Telescoping Flow Conduits with Porous Objects for Proppant Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current well completion technologies, such as TELEFRAC™, do not provide a filter structure to control proppant flow back into the wellbore after hydraulic fracturing, which can lead to reduced fracture integrity and productivity.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using telescoping flow conduits with acid-soluble plugs that are extended radially outward from the wellbore casing, allowing hydraulic fracturing fluids and proppants to enter the formation, and then introducing porous objects to control proppant flow back into the wellbore during production, using an acidic solution to dissolve the plugs and create a filter-like structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If telescoping flow conduits are used for hydraulic fracturing, then proppant can be injected into the formation, but proppant flows back into the wellbore during production
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces porous objects (such as porous balls or porous filters) into the telescoping flow conduits after hydraulic fracturing. These porous materials allow formation fluids to pass through while filtering and retaining proppant particles, preventing them from flowing back into the wellbore during production. The porous structure provides the necessary filtration capability while maintaining fluid flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous objects act as an intermediary element between the flow conduit and the proppant particles. They intercept and retain proppant in the fracture zone while allowing hydrocarbons and formation fluids to continue flowing through the conduit to the wellbore, thus mediating the separation of proppant and fluid phases.
2Productivity
If filters are used in TELEPERFTM devices, then fluid flow is controlled, but high-viscosity fracturing fluids and proppants are obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic system where the flow conduit transitions from a filtered state during production to an open state during fracturing. The telescoping mechanism allows the conduit to be retracted during fracturing operations, eliminating filter obstruction, and then extended during production when filtration is needed. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction between fluid flow control and fracturing fluid passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by installing porous objects into the flow conduit after fracturing but before production begins. This preliminary filtration setup ensures that proppant is captured during production without interfering with the fracturing process, as the porous objects are installed only when needed for fluid flow control during production phase.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If temporary plugs are used to block flow pathways, then proppant flow is inhibited, but the plugs must be later removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces temporary plugs with porous objects that provide continuous filtration during production. The porous objects remain in place and continuously capture proppant particles without requiring removal, eliminating the complexity of plug removal operations while maintaining effective proppant flow inhibition throughout the production period.
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 ensures that proppants remain in the fracture, maintaining higher fracture integrity and productivity by preventing their return into the wellbore, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of hydraulic fracturing operations.
Implementation Method 1
using an acidic solution to dissolve the plugs and create a filter-like structure
Implementation Method 2
introducing porous objects to control proppant flow back into the wellbore during production
Implementation Method 3
extending the telescoping flow conduits radially outward from the pipe in the direction of the wellbore wall via an extension fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Porous objects, such as porous balls, may be employed within telescoping devices to control proppant flowback through a completed well during production. The telescoping devices may connect a reservoir face to a production liner without perforating. Acid-soluble plugs initially disposed within the telescoping devices may provide enough resistance to enable the telescoping devices to extend out from the production liner under hydraulic pressure. The plugs may then be dissolved in an acidic solution, which may also be used as the hydraulic extension fluid. After the plugs are substantially removed from the telescoping devices, the reservoir may be hydraulically fractured using standard fracturing processes. The porous balls may then be inserted into the telescoping devices to block proppant used in the fracturing process from flowing out of the reservoir with the production fluids.