Shape Memory Polymer Proppants for Fracture Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current proppants used in hydraulic fracturing are prone to closure and crushing due to increased rock stress, leading to reduced fracture conductivity and short-term production in low permeability reservoirs, necessitating frequent refracturing and proppant embedment.
Innovation Solution
Development of shape memory polymer proppants that can be programmed to expand when activated by temperature, moisture, light, pH, magnetic fields, or electricity, maintaining or increasing fracture width and conductivity without interrupting production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional proppants are used to maintain fracture openness, then initial fracture conductivity is achieved, but proppant strength is inadequate under increased rock stress leading to closure and crushing that reduces conductivity over time
Solution Approach 1:
The proppant transitions from a static size to a dynamic expandable structure. The proppant is introduced in a compressed first state and expands to a larger second state in response to downhole conditions, allowing it to dynamically adapt to stress changes and maintain fracture conductivity throughout the production lifecycle
Solution Approach 2:
The proppant's physical parameters (size, volume, shape) are changed from a first state to a second state. This parameter transformation enables the proppant to overcome strength limitations by expanding after placement, thereby maintaining fracture conductivity under increasing rock stress without requiring the proppant to withstand maximum stress in its initial state
2Reliability
If proppant size is increased to maintain fracture width under stress, then fracture conductivity is improved, but proppant embedment in formation increases reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The proppant is introduced in a compressed first state that minimizes embedment during placement, then expands to a larger second state after being positioned in the fracture. This preliminary compressed state allows the proppant to be placed without excessive embedment, and the expansion occurs only after the proppant is properly positioned to maintain fracture conductivity
Solution Approach 2:
The proppant size is dynamically changed from a smaller first state during placement to a larger second state during production. This dynamic size adjustment allows the proppant to minimize embedment during injection while maximizing fracture width maintenance during the production phase
3Duration of action of stationary object
If larger proppants are used to prevent closure, then fracture width is maintained, but frequent refracturing is required due to proppant crush
Solution Approach 1:
The proppant expands from a first state to a second state in response to downhole conditions, allowing it to maintain fracture conductivity throughout the entire production lifecycle. This dynamic expansion eliminates the need for frequent refracturing operations while sustaining productivity over the desired duration
Solution Approach 2:
The proppant undergoes parameter changes (size, volume) from introduction to production state, enabling it to maintain fracture conductivity for extended periods without crush. This parameter transformation allows the proppant to achieve both long production duration and sustained productivity
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 shape memory polymer proppants actively control fracture width, enhancing hydraulic conductivity and potentially reducing the need for refracturing by maintaining fracture openness during production stages, thereby improving oil and gas production sustainability.
Implementation Method 1
the proppant in the programmed state will convert to the proppant in the activated state when an activation condition is applied to the proppant in the programmed state
Implementation Method 2
cooling the shape memory polymer proppant in the programmed state under the first pressure to a cooling temperature
Implementation Method 3
heating the shape memory polymer proppant in the programmed state to a activation condition, wherein the activation condition is selected from the group consisting of: an activation temperature
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides for shape memory proppants, methods for making shape memory proppants, and methods of using shape memory proppants, and the like. The strong expandable proppants of the present disclosure may be used in maintaining fracture openings.