Subterranean Stride Test Injection Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional injection tests for subterranean regions lack accuracy in estimating formation properties and designing optimal fracture treatments, leading to inefficiencies in fracture geometry and resource production.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a stride test method that involves alternating injection periods and shut-in intervals, allowing for the analysis of pressure responses to varied injection rates and materials, enabling real-time adjustment of injection treatments to achieve desired fracture properties such as extension and complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional injection tests (step-rate tests, mini-fracture tests, DFIT) are used, then the testing process is simple and quick, but the accuracy in estimating formation properties is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy in estimating formation propertiesVSAvoidcomplexity of injection testing process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The injection test is divided into multiple discrete injection periods separated by shut-in intervals, creating a segmented time-series structure. Each segment allows independent analysis of pressure response to injection rate changes, enabling accurate estimation of formation properties through systematic breakdown of the testing process into manageable phases

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The test employs periodic alternating injection and shut-in cycles where injection periods are followed by shut-in intervals. This periodic action creates repeatable pressure response patterns that can be analyzed to determine formation properties such as fracture extension pressure and rate, improving measurement precision through multiple cycles of application and relaxation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Manufacturing precision

If conventional injection tests are used, then the testing time is short, but the accuracy in designing optimal fracture treatments is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy in designing fracture treatmentsVSAvoidtesting time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The test generates feedback through measurement of pressure responses during injection periods and shut-in intervals. This feedback information about the formation's mechanical properties and fracture characteristics is used to accurately design fracture treatment parameters, including injection rates and materials, optimizing the treatment design based on real formation response data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The injection test performs preliminary characterization of the formation and fracture properties before the actual fracture treatment. By conducting this preliminary testing with controlled injection periods and shut-in intervals, the necessary design parameters are obtained in advance, enabling accurate fracture treatment design without requiring extended testing time during the treatment itself

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If fracture treatments are designed without accurate formation property estimation, then the treatment design is simplified, but the fracture geometry and resource production are inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrocarbon productionVSAvoidcomplexity of injection treatment control

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The test systematically varies injection parameters including injection rates and materials during different periods. By changing these parameters and measuring the corresponding pressure responses, accurate formation properties are obtained, enabling optimization of fracture treatment parameters to improve hydrocarbon production through better-controlled fracture geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The injection test employs dynamic control of injection rates and materials over time, alternating between different rates and material compositions during injection periods. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt and optimize fracture properties in real-time, improving productivity by creating more effective fracture networks while maintaining manageable control complexity through systematic parameter variation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 provides accurate estimation of formation properties and allows for real-time optimization of injection treatments, enhancing fracture geometry and improving hydrocarbon production by precisely controlling injection rates and materials.

Implementation Method 1

During a fracture treatment, fluids are pumped into the formation (e.g., through a wellbore) under high pressure, and the pressure of the fluid in the formation fractures the rock

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHigh pressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS9702247B2Controlling an injection treatment of a subterranean region based on stride test data

Publication Date: 2017.07.11 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

In some aspects, response data from an injection test of a subterranean region are received during an injection treatment of the subterranean region. The injection treatment is modified based on the response data. In some instances, the response data are acquired during a series of injection periods and shut-in intervals of the injection test. Each of the injection periods is followed by a respective one of the shut-in intervals.