Target Net Treating Pressure Determination for Hydraulic Fracturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic fracture treatments in subterranean regions face challenges in determining the optimal net treating pressure to maximize permeability and prevent fracture reorientation, which affects the effectiveness of fluid extraction from rock formations.
Innovation Solution
A computer modeling approach is used to determine a target net treating pressure by simulating fracture growth orientation and selecting fluid pressures based on the difference between minimum and maximum horizontal stresses, aiming to dilate natural fractures and propagate dominant fractures perpendicular to the minimum stress orientation, thereby optimizing the connected fracture surface area and stimulated volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high fluid pressure is applied to fracture the rock formation, then the rock is fractured and permeability is increased, but fracture reorientation may occur which reduces treatment effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The method performs preliminary computer modeling to determine the target net treating pressure before actually applying the hydraulic fracture treatment. The modeling simulates fracture growth at different pressures to identify the optimal pressure that achieves desired fracture orientation while preventing reorientation, allowing operators to set the treatment pressure in advance based on predicted formation response
Solution Approach 2:
The method uses computer modeling to simulate and predict fracture growth behavior in response to different fluid pressures, providing feedback information about the relationship between applied pressure and fracture orientation. This feedback loop allows determination of a target pressure range that optimizes fracture propagation while maintaining stability and preventing undesirable reorientation
2Measurement precision
If computer modeling is used to determine target net treating pressure, then treatment precision is improved, but computational complexity and time requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The method creates a virtual copy or simulation model of the subterranean formation to study fracture growth behavior without physically fracturing the formation. The computer model replicates the geological conditions, stress fields, and rock properties, allowing operators to test different pressure scenarios and determine optimal treatment parameters before actual field operations
Solution Approach 2:
The method replaces complex physical trial-and-error testing with computer-based numerical modeling. Instead of conducting multiple actual fracture treatments at different pressures to determine optimal conditions, the system uses computational algorithms to simulate fracture growth and predict the target net treating pressure, reducing both time and resource requirements
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 method allows for the precise determination of the target net treating pressure, enhancing the effective permeability of the subterranean region, maximizing resource production, and preventing undesirable fracture reorientation, thus improving the design and execution of hydraulic fracturing treatments.
Implementation Method 1
hydraulic fracture treatments are often used to fracture shale, coal, and other types of rock formations. During a hydraulic 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
The target net treating pressure is a fluid pressure that dilates natural fractures in the subterranean region and propagates dominant fractures that are perpendicular to a minimum horizontal stress orientation in the subterranean region
Data Source
AI summary
In some aspects, a target net treating pressure for an injection treatment of a subterranean region is determined. Fracture growth orientation in a subterranean region is modeled by a computer system. In the model, the fracture growth is a response to fluid pressure acting on the subterranean region. A target net treating pressure for fluid acting on the subterranean region during an injection treatment of the subterranean region is determined based on the modeled fracture growth orientations.