Stride Test Injection Treatment for Fracture Geometry Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional injection tests in subterranean regions often fail to accurately estimate fracture properties and optimize fracture geometry, leading to inefficient fracture treatments and reduced hydrocarbon production.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a stride test method that involves alternating periods of fluid injection and shut-in intervals, allowing for the analysis of pressure responses and adjustment of injection rates and materials to achieve desired fracture properties, such as fracture extension and complexity, thereby optimizing fracture geometry and improving production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering 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 of fracture property estimation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The injection test is divided into multiple strides, where each stride consists of an injection period followed by a shut-in interval. This segmentation allows the system to collect pressure response data at different injection rates and conditions, enabling more accurate fracture property estimation through multiple measurement points rather than a single test.
Solution Approach 2:
The test employs periodic alternating injection and shut-in cycles. During injection periods, fluid is injected at controlled rates; during shut-in intervals, the system rests and pressure responds. This periodic action creates measurable pressure transients that reveal fracture properties, allowing accurate estimation while maintaining a relatively simple test structure.
2Productivity
If conventional injection tests are used, then the operational time is short, but the fracture treatment optimization is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The injection test collects pressure response data during and after injection periods, creating feedback loops that inform fracture property estimation. This feedback enables real-time or near-real-time optimization of fracture treatment parameters, improving treatment efficiency without requiring excessively long operational times, as the feedback is derived from the pressure responses captured during the stride test cycles.
3Measurement precision
If injection rates are continuously adjusted to optimize fracture geometry, then fracture properties are accurately estimated, but the operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The injection rate adjustment is segmented into discrete injection periods within each stride, rather than continuous adjustment. During each injection period, a specific injection rate is maintained, and the system transitions to shut-in intervals between periods. This segmentation simplifies operation by defining clear on/off rate states while still enabling accurate fracture property estimation through the pressure responses at these discrete rates.
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 enables accurate estimation of fracture properties and real-time modification of injection treatments to enhance fracture geometry, leading to improved hydrocarbon production and reduced operational time and material requirements.
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
Implementation Method 2
Each injection period can be followed by a respective shut-in interval... allowing for the analysis of pressure responses and adjustment of injection rates
Data Source
AI summary
In some aspects, response data from an injection test of a subterranean region are accessed. An injection treatment is designed based on the response data. 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.