Resonant Waveform Energy System for Subsurface Permeability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Unconventional hydrocarbon formations with low permeability, such as shale and sandstone, require enhanced methods to increase production efficiency beyond hydraulic fracturing, as existing techniques lead to high terminal decline rates and inefficiencies in accessing hydrocarbon reserves.

Innovation Solution

A waveform energy generation system is integrated into wellbores to apply mechanical energy at the resonant frequency of the rock matrix, using piezo-electric materials and explosive devices to break down naturally occurring weaknesses and increase formation permeability, supplementing hydraulic fracturing methods.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If hydraulic fracturing is used to enhance hydrocarbon recovery in low-permeability formations, then production quantity increases, but terminal decline rate increases and production duration decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrocarbon production quantityVSAvoidproduction duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies resonant frequency vibration to the rock matrix through the wellbore, causing cumulative damage to the formation structure. This mechanical vibration approach creates and propagates fractures differently than hydraulic fracturing, resulting in sustained production by continuously enhancing permeability without the rapid decline associated with conventional fracturing methods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic application of resonant frequency energy to the formation. By repeatedly applying vibrational energy at the resonant frequency of the rock matrix, the system accumulates damage over time, progressively increasing permeability and maintaining production rates over extended periods rather than experiencing rapid decline

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If more frac stages are implemented to increase contact area with the formation, then hydrocarbon recovery increases, but operational complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydrocarbon recoveryVSAvoidfracturing operation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wellbore serves multiple functions: it acts as both the production conduit and the energy delivery system for resonant frequency vibration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fracturing equipment and multiple staging operations, reducing overall operational complexity while achieving enhanced hydrocarbon recovery through direct vibrational energy application to the formation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If higher volumes of sand are used to prop fractures open, then fracture conductivity increases, but material cost and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefracture conductivityVSAvoidsand volume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical propping system (sand injection) with a resonant frequency vibration system. Instead of using sand to physically hold fractures open, the system uses continuous vibrational energy to maintain and enhance fracture conductivity through cumulative matrix damage, eliminating the need for large volumes of proppant material

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

The system effectively enhances the permeability of subsurface formations by creating cracks and fissures, leading to improved hydrocarbon extraction efficiency and prolonged production rates by leveraging the resonant frequency of the rock matrix to increase the conductivity of the rock matrix.

Implementation Method 1

using piezo-electric materials and explosive devices to break down naturally occurring weaknesses and increase formation permeability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezo-electric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

apply mechanical energy at the resonant frequency of the rock matrix, using piezo-electric materials and explosive devices to break down naturally occurring weaknesses

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 3

using piezo-electric materials and explosive devices to break down naturally occurring weaknesses and increase formation permeability

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectExplosion: Explosion

Data Source

PatentUS11572766B2Waveform energy generation systems and methods of enhancing matrix permeability in a subsurface formation

Publication Date: 2023.02.07 EXXONMOBIL UPSTREAM RESEARCH COMPANY(US)

AI summary

A waveform energy generation system, the system including at least one joint of production casing, and one or more energy generators residing along the joint of production casing. The energy generators are configured to be in substantial mechanical contact with a subsurface formation within a wellbore. The energy generators may include either explosive devices or a piezo-electric material. The system also includes a signal transmission system. The signal transmission system is used to send control signals from the surface down to the energy generators for activation at the formation's resonant frequency. Methods of enhancing the permeability of a rock matrix within a subsurface formation using the wellbore as an energy generator are also provided.