fracturing process, ensuring maintained access to broad production regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces protective measures in advance by creating micro-tunnels with structural support that cushion against the harmful effects of formation layer sealing. These pre-established pathways provide buffer zones that prevent complete closure even when ash beds or formation layers attempt to seal the main fracture zones.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for providing a fluid conduit between a main bore and a substantially non-producing region of a fracture at a horizontal section of the bore. The technique includes forming a micro-tunnel from a location of the bore adjacent the fracture. The micro-tunnel may be directed at the non-producing region with a angled deflector or in a steerable manner. Additionally, the well may be configured with micro-tunneling at the outset or retrofitted with micro-tunnels as a manner of restoring production.