Multi-Well Stimulation Manifold for Concurrent Operations
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for hydrocarbon production from multiple wells at a single surface location are inefficient due to sequential stimulation operations, leading to non-productive time and increased costs, as equipment and personnel wait for completion of stimulation treatments on one well before starting on another.
Innovation Solution
A system involving a pumping system manifold that connects multiple wells to a stimulation fluid pumping system, allowing for concurrent or simultaneous wellbore preparation and stimulation operations by isolating non-selected wells during stimulation treatments, enabling efficient use of resources and reducing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If sequential stimulation operations are performed on multiple wells, then equipment and personnel can be used for one well at a time, but non-productive time increases and costs increase due to waiting
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the stimulation operations by dividing the well network into multiple isolated flow zones using flow isolation devices. Each zone can be stimulated independently while others remain isolated, allowing parallel operations. The manifold system creates separate controllable segments that can be activated sequentially or concurrently without interfering with each other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple stimulation operations into a single integrated system by connecting multiple wells to a common stimulation fluid delivery system through a manifold. This allows simultaneous or concurrent stimulation of multiple wells using one pumping system, eliminating the need for separate equipment for each well and reducing non-productive time.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple wells are accessed from a single surface location, then drilling costs are reduced and surface disturbance is minimized, but completion operations become complicated and restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The manifold system serves multiple functions: it acts as a distribution network for stimulation fluid, a control system for isolating individual wells, and a routing mechanism for directing treatments to specific targets. This multi-functional design simplifies completion operations by providing a unified interface for managing multiple wells from a single surface location.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow isolation devices and manifold system act as intermediaries between the single surface location and multiple wells. These components mediate the complex routing and isolation requirements, allowing completion operations to be controlled from the surface without direct intervention at each wellbore, thereby reducing operational complexity.
3Ease of operation
If stimulation operations are performed on one well at a time, then operational simplicity is maintained, but equipment and personnel utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces dynamic control capabilities through adjustable flow isolation devices and controllable valves in the manifold. These components allow the system to adapt between different operational modes: simple sequential operation when ease of operation is prioritized, or concurrent multi-well stimulation when productivity is the goal. The dynamic reconfiguration enables a single system to serve multiple operational requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons. In one embodiment, the method describes connecting multiple wells to a stimulation fluid pumping system via a pumping system manifold. The pumping system manifold is adjusted to provide a first well flow path from the stimulation fluid pumping system to a first well. Then, a first stimulation treatment is pumped into the first well. Concurrently with the pumping of the first stimulation treatment, a second well is prepared for a second stimulation treatment.