Volume-Based Proppant Trapping Model for Fracture Conductivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic fracturing models using mass-based proppant trapping methods fail to accurately simulate proppant placement for proppants of different densities, leading to unphysical outcomes and inefficient hydrocarbon production, as they do not account for volume-based trapping mechanisms that consider the varying densities and sequences of proppant introduction.
Innovation Solution
A volume-based proppant trapping model is implemented, which uses parameters like maximum allowed trapped volume and trapping rate to simulate proppant trapping along fracture surfaces, accounting for the volume of proppants of different densities and their sequence of introduction, thereby improving fracture conductivity and well performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mass-based proppant trapping methods are used, then the simulation process is simple, but the accuracy of proppant placement for proppants of different densities is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter basis from mass-based to volume-based trapping. By using volume fractions instead of mass fractions, the model accurately captures the physical behavior of proppants with different densities. The volume-based approach uses parameters such as maximum allowed trapped volume and trapping rate to simulate proppant placement, ensuring that low and high-density proppants are trapped equivalently according to their actual spatial occupation rather than their mass.
2Productivity
If mass-based proppant trapping is used, then the model is easier to implement, but the hydrocarbon production efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from mass-based parameters to volume-based parameters in the trapping model. This parameter change fundamentally improves hydrocarbon production efficiency by ensuring accurate representation of proppant placement physics. The volume-based model uses trapping rate and maximum allowed trapped volume as key parameters, which directly correlate with actual fracture conductivity and well performance, thereby optimizing hydrocarbon recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the volume-based trapping model outputs are used to control and optimize fracking operations in the subsurface. The model predictions regarding proppant placement accuracy feed back into adjusting fracturing design parameters, proppant selection, and injection strategies, creating a closed-loop system that continuously improves well productivity and hydrocarbon production efficiency.
3Manufacturing precision
If volume-based proppant trapping model is used, then the accuracy of proppant placement is improved, but the computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs volume-based parameters (maximum allowed trapped volume, trapping rate) instead of mass-based parameters. This parameter transformation maintains computational tractability while significantly improving proppant placement precision. The volume-based approach directly models the physical space occupied by proppants, leading to accurate predictions of fracture conductivity and well performance without excessive computational burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary simulations using the volume-based trapping model to optimize fracking design before actual field implementation. By conducting pre-fracking simulations that account for proppant density variations and trapping mechanisms, the model enables optimization of proppant selection, injection rates, and fracture geometry, thereby achieving high placement precision while minimizing the need for complex real-time adjustments during actual operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and a system for volume-based proppant trapping along a fracture surface is disclosed. Hydraulic fracturing involves injecting proppant to ensure separation of the fracture surfaces after the stimulation treatment is completed. The spatial placement of proppant is assumed to be directly related to the fracture conductivity along the hydraulic fracture as well as its connectivity to the wellbore. Fracture conductivity is an important focus of designing fracture treatments since fracture conductivity may be directly related to the well performance. Thus, improving one or more aspects of proppant placement, such as determining the optimal type, size and/or concentration of proppant(s) may enhance fracture conductivity and in turn improve well performance. In order to understand the placement of proppant in the subsurface, a volume-based proppant trapping model is used. The volume-based proppant trapping model may factor in parameters associated with the subsurface, parameters associated with the proppants, and user parameters, such as the total volume of proppant along the fracture surface, thereby assisting in hydraulic fracturing.