Perforation Parameter Optimization for Uniform Hydraulic Fracture Growth
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-stage hydraulic fracturing of horizontal wells, non-uniform fracture growth occurs due to rock physical heterogeneity and stress shadowing, leading to inefficient reservoir stimulation and potential inter-well interference, with existing design optimization methods lacking scientific rigor and stability.
Innovation Solution
A method to optimize perforation parameters by calculating the net inlet pressure, perforation friction coefficient, and perforation characteristic parameter, using a fully coupled numerical model to predict and evaluate fracture growth, ensuring uniform fracture growth through optimized perforation density and diameter selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If perforation parameters are not optimized, then the limited-entry method cannot maintain uniform fracture growth, but optimizing perforation parameters requires scientific methods that currently do not exist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying perforation parameters (perforation diameter, perforation density, cluster spacing) to optimize fracture growth uniformity. The method establishes quantitative relationships between these parameters and fracture growth characteristics, enabling scientific optimization rather than empirical trial-and-error approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through monitoring data collection and analysis during multi-stage hydraulic fracturing. By measuring actual fracture growth patterns and comparing them with predicted patterns, the system provides feedback that guides adjustments to perforation parameters in subsequent stages, enabling continuous optimization of fracture uniformity.
2Reliability
If perforation parameters are poorly designed, then the limited-entry method performance deteriorates over time due to perforation erosion, but good design requires scientific optimization methods that are currently lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing comprehensive perforation parameter optimization before the actual hydraulic fracturing operation. The method calculates optimal perforation parameters based on reservoir characteristics, stress conditions, and desired fracture growth patterns, thereby preventing performance deterioration from the outset rather than attempting corrective actions during or after fracturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary anti-action by designing perforation parameters that preemptively counteract the effects of perforation erosion. By incorporating erosion resistance into the optimization criteria, the method selects parameters that maintain effective limited-entry performance throughout the fracturing process, counterbalancing the degrading effect of erosion before it significantly impacts fracture uniformity.
3Productivity
If fracture growth is non-uniform, then reservoir stimulation efficiency decreases and construction costs are wasted, but achieving uniform fracture growth requires precise control of perforation parameters without scientific guidance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces empirical, experience-based perforation parameter selection with a scientific, calculation-based methodology. By substituting mechanical trial-and-error approaches with theoretical models and computational algorithms, the system achieves precise control over fracture growth patterns, maximizing reservoir stimulation efficiency while eliminating wasteful trial-and-error spending.
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 method comprehensively addresses non-uniformity by considering stress heterogeneity and perforation erosion, providing objective and accurate optimization of perforation parameters that maintain uniform fracture growth, reducing construction costs and inter-well interference.
Implementation Method 1
The core theory of this technology is that the perforation friction at fracture inlet can be increased by adjusting the design of the perforation parameters to balance the fluid resistances through each fracture
Implementation Method 2
These research results show that two factors, namely, the rock physical heterogeneity and stress shadowing, play important roles in the occurrence of non-uniform fracture growth
Data Source
AI summary
A method for optimizing perforation parameters to maintain uniform fracture growth in multi-stage hydraulic fracturing of horizontal well and device therefor are provided. The method includes steps of: S1: collecting the geological and engineering parameters of the targeted pay zone, and estimating the net inlet pressure of fractures within the targeted fracturing stage of horizontal well; S2: calculating the perforation friction coefficient required for maintaining the uniform fracture growth in multi-stage hydraulic fracturing of horizontal well; S3: calculating the perforation characteristic parameter; and S4: determining the optimized perforation parameters. The method considers the stress heterogeneity, the stress shadowing and the perforation erosion in the process of dynamic hydraulic fracturing propagation, and also the influence of perforation erosion. The invention can effectively maintain uniform fracture growth in multi-stage hydraulic fracturing of horizontal well, which can easily operate and is practical.