Segmented Propellant Assembly for Controlled Well Stimulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current well stimulation techniques, such as hydraulic fracturing and explosive fracturing, lack control over the burn rate and peak pressures generated by propellants, making it difficult to achieve a predetermined degree of stimulation in subterranean formations.

Innovation Solution

A downhole propellant gas generator with a propellant assembly comprising multiple lengths of energetic materials arranged in specific configurations and packing densities, allowing for controlled pressure pulses through varying ignition patterns and geometry, enabling tailored burn rates and peak pressures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional propellant charges are used in well stimulation, then sufficient pressure is generated to fracture the formation, but control over burn rate and peak pressures is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol over burn rate and peak pressuresVSAvoidpropellant assembly configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The propellant charge is divided into multiple individual lengths or segments of energetic material. Each segment can be independently ignited or controlled, allowing precise regulation of the burn rate and peak pressures generated during well stimulation operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different segments of the propellant assembly can have different properties (such as varying lengths, densities, or compositions) to create localized variations in burn characteristics, enabling tailored pressure profiles at different locations or time intervals within the wellbore

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If solid propellants are selected to produce high pressures for fracture propagation, then fracture depth is increased, but the process lacks precision in controlling stimulation degree

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepredetermined degree of stimulationVSAvoidfracture propagation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The propellant assembly is designed with dynamic control capabilities where ignition sequences, burn rates, and pressure generation can be adjusted in real-time based on formation response, allowing precise control over the degree of stimulation while maintaining efficient fracture propagation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By varying parameters such as propellant segment configuration, ignition timing, and combustion characteristics, the system can precisely control the pressure pulse profile to achieve a predetermined degree of stimulation while optimizing fracture propagation efficiency

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

The solution provides flexible control over pressure pulses, allowing for a predetermined degree of well stimulation by adjusting the packing configurations and ignition patterns of energetic materials, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of well fracturing operations.

Implementation Method 1

igniting the at least one initiator, which in turn ignites the plurality of lengths of the energetic material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

generate a substantial quantity of gaseous combustion product at a pressure sufficient to break down the formation adjacent the perforations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentUS8186425B2Sympathetic ignition closed packed propellant gas generator

Publication Date: 2012.05.29 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

A downhole propellant gas generator includes a propellant assembly that comprises a plurality of individual lengths of an energetic material packed in a selected configuration and at least one initiator. A method for creating a pressure pulse includes igniting an initiator, wherein the one or more initiators are packed with a plurality of individual lengths of an energetic material in a propellant assembly; igniting the plurality of individual lengths of the energetic material subsequent to the igniting of the one or more initiators. A method for stimulating a well includes disposing in the well a propellant gas generator having a propellant assembly that comprises a plurality of individual lengths of an energetic material, and at least one initiator packed among the plurality of individual lengths of the energetic material; igniting the at least one initiator, which in turn ignites the plurality of individual lengths of the energetic material.