Resonant Rock Fracturing Scheme for Fracture Initiation Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies are unable to accurately determine the resonant frequency of rocks and fracture initiation pressure and orientation under resonant excitation, leading to reduced effectiveness of hydraulic fracturing in unconventional oil and gas reservoirs.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for rock hydraulic fracturing under resonant excitation that involves obtaining excitation frequency and strain time-series data, determining the resonant frequency and fracture initiation parameters, and formulating a fracture induction scheme based on these parameters to enhance hydraulic fracturing effectiveness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If resonant excitation is applied to enhance hydraulic fracturing effectiveness, then the fracture initiation pressure decreases and rock strength is weakened, but the accurate determination of resonant frequency and fracture initiation parameters becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverock strengthVSAvoidmeasurement precision of resonant frequency and fracture initiation parameters

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by conducting resonance frequency identification and fracture initiation parameter determination before the actual hydraulic fracturing operation. The method first identifies the resonant frequency of the rock formation, then uses this information to optimize the fracturing process. This preliminary characterization ensures that subsequent fracturing operations can be precisely controlled at the identified resonant frequency, resolving the measurement precision issue while achieving the desired rock weakening effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through real-time monitoring of vibration responses during resonant excitation. By continuously measuring the rock formation's response to applied vibrations and comparing it against expected resonant behavior, the system can accurately identify the resonant frequency and adjust excitation parameters accordingly. This feedback loop enables precise determination of fracture initiation parameters even under dynamic resonant conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If existing technologies are used for hydraulic fracturing, then the process is simpler to operate, but the effectiveness and development efficiency in unconventional oil and gas reservoirs is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevelopment efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying excitation frequency, amplitude, and duration to identify optimal resonant conditions for different rock formations. The method establishes quantitative relationships between resonant frequency, pore diameter, and fracture initiation parameters, enabling operators to select optimal parameters based on formation characteristics. This parameter optimization significantly improves fracturing effectiveness in unconventional reservoirs while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional purely mechanical hydraulic fracturing with a combined mechanical-vibrational system. By substituting part of the mechanical energy input with resonant vibrational energy, the method achieves enhanced fracture initiation and propagation with reduced fluid pressure requirements. This substitution improves development efficiency by leveraging the rock's natural resonant properties to amplify the fracturing effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical 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

Enables accurate determination of resonant frequency and fracture initiation parameters, improving the effectiveness of hydraulic fracturing in unconventional oil and gas reservoirs by providing reliable data for fracture induction mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

When a reservoir rock is subjected to external excitation at or near its natural frequency (resonant frequency), a resonance phenomenon occurs. Under resonant excitation, the vibration amplitude of the rock reaches a peak, and microfractures within the rock tend to initiate, propagate, and coalesce.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

Activate the miniature ultrasonic vibration rod, gradually increase the excitation frequency of the vibration rod, obtain the excitation frequency time-series data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS20260049543A1Method and Apparatus for Rock Hydraulic Fracturing under Resonant Excitation

Publication Date: 2026.02.19 STENERGY LLC

AI summary

A method and apparatus for rock hydraulic fracturing under resonant excitation are disclosed. The method includes: obtaining excitation frequency and strain time-series data of a target rock sample based on a simulated pore diameter; determining the resonant frequency under the pore diameter influence; identifying the fracture initiation pressure and orientation under the resonant frequency and a preset excitation duration; and formulating a fracture induction scheme accordingly. This approach enables accurate characterization of fracture initiation conditions and improves hydraulic fracturing performance in unconventional reservoirs.