Multi-Stage Geologic Fracturing via Explosive Detonation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current geologic fracturing methods, such as hydraulic fracturing, are limited by dependence on in-situ stress and fail to fully utilize high energy density sources for extensive permeability enhancement, restricting access to energy resources.
Innovation Solution
The use of explosive devices and systems, including propellants, to create engineered fractures independent of in-situ stress, combined with pressurized fluid fracturing, allowing for multi-stage fracturing to enhance permeability and create extensive rubblization zones around wellbores.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If hydraulic fracturing is used, then fracture zones are created to enable fluid flow, but the fracture direction and distance are limited by in-situ stress conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic pressure mechanism with an explosive detonation mechanism. The explosive device creates shock waves that fracture the geologic formation independently of in-situ stress conditions, allowing fractures to propagate in directions and distances not constrained by the original stress field, thereby achieving fracture radii up to six times larger than traditional hydraulic methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of energy delivery from gradual hydraulic pressure buildup to instantaneous explosive energy release. This parameter change enables the creation of engineered fracture patterns that are not dependent on the magnitude or direction of in-situ stresses, fundamentally altering how fractures propagate through the formation
2Length of moving object
If explosive fracturing is used, then engineered fractures independent of in-situ stress are created, but the wellbore may be destroyed or obstructed with rubble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary cushioning material around the explosive device before detonation. This cushioning layer absorbs and distributes the shock wave energy, protecting the wellbore from direct damage while still allowing the engineered fractures to propagate outward. The cushioning material is placed in advance to prevent wellbore destruction before the fracturing action occurs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cushioning material as an intermediary between the explosive device and the wellbore wall. This intermediary absorbs the direct impact of the explosion, preventing rubble formation that would obstruct the wellbore, while still transmitting sufficient energy to create the desired engineered fractures in the geologic formation
3Quantity of substance
If multi-stage fracturing is used, then permeability enhancement is significantly increased, but the process complexity and number of operations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fracturing process into multiple sequential stages, with each stage using explosive devices to create additional fracture networks. The first stage creates initial engineered fractures, and subsequent stages add overlapping fracture patterns that collectively enhance permeability throughout the formation, achieving cumulative permeability enhancement greater than single-stage methods
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 achieves a significantly larger rubblization zone and permeability enhancement, extending fracture radii up to six times that of traditional methods, facilitating more efficient extraction of energy resources while minimizing near-bore pulverization.
Implementation Method 1
an explosive system is introduced into a wellbore in a geologic formation and detonated to fracture at least a first portion of the geologic formation adjacent to the wellbore
Implementation Method 2
Detonation of the explosive system in the wellbore can cause a fractured zone and/or rubblization zone in the geologic formation around the wellbore
Implementation Method 3
a pressurized fluid (liquids, gasses, solid particles, and/or combinations thereof) can be introduced into the wellbore to enhance the fracturing caused by the explosives
Implementation Method 4
Subsequently, if additional fracturing is desired, a pressurized fluid can be introduced into the wellbore to enhance the fracturing caused by the explosives of the first portion of the geologic formation
Data Source
AI summary
Explosive geologic fracturing methods, devices, and systems can be used in combination with other geologic fracturing means, such as hydraulic fracturing methods, devices and systems, or other fluid-based fracturing means. An exemplary method comprises introducing an explosive system into a wellbore in a geologic formation, detonating the explosive system in the wellbore to fracture at least a first portion of the geologic formation adjacent to the wellbore, and introducing pressurized fluid into the wellbore to enhance the fracturing of the first portion of the geologic formation. Such multi-stage fracturing can further enhance the resulting fracturing of geologic formation relative to explosive fracturing alone.