Oriented Fissure Drilling via Wire Saw Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current well drilling techniques for hydrocarbon recovery face challenges in accurately increasing the contact area within hydrocarbon-bearing horizons, as conventional methods like hydro-fracturing are difficult to control and can lead to clogging issues, especially in formations with varying depths and rock types.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing the intersection of two well bores and a flexible linear cutting device, such as a wire saw, to form a fissure along the length of the well bores, allowing for precise control over the orientation, span, and shape of the fissure to enhance hydrocarbon production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If hydro-fracturing is used to increase contact area, then the contact area increases, but the fissure plane and expanse become difficult to predict and control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic fracturing system (fluid pressure-based) with a mechanical wire saw cutting system. The wire saw physically cuts the fissure along a predetermined path, providing precise control over the fissure plane, orientation, and expanse while still achieving the desired contact area increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of fissure creation from pressure-induced fracturing to mechanical cutting. This allows control parameters to shift from fluid pressure and volume to wire saw tension, speed, and guided movement, enabling precise positioning and orientation of the fissure.
2Area of stationary object
If hydro-fracturing is used to create fissures, then contact area increases, but fissure thickness and orientation become difficult to control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic fracturing system (fluid pressure-based) with a mechanical wire saw cutting system. The wire saw physically cuts the fissure along a predetermined path, providing precise control over the fissure plane, orientation, and expanse while still achieving the desired contact area increase.
3Area of stationary object
If larger diameter bores are drilled to increase contact area, then the contact area increases, but the drilling cost becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the contact area creation into two parts: (1) drilling standard-diameter bores to access the reservoir, and (2) creating the expanded contact area through wire saw cutting of fissures. This segmentation allows using cost-effective standard drilling while achieving large contact area through the lower-cost wire saw process.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire saw acts as an intermediary tool that transforms the limited contact area of standard bores into an expanded effective contact area by cutting fissures along the bore walls, thereby achieving the function of a larger bore without the associated cost.
4Area of stationary object
If conventional fracturing is used, then contact area increases, but clogging of fissures becomes more likely due to excessive hydrocarbon flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fissure creation method from pressure-induced fracturing to mechanical cutting, which creates fissures with more uniform dimensions and better-defined geometry. This reduces flow velocity and pressure gradients that cause sand and residue to be forced into the fissures, thereby reducing clogging.
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 method increases the contact area, reducing the likelihood of clogging and improving hydrocarbon production rates by creating a fissure with a larger kerf than traditional fracturing, which can be easily filled with packing material and is less prone to closure from swelling or overburden pressure.
Implementation Method 1
A system utilizing the intersection of two well bores and a flexible linear cutting device, such as a wire saw, to form a fissure along the length of the well bores
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for increasing hydrocarbon production from a subsurface reservoir by utilizing an intersection of two well bores and a flexible linear cutting device, such as a segmented diamond wire saw, to form a fissure beginning at the intersection of the well bores and extending along a specified the length of the well bores. The ends of the cutting device can be actuated above ground. The shape of the fissure can be a substantially ruled surface defined between the two bores between which the fissure is formed. Configurations for the well bores include both bores extending from the surface and, alternatively, a first bore extending from the surface and a second bore extending from a whipstock in the first bore. The fissure may be located and oriented to maximize the extent of the fissure formed within the hydrocarbon bearing horizon and to intersect with a maximum number of natural and/or previously formed fractures.