Multi-Point Casing for Simultaneous Wellbore Zone Stimulation

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for stimulating hydrocarbon-producing wells through hydraulic fracturing often require individual treatment of multiple formation zones, which is time-consuming and necessitates additional equipment, as each zone needs to be accessed and treated separately, making it inefficient for creating and maintaining fractures across multiple pay zones.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that allow for the introduction of a stimulation fluid into multiple formation zones via multiple points of entry in a single operation, using a casing string with a plurality of points of entry and diverting the treatment fluid between flowpaths to efficiently create and extend fractures across multiple zones without the need for individual zone treatment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple formation zones are treated individually through separate hydraulic fracturing operations, then each zone receives adequate treatment fluid distribution and fracture conductivity, but the operational time increases significantly and additional equipment is required for each treatment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment efficiencyVSAvoidoperational time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wellbore is divided into multiple treatment zones, each with its own point of entry through casing windows. Packets are introduced into specific zones to divert treatment fluid, enabling sequential treatment of multiple zones through a single operation rather than requiring multiple separate operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single hydraulic fracturing operation is designed to treat multiple formation zones simultaneously. The system uses a unified approach with multiple points of entry and diverting packets to achieve what would otherwise require multiple separate fracturing operations, reducing equipment requirements and operational time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple formation zones are treated individually through separate hydraulic fracturing operations, then each zone receives adequate treatment fluid distribution, but additional equipment is required for each treatment operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment efficiencyVSAvoidequipment requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single hydraulic fracturing operation is designed to treat multiple formation zones simultaneously. The system uses a unified approach with multiple points of entry and diverting packets to achieve what would otherwise require multiple separate fracturing operations, reducing equipment requirements and operational time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple treatment operations are merged into a single continuous operation. Treatment fluid is pumped through the wellbore in one continuous operation, with packets diverting the fluid to different zones sequentially, eliminating the need for multiple separate operations and their associated equipment setups

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of time

If treatment fluid is introduced via multiple points of entry simultaneously, then operational time is reduced and equipment requirements are minimized, but adequate distribution of treatment fluid to each zone becomes difficult to assure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational timeVSAvoidtreatment fluid distribution

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wellbore is divided into multiple treatment zones, each with its own point of entry through casing windows. Packets are introduced into specific zones to divert treatment fluid, enabling sequential treatment of multiple zones through a single operation rather than requiring multiple separate operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically redirects treatment fluid between zones using packets that can be introduced sequentially. The diverting mechanism allows the treatment fluid flow path to change dynamically from one zone to another, ensuring adequate distribution to each zone while maintaining a single continuous operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables the simultaneous treatment of multiple zones, reducing operational time and equipment requirements, while ensuring adequate fracture conductivity and distribution of treatment fluid, thereby enhancing hydrocarbon production from the wellbore.

Implementation Method 1

a treatment fluid may be introduced into a subterranean formation via a first flowpath into the formation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

diverting the treatment fluid from the first flowpath into the formation to a second flowpath into the formation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid diversion: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS9725998B2Multi-interval wellbore treatment method

Publication Date: 2017.08.08 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A method of servicing a subterranean formation comprising providing a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation and having a casing string disposed therein, the casing string comprising a plurality of points of entry, wherein each of the plurality of points of entry provides a route a fluid communication from the casing string to the subterranean formation, introducing a treatment fluid into the subterranean formation via a first flowpath, and diverting the treatment fluid from the first flowpath into the formation to a second flowpath into the formation.