Oriented Flow-Through Passages for Sequential Wellbore Fracturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore treatment methods for hydraulic fracturing are time-consuming and costly as they require treating multiple target zones sequentially, involving multiple steps and equipment repositioning.
Innovation Solution
A method that creates flow-through passages in multiple wellbore zones with different orientations to achieve varying fracture initiation pressures, allowing for simultaneous fracturing of multiple zones during a single pumping operation by adjusting the pressure of the fracturing fluid to exceed the initiation pressure of each zone sequentially.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple zones are treated sequentially using traditional hydraulic fracturing methods, then each zone can be treated with controlled pressure, but the process becomes highly involved, time consuming and costly due to multiple steps of running perforating guns and repositioning equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming flow-through passages in multiple zones with different orientations and characteristics before the fracturing treatment. This allows the fracturing fluid to be directed to different zones in a single pumping operation without needing to reposition equipment or run perforating guns multiple times, thereby reducing time and operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple fracturing operations into a single pumping operation. By creating flow-through passages with different characteristics in advance, the system combines what would traditionally require multiple separate treatments into one continuous operation, eliminating the need for repeated equipment deployment and reducing overall treatment time
2Productivity
If multiple zones are treated sequentially with traditional methods, then fracture initiation pressure can be controlled for each zone, but the device complexity and cost increase due to multiple equipment repositioning operations
Solution Approach 1:
The flow-through passages are pre-formed in multiple zones with specific orientations and characteristics before the fracturing treatment begins. This preliminary preparation enables the system to treat multiple zones efficiently in a single operation without requiring complex equipment repositioning or multiple treatment sequences
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating flow-through passages with different characteristics in different zones. Each zone has flow passages oriented and configured according to its specific fracture initiation pressure requirements, allowing controlled treatment of each zone while maintaining a simplified overall process
3Loss of time
If flow-through passages are formed with different orientations in multiple zones, then fracture initiation pressures can be varied to enable simultaneous fracturing, but the manufacturing complexity of creating oriented passages increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes physical parameters of the flow-through passages, specifically their orientation and characteristics, to control fracture initiation pressure in different zones. By varying these parameters during the pre-forming process, the system enables differentiated pressure control across zones without requiring complex manufacturing procedures
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 enables efficient and cost-effective treatment of multiple zones within a subterranean formation by reducing the number of pumping operations and equipment repositioning, while maintaining control over fracture initiation pressures to optimize hydrocarbon production.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure of the fracturing fluid in the fracturing treatment is provided that is above the fracture initiation pressure of one of the two or more zones to facilitate fracturing of said one of the two or more zones
Implementation Method 2
flow-through passages within each zone according to (a) have different characteristics provided by orienting the flow-through passages in directions in each of the two or more zones relative to a selected direction to provide differences in fracture initiation pressures within each of the two or more zones
Data Source
AI summary
A method of fracturing multiple zones within a wellbore formed in a subterranean formation is carried out by forming flow-through passages in two or more zones within the wellbore that are spaced apart from each other along the length of a portion of the wellbore. The flow-through passages within each zone have different characteristics provided by orienting the flow-through passages in directions in each of the two or more zones relative to a selected direction to provide differences in fracture initiation pressures within each of the two or more zones. A fracturing fluid is introduced into the wellbore in a fracturing treatment. The fracturing fluid in the fracturing treatment is provided at a pressure that is above the fracture initiation pressure of one of the two or more zones to facilitate fracturing of said one of two or more zones while remaining below the fracture initiation pressure of any other non-fractured zones of the two or more zones. The process is repeated for at least one or more non-fractured zones of the two or more zones.