Erosion-Corrected Perforation Configuration for Uniform Proppant Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in optimizing proppant allocation during hydraulic fracturing, as the right perforation design is crucial for efficient proppant distribution, but current methods often result in misalignment between different diagnostic techniques, leading to non-uniform distribution and suboptimal well performance.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing imaging devices and acoustic sensors to collect data, applying a correction equation to an erosion model for calculating a corrected uniformity index, which determines the optimal proppant distribution and adjusts the perforation configuration based on this index to achieve uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional erosion models are used to predict proppant distribution, then the modeling process is simple, but the alignment between different diagnostic techniques is poor and uniformity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the erosion model to incorporate additional parameters such as erosion rate, perforation diameter, and proppant properties. This allows the model to better align with actual diagnostic measurements while maintaining a manageable complexity level through systematic parameter integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary correction factor that mediates between the simple erosion model predictions and the actual diagnostic measurements. This correction factor acts as a bridge, improving alignment without requiring complete model reconstruction, thus balancing precision and complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If perforation configuration is optimized for uniform proppant distribution, then proppant allocation improves, but the design and implementation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing perforation characteristics at specific locations along the wellbore based on local formation properties and flow conditions. This allows uniform proppant distribution to be achieved through localized adjustments rather than uniform changes across the entire system, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the perforation configuration into multiple zones with different optimization parameters. Each zone can be independently optimized for proppant distribution, allowing the system to achieve high uniformity through modular design rather than complex monolithic configuration.
3Measurement precision
If erosion data is collected and analyzed in detail, then proppant distribution accuracy improves, but the data collection and processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by collecting and preprocessing erosion data during the well completion process itself, rather than waiting for post-processing. This allows accuracy to be improved through real-time data collection while minimizing delays by performing analysis concurrently with operational activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements accelerated data processing methods that skip unnecessary intermediate steps in the analysis pipeline. By directly transforming raw erosion data into actionable insights through streamlined algorithms, the system achieves high accuracy without proportionally increasing processing time.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods and devices are disclosed for optimizing a completion stage perforation configuration. Some examples includes a wellbore in a subterranean feature having one or more perforations. One or more imaging devices are operable to collect erosion image data of the one or more perforations. Moreover, one or more non-transitory storage devices store instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the system to perform various operations. These operations can include determining a proppant distribution prediction based on the erosion image data. The system can use a correction equation of an erosion model to calculate a corrected uniformity index value for the proppant distribution prediction. An amount of proppant per cluster is determined in some scenarios, based on the corrected uniformity index value, to optimize a completion perforation configuration for the wellbore.