Sequential Fracturing Fluids for Dendritic Fracture Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current well stimulation methods, such as hydraulic fracturing, often result in limited fluid connectivity between the wellbore and the surrounding subterranean formation due to the formation of primarily linear fractures, which restricts hydrocarbon production and drainage area.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the sequential introduction of fracturing fluids with different compositions, including permanent and temporary diverting agents, to form a dendritic fracture system by creating primary, secondary, and tertiary fractures that intersect multiple natural joints in the formation, enhancing fluid communication and conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If hydraulic fracturing is performed to enhance fluid conductivity, then fluid transmissibility is improved, but the fracture geometry remains limited to linear patterns which restrict drainage area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fracture system into multiple segments by introducing sequential fracturing fluids with different compositions. The first fracturing fluid creates primary fractures, while subsequent fluids with varying viscosities and diverting agents create secondary and tertiary fractures, segmenting the fracture network to increase complexity and drainage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from simple linear fractures to a multi-dimensional dendritic fracture system. By using sequential fracturing fluids and controlling injection parameters, the method creates fractures that extend in multiple directions and dimensions, transforming the geometry from one-dimensional linear to complex multi-dimensional networks.
2Area of stationary object
If sequential fracturing fluids with different compositions are introduced to form dendritic fractures, then drainage area increases, but the process complexity and number of operation steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by first introducing a fracturing fluid with specific properties to create primary fractures and establish a foundation structure. Subsequent fracturing fluids are then introduced with modified compositions to build upon the existing fracture network, creating secondary and tertiary fractures in a systematic sequence that manages complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent systematically changes key parameters of the fracturing fluids between sequential injections, including viscosity, gel concentration, and diverting agent composition. These parameter changes are controlled and progressive, allowing the fracture network to evolve from simple to complex while managing process complexity through deliberate parameter modification.
3Productivity
If temporary diverting agents are used in fracturing fluids, then secondary and tertiary fractures are formed, but the agents must dissolve in-situ which adds compositional complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of temporary diverting agents, which transition from a solid or gel phase during injection to a dissolved phase in-situ after injection. This phase transition allows the diverting agents to perform their function of creating and maintaining complex fracture networks, then dissolve to avoid interfering with subsequent production operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs temporary diverting agents that serve their purpose during the fracturing operation and then dissolve away, acting as disposable elements in the process. These agents are introduced to create the necessary fracture geometry and then naturally dissolve in-situ, eliminating the need for removal operations and reducing long-term complexity.
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 method significantly increases the drainage area and hydrocarbon production by forming a complex network of fractures that connect multiple natural joints, thereby improving fluid transmissibility and rapid recovery from the subterranean formation.
Implementation Method 1
the temporary diverting agent of the second fracturing fluid is configured to dissolve in-situ
Data Source
AI summary
A method for stimulating a well extending through a subterranean formation includes (a) introducing a first fracturing fluid into the subterranean formation, and (b) introducing a second fracturing fluid into the subterranean formation that is different in composition from the first fracturing fluid, wherein the second fracturing fluid comprises a temporary diverting agent.