Shale Fracturing Perforation Spacing for Lower Fracture Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to efficiently determine the effect of fracture interference on shale well performance, leading to inefficient hydraulic fracturing due to either overlapping fractures or large unstimulated reservoir volumes, which affects the stimulated reservoir volume and recovery efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining the optimal spacing distance and number of perforations in a horizontal fracturing pipe to minimize fracture interference by using a computing device to estimate the percentage of interference (PI) and maximize the net present value (NPV) through a formula and iterative calculations, incorporating pressure sensors and fluid meters to measure fracturing fluid pressure and volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If cluster spacing is reduced to increase the number of fractures, then the stimulated reservoir volume increases, but fracture interference increases and treatment efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating and determining the optimal cluster spacing before the hydraulic fracturing treatment is executed. The system uses historical data, formation properties, and interference models to pre-determine the spacing that will maximize stimulated reservoir volume while maintaining treatment efficiency, thereby avoiding the need to adjust spacing during the actual fracturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using actual fracturing data and production results to refine and update the cluster spacing optimization model. The system continuously learns from field performance data, adjusting the interference calculations and spacing recommendations to improve future fracturing designs and maximize reservoir stimulation effectiveness.
2Productivity
If cluster spacing is increased to reduce fracture interference, then treatment efficiency improves, but the stimulated reservoir volume decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the cluster spacing parameter based on multiple variables including formation properties, fracture geometry, stress conditions, and interference models. The system calculates optimal spacing values that balance treatment efficiency and stimulated volume by changing this critical parameter according to specific reservoir conditions rather than using fixed spacing values.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the cluster spacing determination a dynamic process that adapts to specific well conditions, formation characteristics, and fracturing stage requirements. The optimization model continuously evaluates different spacing scenarios and selects the optimal value for each specific situation, rather than applying a static universal spacing rule.
3Productivity
If the number of perforations is increased to enhance reservoir stimulation, then production efficiency improves, but interference between fracture zones increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by calculating the optimal number of perforations per stage before the fracturing treatment begins. The system uses interference models and formation properties to pre-determine the maximum number of perforations that can be effectively stimulated without excessive interference, allowing operators to plan the complete perforation pattern in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different numbers of perforations in different stages of the horizontal well based on local formation conditions, stress orientations, and reservoir characteristics. The optimization model tailors the perforation count to each specific stage's conditions rather than applying a uniform number throughout the entire well, thereby maximizing local efficiency while controlling interference.
4Speed
If computational methods are simplified to reduce analysis time, then processing speed improves, but the accuracy of interference calculation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by using simplified proxy models and empirical relationships that replicate the behavior of complex numerical simulations without requiring full computational resources. The system creates simplified representations of fracture interference that capture the essential physics and geometry, enabling rapid calculation while maintaining sufficient accuracy for field applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements parameter changes by adjusting the level of computational detail based on the specific application requirements. The system can switch between simplified calculations for rapid screening and more detailed models for final design optimization, changing the parameter of computational complexity to balance speed and accuracy according to the needs of each analysis stage.
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
This approach enhances hydraulic fracturing efficiency by optimizing cluster spacing, thereby improving the stimulated reservoir volume and hydrocarbon recovery, ensuring minimal interference and maximizing economic value.
Implementation Method 1
a pump located at the surface of the geological formation, and a fracturing fluid configured to be injected under pressure by the pump into the borehole and into the horizontal fracturing pipe
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor configured to measure the pressure of the fracturing fluid in the horizontal fracturing pipe
Implementation Method 3
a fluid meter configured to measure a volume of a material forced out of the fractures by the fracturing fluid
Implementation Method 4
estimate a percentage of interference PI between fracture zones of neighboring stages, according to the formula: PI=100*(1-ACe/ACa), where ACe represents an estimated fracture surface area of the horizontal fracture field and ACa represents an actual fracture surface area of the horizontal fracture field
Data Source
AI summary
A system for hydraulic fracturing in a shale layer of a geological formation is described. The system includes a borehole which extends between surface of geological formation and shale layer, and a horizontal fracturing pipe which extends perpendicularly from borehole into the shale layer. The horizontal fracturing pipe includes a number of periodic perforations. The system includes a pump and a fracturing fluid to be injected by the pump into borehole and horizontal fracturing pipe. The fracturing fluid is injected through periodic perforations and stimulates fractures in shale layer. The system includes a pressure sensor and a fluid meter. The pressure sensor measures pressure of fracturing fluid in horizontal fracturing pipe. A computing device determines the spacing distance of the perforations based on a percentage of interference between the perforation and a net present value of production.