Perturbed In-Line Perforation Pairs for Transverse Fracture Initiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing perforation technologies in the oil and gas industry face challenges in determining the optimal placement of perforations and achieving desired geometry, leading to inefficiencies in hydraulic fracturing and reservoir connectivity.
Innovation Solution
The formation of perturbed in-line perforation pairs, where perforations are oriented at azimuthal offset angles and spaced closely along the wellbore, facilitates the initiation of transverse hydraulic fractures at lower pressures, enhancing fracture growth and reservoir contact area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional perforation placement methods are used, then perforation creation is straightforward, but optimal placement and desired geometry cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The perforation tool segments the perforation creation process into multiple independent shaped charges, each capable of creating individual perforations. This allows precise control over perforation geometry and placement while maintaining manageable tool complexity through modular charge configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by varying the orientation and positioning of individual shaped charges to create specific perforation geometries at different locations. Each charge can be independently oriented to achieve desired perforation angles and patterns, enabling optimal placement without requiring complex overall tool redesign.
2Stress or pressure
If perforations are placed without perturbed in-line configuration, then tool operation is simpler, but transverse hydraulic fracture initiation requires higher pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The perturbed in-line perforation configuration uses asymmetric orientation of shaped charges relative to the wellbore axis, creating non-uniform stress distribution that facilitates transverse fracture initiation. The asymmetric charge placement generates stress concentrations that reduce the hydraulic pressure needed for fracture creation while maintaining operational feasibility through systematic charge positioning.
3Productivity
If perforation placement is not optimized, then tool design is simpler, but reservoir connectivity and fracture growth are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements preliminary action by pre-configuring shaped charges in specific orientations and positions before deployment. This pre-planned arrangement ensures optimal perforation placement for maximizing reservoir connectivity and fracture growth, achieving high productivity through careful upfront design rather than complex real-time adjustments.
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 configuration allows for controlled fracture direction and reduced hydraulic pressure requirements, improving operational efficiency and wellbore performance by ensuring consistent perforation diameters and alignment with natural fracture planes.
Implementation Method 1
The shaped charges can be configured to focus the explosive energy in a specific direction and create perforations through the casing and cement, penetrating into the surrounding formation
Implementation Method 2
A perforating gun generally holds several explosive-shaped charges
Implementation Method 3
An abrasive jet perforating tool deploys high-pressure abrasive fluid jets to cut through the casing, cement and into the surrounding formations
Implementation Method 4
An abrasive jet perforating tool deploys high-pressure abrasive fluid jets
Data Source
AI summary
A bottom hole assembly includes a downhole conveyance that is extendable from a terranean surface, through a wellbore, and to a subterranean formation; and a perforating tool configured to couple to the downhole conveyance and create at least one pair of perforations. The at least one pair of perforations is arranged along a longitudinal direction of the wellbore such that a first perforation in the at least one pair of perforations is oriented at an azimuthal offset angle relative to a second perforation in the at least one pair of perforations.