Oxidizing Fracturing Fluid Kerogen Degradation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic fracturing in unconventional source-rock formations is hindered by the presence of organic-rich kerogen, which restricts fracture generation and hydrocarbon production due to its polymer-like nature and interwoven structure within the rock, making it challenging for conventional fluids to effectively break down and displace.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic fracturing fluid comprising water, a nonpolar fluid (such as inert gas or liquid CO2), and an inorganic oxidizer, which forms an oxidizing fracturing fluid that breaks down kerogen by oxidizing conditions, promoting permeable channels and enhancing hydrocarbon recovery with reduced water usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional hydraulic fracturing fluid is used, then the formation can be fractured, but the organic-rich kerogen restricts fracture generation and hydrocarbon production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an inorganic oxidizer dissolved in water within the hydraulic fracturing fluid to chemically oxidize and degrade kerogen in the subterranean formation. This oxidation process breaks down the polymer-like kerogen structure that restricts fracture generation and hydrocarbon production, thereby improving productivity by removing the harmful restriction.
2Productivity
If traditional water-based fracturing fluid is used, then hydraulic fracturing can be performed, but large amounts of water are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the compositional parameters of the fracturing fluid by incorporating a nonpolar fluid phase alongside the aqueous phase containing the inorganic oxidizer. This multi-phase formulation maintains the oxidative degradation capability while reducing overall water consumption, thus improving fracturing efficiency with reduced water usage.
3Productivity
If oxidizing fracturing fluid is used to degrade kerogen, then hydraulic conductivity increases, but the fluid composition becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite hydraulic fracturing fluid consisting of an aqueous phase containing an inorganic oxidizer and a nonpolar fluid phase. This composite formulation provides both the oxidative capability to degrade kerogen and improve hydraulic conductivity, while the nonpolar phase aids in hydrocarbon displacement. The complexity is managed by combining materials with complementary functions in a single injectable fluid system.
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
The oxidizing fracturing fluid effectively degrades kerogen, increasing hydraulic conductivity and hydrocarbon production while using less water than traditional methods, and the non-aqueous phase aids in displacing hydrocarbons from the kerogen, improving overall fracturing efficiency and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
The hydraulic fracturing fluid includes an inorganic oxidizer in the water... oxidizing organic material in the subterranean formation with the hydraulic fracturing fluid... The oxidizing of the organic material degrades the organic material
Data Source
AI summary
Hydraulic fracturing fluids and methods to hydraulically fracture a subterranean formation and oxidize organic material in the subterranean formation. The hydraulic fracturing fluid includes water, another fluid, and a surfactant. An inorganic oxidizer is included in the water.