Sweet Spot Identification Using Geomechanical and Fracture Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for identifying sweet spots in naturally fractured tight sand reservoirs for hydraulic fracturing stimulation are inadequate, as they fail to accurately account for rock quality, in-situ stress, and fluid flow paths, leading to suboptimal hydraulic fracturing outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A method that determines sweet spots by combining rock quality, in-situ stress regime, natural fractures, and fluid flow paths using measurements such as dynamic and static mechanical properties, fracture injection data, and resistivity logs to identify optimal intervals for hydraulic fracturing stimulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing techniques evaluate formation porosity and permeability to identify sweet spots, then the identification process is simplified, but the accuracy of sweet spot identification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple evaluation parameters including porosity, permeability, brittleness index, and geomechanical properties into a unified sweet spot identification framework. This integration allows simultaneous consideration of multiple factors that affect hydraulic fracturing success, thereby improving identification accuracy without requiring separate evaluation processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces new parameters such as brittleness index and geomechanical properties to supplement traditional porosity and permeability evaluations. By changing the parameter set used for sweet spot identification, the method achieves higher accuracy in identifying intervals suitable for hydraulic fracturing in naturally fractured tight sand reservoirs
2Quantity of substance
If natural fractures are present in the reservoir, then hydrocarbon storage capacity is improved, but hydraulic fracturing performance deteriorates due to formation breakdown and fluid leak-off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by evaluating sweet spots at specific intervals within the reservoir rather than treating the entire formation uniformly. By identifying localized zones with optimal properties (high porosity, high brittleness, favorable stress conditions), the method enables targeted hydraulic fracturing that exploits natural fractures for storage while avoiding zones where natural fractures cause excessive leak-off
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses fracture injection test data to provide feedback on reservoir response to fracturing operations. This feedback mechanism allows adjustment of fracturing parameters and identification of intervals where natural fractures enhance storage without compromising fracturing reliability, by observing pressure responses and interpreting formation behavior during injection tests
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive geomechanical parameters are used for sweet spot identification, then identification accuracy is improved, but the complexity of data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculations of derived parameters such as brittleness index and geomechanical properties during the well logging and data acquisition phase. By pre-computing these parameters before the sweet spot identification process, the method reduces the time required for final analysis while maintaining comprehensive evaluation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the evaluation process into distinct modules: acquiring basic well logging data, calculating intermediate parameters (porosity, permeability), computing derived parameters (brittleness index, geomechanical properties), and finally identifying sweet spots. This segmentation allows parallel processing of different parameter sets and reduces overall data processing time while maintaining comprehensive evaluation
Data Source
AI summary
A process for the determining of sweet spot intervals based on a combination of rock quality, an in-situ stress regime, natural fractures, and the identification of fluid flow paths from the interaction of hydraulic fracturing and formation attributes. The process may include determining geological components, determining mechanical earth model outputs, and determining sweet spot intervals using additional data from fracture calibration tests. Systems and computer-readable media for the determining of sweet spot intervals are also provided.