Perforation Cluster Placement Optimization Using Acoustic Logging
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Solution Overview
Problem
In shale development, existing completion processes often fail to stimulate all sections of a horizontal well, leading to reduced production as not all perforated clusters contribute effectively due to uneven differential net pressures and heterogeneity in formation properties.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that optimize the placement of perforation clusters in horizontal wells by using acoustic data to identify minimum horizontal stress and brittleness index, adjusting cluster locations to minimize differential net pressure, and deploying clusters to achieve homogeneous fracturing across the well.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If perforation clusters are placed using geometrical distribution, then the placement process is simple and quick, but the differential net pressure becomes uneven leading to reduced production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the placement parameters from fixed geometrical distribution to variable placement based on formation properties (minimum horizontal stress, brittleness index). By adjusting cluster locations according to measured formation parameters, the system achieves uniform differential net pressure across all clusters, optimizing production while maintaining a systematic placement approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary acoustic logging measurements to characterize formation properties (minimum horizontal stress, brittleness index) before finalizing cluster placement. This preliminary characterization allows the system to pre-determine optimal cluster locations that will achieve uniform differential net pressure, preventing production issues before they occur.
2Productivity
If acoustic logging measurements are performed to characterize formation properties, then cluster placement can be optimized, but the completion process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs acoustic logging measurements during the drilling or pre-completion phase, before the actual fracturing operation. This timing allows formation characterization to be completed in advance, so that cluster placement optimization does not delay the fracturing process itself. The preliminary measurements enable optimized placement without adding significant time to the completion workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the carrier itself (drill string or completion tool) to convey acoustic logging tools through the borehole, utilizing existing infrastructure rather than requiring separate measurement operations. This self-service approach integrates formation characterization into the normal drilling or completion process, minimizing additional time requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If cluster locations are adjusted to minimize differential net pressure, then homogeneous fracturing is achieved, but the placement process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes from fixed geometrical placement parameters to variable placement parameters based on measured formation properties. By using acoustic logging data (minimum horizontal stress, brittleness index) to determine cluster locations, the system achieves uniform differential net pressure and homogeneous fracturing while maintaining a systematic, data-driven placement methodology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from acoustic logging measurements to adjust cluster placement decisions. The system measures formation properties, calculates differential net pressure for potential cluster locations, and selects placements that optimize homogeneity. This feedback loop ensures precise, homogeneous fracturing while providing a clear decision-making framework that manages process complexity.
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 ensures that all sections of the well are optimally stimulated, increasing production by minimizing unproductive clusters and achieving a homogenous distribution of hydraulic fractures, thereby enhancing the completion process efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining acoustic data using one or more acoustic sensors; identifying a minimum horizontal stress (S hmin) for each first location based on the acoustic data
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for optimizing the placement of perforation clusters in horizontal wells for completion include conveying a carrier through a borehole into a horizontal section of the borehole; obtaining acoustic data using one or more acoustic sensors; defining a first location for each of a plurality of perforation clusters based on a geometrical distribution; identifying a minimum horizontal stress (Shmin) for each first location based on the acoustic data; calculating a differential net pressure for the first locations based on the minimum horizontal stress (Shmin) for each first location; adjusting the location of each of the plurality of perforation clusters to a respective second location such that the differential net pressure of the second locations is less than the differential net pressure of the first locations; and deploying a plurality of perforation clusters to the second locations such that fracturing of a formation at the second locations is achieved.