Proppant Stimulation for Enhanced Energy Penetration Depth

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Solution Overview

Problem

The efficiency of energy penetration into formations, such as those used in geophysical and petroleum engineering operations, is limited by frequency-dependent dispersion and scattering, as well as water content, which restricts the depth of energy penetration and hydrocarbon extraction.

Innovation Solution

Mechanical stimulation of proppant-containing fractures in formations at a specific frequency, followed by the application of electromagnetic radiation at a different frequency, reduces electrical impedance and enhances energy penetration depth by inducing mechanical stress and dynamic polarization, thereby increasing permeability and facilitating deeper energy penetration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If electromagnetic radiation is directed at high frequency into formations, then energy delivery rate increases, but penetration depth decreases due to frequency-dependent dispersion and scattering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy delivery rateVSAvoidpenetration depth

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The method applies mechanical stimulation to the formation before directing electromagnetic radiation into it. This preliminary mechanical action creates fractures and reduces impedance in advance, allowing subsequent electromagnetic energy to penetrate deeper into the formation despite using high frequencies for rapid energy delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Mechanical stimulation acts as an intermediary process between the electromagnetic radiation source and the formation. By first creating physical pathways and reducing impedance through mechanical means, the electromagnetic energy can more effectively penetrate the formation at higher frequencies without being scattered or dispersed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If mechanical stimulation is applied to proppant-containing fractures, then permeability increases, but energy required for stimulation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovepermeabilityVSAvoidenergy required for stimulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The method combines mechanical stimulation and electromagnetic radiation application in a unified treatment process. The mechanical stimulation creates fractures and increases permeability, while the simultaneous or subsequent electromagnetic radiation delivers energy to heat the formation and mobilize hydrocarbons, achieving multiple objectives in one integrated approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The method changes the physical parameters of the formation by applying mechanical stress to alter fracture geometry and proppant arrangement, thereby increasing permeability. This parameter change allows subsequent electromagnetic energy to be more efficiently used for heating and hydrocarbon mobilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method allows for greater depth penetration of electromagnetic radiation and increased permeability, enhancing hydrocarbon extraction by reducing impedance and increasing the flow of fluids through the formation, thereby improving the efficiency of energy application in formations.

Implementation Method 1

mechanically stimulating proppant in proppant-containing fractures in the formation at a first frequency to induce mechanical stress in the proppant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical stress:

Implementation Method 2

mechanically stimulating proppant in proppant-containing fractures in the formation at a first frequency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 3

directing electromagnetic radiation at a second frequency into the proppant-containing fractures of the formation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation:

Implementation Method 4

inducing mechanical stress and dynamic polarization, thereby increasing permeability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDynamic polarization: Polarisation

Implementation Method 5

reduces electrical impedance and enhances energy penetration depth

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImpedance reduction: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 6

increasing permeability and facilitating deeper energy penetration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPermeability increase: Porosity

Data Source

PatentUS11578581B2Process and system for enhanced depth penetration of an energy source

Publication Date: 2023.02.14 DEAN JOHN

AI summary

A method for enhanced depth penetration of energy into a formation may include mechanically stimulating proppant in proppant-containing fractures in the formation at a first frequency to induce mechanical stress in the proppant and directing electromagnetic radiation at a second frequency into the proppant-containing fractures of the formation while mechanically stimulating the proppant, wherein the first frequency and the second frequency are the same or different and wherein the proppant includes silica.