Real-Time Hydraulic Fracturing Optimization via Tube Wave Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Uncertainties in reservoir characterization complicate the design and execution of effective hydraulic fracturing jobs for maximizing hydrocarbon recovery, particularly in unconventional resources like shale gas or shale oil, due to high measurement uncertainties and the need for massive multi-stage fracturing treatments in horizontal wells.
Innovation Solution
The method involves selecting a wellbore for multilayer hydraulic fracturing, creating an initial job design, generating a model of tube wave propagation, monitoring reflections, and using a combination of a flow rate splitting simulator and multilayer fracturing simulator to optimize treatment design parameters in real-time, allowing for real-time evaluation and adjustment of pumping flow rates and fracture geometry to ensure the job design meets specified criteria without halting the fracturing operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hydraulic fracturing design is used based on reservoir data, then the fracturing job can be executed, but uncertainties in reservoir characterization lead to poor job design and reduced hydrocarbon recovery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by monitoring tube wave reflections during fracturing operations and using this data to continuously update and adjust the fracturing job design. This closed-loop system allows the treatment to adapt to actual formation conditions, resolving the uncertainty in reservoir characterization by replacing static pre-job design with dynamic real-time optimization based on actual measurements.
2Manufacturing precision
If real-time monitoring and adjustment is implemented during fracturing, then job design accuracy is improved, but the complexity of the fracturing operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical monitoring systems with acoustic wave-based tube wave analysis. By using acoustic signals to detect fracture initiation and propagation in real-time, the system achieves precise fracture geometry control without requiring complex mechanical sensors or direct physical measurement devices downhole, thus reducing operational complexity while maintaining high precision.
3Measurement precision
If tube wave monitoring is used to detect open fractures, then real-time fracture detection accuracy is improved, but the measurement and detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing fracturing pumping system multi-functional by using it to both inject fracturing fluid and generate tube waves for fracture detection. The same pump that performs the primary fracturing function also serves as the wave generation source, eliminating the need for separate detection equipment and simplifying the overall measurement system while maintaining high detection accuracy.
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 real-time optimization of hydraulic fracturing treatments, reducing the need for remedial measures, improving proppant placement, and maximizing hydrocarbon recovery by accurately determining open fractures and adjusting treatment parameters to achieve desired fracture geometry and conductivity.
Implementation Method 1
generating a model of tube wave propagation in the wellbore based on the initial job design
Implementation Method 2
monitoring one or more reflections of the one or more tube waves
Data Source
AI summary
Methods include designing and performing hydraulic fracturing treatments that utilize tube wave analysis by a combination of a flow rate splitting simulator and a multilayer fracturing (MLF) simulator to optimize treatment design parameters. Methods may also be directed to monitoring, controlling, evaluating and improving hydraulic fracturing treatments in real-time.