Propellant-Based Wellbore Stimulation Tubular String
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic fracturing in hydrocarbon production is water-intensive and raises environmental concerns, necessitating the development of alternative or complementary techniques for formation stimulation.
Innovation Solution
A tubular string with propellant chambers and ignition circuits is used to stimulate subterranean formations, providing a uniform stimulation force along the length of the wellbore through controlled ignition of propellants, potentially reducing the need for water-intensive hydraulic fracturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hydraulic fracturing is used to stimulate formations, then hydrocarbon recovery is improved, but water consumption increases and environmental concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic (fluid-based) fracturing system with a propellant-based stimulation system. Propellant charges are placed in chambers along the wellbore and ignited to create expansion forces that fracture the formation, substituting chemical/mechanical energy from propellants for the hydraulic pressure system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of stimulation from hydraulic pressure to propellant expansion pressure. By using propellant chambers that generate controlled expansion forces through ignition, the system achieves formation stimulation without requiring large volumes of hydraulic fluid.
2Adaptability or versatility
If propellant chambers are added to the tubular string, then formation stimulation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tubular string is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the structural wellbore containment and simultaneously carries the propellant chambers for formation stimulation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated stimulation equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The propellant chambers are positioned on the outside surface of the tubular string, effectively nesting the stimulation system within the existing wellbore structure. This allows the propellant chambers to be integrated without requiring a completely separate 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
This approach allows for effective stimulation of hydrocarbon formations with reduced water usage, potentially lowering environmental impact and improving hydrocarbon recovery efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a propellant positioned within the containment structure; and at least one burst disc positioned on the tubular segment, the burst disc configured to rupture at or below a peak pressure produced igniting the propellant
Implementation Method 2
at least one burst disc positioned on the tubular segment, the burst disc configured to rupture at or below a peak pressure produced igniting the propellant
Data Source
AI summary
A method of stimulating a subterranean formation. The method begins with positioning a stimulation tool into a wellbore formed through the formation. The stimulation tool includes (i) at least one tubular segment; (ii) an outer sleeve positioned on the tubular segment and forming an annular space between the tubular segment and the outer sleeve; (iii) a propellant positioned within the annular space; (iv) at least one ignitor positioned to ignite the propellant; (v) at least one rupture disc positioned within a wall of the tubular segment; and (vi) the absence of a detonator for detonating the propellant. Thereafter, the propellant is ignited to begin deflagration of the propellant.