Shale Gas Operation Method Using On-Site Power Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shale gas exploitation is challenging due to its low permeability and porosity, requiring high-cost methods like horizontal well drilling and hydraulic fracturing, which involve cumbersome and costly equipment and environmental concerns.
Innovation Solution
A method that includes drilling wells, performing fracturing operations, and using recovered shale gas to generate electricity for drilling equipment, with a foldable liquid container for efficient storage and transportation of fracturing fluids, reducing environmental impact and operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If horizontal well drilling and hydraulic fracturing methods are used to exploit shale gas, then the gas collection rate and permeability are improved, but the operation cost and equipment complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the well drilling and fracturing operations into modular components that can be independently controlled and optimized. The fracturing system is divided into separate injection units, monitoring systems, and fluid delivery mechanisms, allowing each segment to be optimized for specific functions while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control systems that adjust fracturing parameters in real-time based on reservoir conditions and gas flow rates. The system dynamically optimizes injection pressure, fluid viscosity, and fracture propagation patterns to maintain high collection rates while adapting to changing operational requirements without requiring overly complex fixed systems.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple rigid round tanks are used for storing fracturing water, then the storage capacity is sufficient, but the handling convenience decreases and well site area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate rigid tanks into a single integrated flexible storage system. The flexible tank design consolidates water storage capacity that would otherwise require multiple rigid tanks, improving handling convenience by reducing the number of individual containers that need to be positioned and managed on the well site.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tank system provides excessive storage capacity beyond immediate needs, allowing for reduced frequency of refilling operations and enabling the system to handle variations in water consumption rates without requiring multiple precisely-sized rigid tanks.
3Quantity of substance
If rigid tanks with large volume are used for liquid storage, then the storage capacity is adequate, but the transportation and environmental recovery costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible tank system provides excessive storage capacity that eliminates the need for frequent refilling and reduces transportation requirements. By having sufficient capacity built into the flexible tank, the system minimizes the energy and cost associated with transporting water to the well site.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible tank technology with collapsible walls that can be easily transported in a compact state and deployed on-site. This flexible shell approach replaces bulky rigid tanks, significantly reducing transportation costs and environmental impact while maintaining adequate storage capacity for fracturing operations.
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 continuous shale gas exploitation with reduced energy costs and environmental pollution by utilizing on-site electricity generation and foldable containers for fluid storage, improving operational efficiency and mobility.
Implementation Method 1
supplying at least part of the shale gas recovered from the well to an electrical generator, generating electricity using the generator
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing shale gas operation is disclosed. The method may include drilling a first well, performing a fracturing operation in the well, recovering shale gas from the first well, supplying at least part of the shale gas recovered from the well to an electrical generator, generating electricity using the generator, and transferring the generated electricity to drilling equipment used to drill a second well.