Removable Wellbore Coating for Fracture Initiation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for fracturing subterranean formations from open hole wells lack precision and control, often resulting in unpredictable fracture initiation locations, especially in non-vertical sections, due to the absence of a reliable and cost-effective means to isolate and manage fracture formation.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a removable, impermeable coating applied across the well bore surface, selectively removed at desired locations to initiate fractures, combined with a non-damaging proppant plug to isolate fractures and prevent damage from subsequent operations, using coiled tubing or jointed pipe strings without requiring complex equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a removable coating is applied across the well bore surface and selectively removed at desired locations, then fracture initiation location precision is improved, but device complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a removable coating (thin film) across the well bore surface that can be selectively removed at desired locations to expose the formation for fracture initiation. This flexible film approach allows precise control of fracture locations without complex mechanical isolation equipment, resolving the contradiction by using a simple yet effective thin film mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The coating is applied in advance across the entire well bore surface before fracturing operations begin. This preliminary action prepares the well bore for controlled fracture initiation at multiple locations by having the isolation mechanism already in place, allowing precise fracture location control while avoiding complex real-time isolation procedures.
2Reliability
If a non-damaging proppant plug is used to isolate fractures, then fracture protection from subsequent operations is improved, but manufacturing cost and implementation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a non-damaging proppant plug that can be easily placed and later removed without damaging the fracture. This disposable-like approach provides reliable fracture isolation during subsequent operations while avoiding the need for complex, expensive, or difficult-to-remove isolation equipment. The plug serves its protective function temporarily and then can be cleanly extracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The proppant plug acts as an intermediary element between the fracture and subsequent fracturing operations. It temporarily isolates the fracture from the effects of subsequent operations, providing protection without requiring complex mechanical isolation systems. The plug mediates the interaction between multiple fracturing stages.
3Productivity
If multiple fractures are formed from a non-vertical open hole section, then hydrocarbon recovery efficiency is improved, but control over fracture initiation location deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the removable coating selectively at specific locations along the well bore where fractures are desired. By having different conditions (coated vs. uncoated) at different locations, the system achieves precise control over where fractures initiate, enabling multiple strategically placed fractures that improve hydrocarbon recovery while maintaining location control.
Solution Approach 2:
The well bore is effectively segmented into multiple zones by applying the removable coating at specific intervals or locations. Each coated section can be independently targeted for fracture initiation, allowing multiple discrete fractures to be created at controlled locations along the non-vertical well section, thereby improving productivity while maintaining precision.
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
Enables precise formation of multiple fractures in non-vertical open hole sections, reducing the effects of poroelasticity and protecting fractures from damage, while being cost-efficient and easy to implement.
Implementation Method 1
reducing the effects of poroelasticity upon the formation under the coating
Implementation Method 2
A non-damaging plug is placed across the fracture and along a portion of the well bore proximate thereto to isolate the fracture from any subsequent fracturing operations
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a method of allowing a subterranean formation to be fractured from an open hole well bore section includes providing a removable coating across substantially the entire surface of the wall of the well bore section, selectively removing the coating at a desired first fracture initiation location and allowing the first fracture to be formed in the vicinity of the desired first fracture initiation location.