Proppant Placement Prediction via Asperity Modeling

The patent applies preliminary action by performing predictive modeling and simulation before the actual hydraulic fracturing operation. The system predicts proppant placement and fracture conductivity in advance using asperity models and multiple simulations, allowing operators to optimize the fracturing design before implementation. This pre-planning approach improves placement accuracy without adding significant operational complexity during the actual fracturing process.

The patent uses copying by creating virtual asperity models that replicate the complex fracture geometry and proppant distribution. Instead of directly measuring the actual fracture (which is inaccessible), the system creates a computational copy of the fracture geometry and uses this model to predict proppant placement and conductivity. This virtual copying approach enables accurate prediction without requiring complex physical measurement devices.

The patent applies feedback by using predictive simulation results to guide and optimize the actual proppant injection process. The system simulates different proppant placement scenarios, evaluates their impact on fracture conductivity and fluid flow, and uses this information to optimize the injection strategy. This feedback loop between simulation and actual operation improves hydrocarbon recovery by ensuring optimal proppant placement without requiring overly complex real-time monitoring systems.

The patent uses parameter changes by systematically varying proppant properties (such as size, shape, and distribution) in the simulation to predict their impact on fracture conductivity. The system evaluates different proppant parameters and selects the optimal combination that maximizes fluid flow and hydrocarbon recovery. This approach enables productivity improvement through parameter optimization without requiring complex physical modification of the injection equipment.

The patent uses copying to create simplified asperity models that capture the essential fracture geometry without requiring complete detailed modeling. The system creates a representative copy of the fracture surface with key asperity features that are sufficient for predicting proppant placement and conductivity. This approach maintains prediction accuracy while significantly reducing computational complexity and processing time compared to exhaustive detailed modeling.

The patent applies local quality by focusing detailed asperity modeling only in critical regions of the fracture where proppant placement has the greatest impact on conductivity. Instead of uniformly modeling the entire fracture with high detail, the system identifies and concentrates computational effort on key zones that control fluid flow. This selective approach improves prediction accuracy in critical areas while minimizing overall computational time.