Wellbore Length Compensating Breakdown Pressure Correction Curves

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for predicting breakdown pressure in hydraulic fracturing operations often assume infinite wellbore interval length and time-independent mechanical responses, failing to account for finite wellbore geometry and time-dependent poroelastic effects, leading to inaccurate predictions, especially for extended reach horizontal wells.

Innovation Solution

The development of wellbore length compensating breakdown pressure correction curves, derived from laboratory-scale measurements, to improve the prediction of breakdown pressure for reservoir-scale wellbores by applying correction factors to existing models, considering factors like wellbore length, injection rise-up time, and rock properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If theoretical breakdown predictive models are used assuming infinite wellbore interval length, then the prediction process is simplified, but the prediction accuracy deteriorates for finite wellbore geometries

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprediction process complexityVSAvoidbreakdown pressure prediction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the breakdown pressure prediction by introducing dimensionless parameters (normalized wellbore length h*, normalized injection rise-up time t0*, and normalized breakdown pressure Pb*) that capture the essential physics of finite wellbore effects. By changing the parameter representation from absolute values to normalized dimensionless forms, the model maintains simplicity while accurately predicting breakdown pressure for finite wellbore geometries through correction factors derived from poroelastic theory

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces correction curves as an intermediary element between the simple theoretical models and the complex reality of finite wellbore effects. These correction curves, plotted as functions of dimensionless parameters, serve as a mediator that adjusts the basic theoretical predictions to account for finite wellbore geometry and time-dependent poroelastic effects without requiring complex numerical simulations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If time-independent mechanical response models are used, then the analysis is simpler, but the prediction accuracy deteriorates for time-dependent poroelastic effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical response model complexityVSAvoidbreakdown pressure prediction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses time-dependent poroelastic effects by transforming the time domain analysis into a dimensionless time parameter (t0*). This parameter change allows the model to capture transient fluid diffusion and pore pressure evolution without requiring complex time-dependent differential equations, achieving accurate predictions through dimensionless scaling relationships

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If laboratory-scale measurements are used directly without correction, then the measurement process is simpler, but the prediction accuracy deteriorates for reservoir-scale wellbores

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement and prediction process complexityVSAvoidbreakdown pressure prediction accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses correction curves as an intermediary that bridges laboratory-scale measurements and reservoir-scale predictions. The correction curves, which are universal functions of dimensionless parameters, serve as a transfer mechanism that allows breakdown pressure data from small-scale laboratory experiments to be accurately scaled up to field conditions, accounting for geometric and temporal effects that differ between scales

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables scale transformation by changing from absolute dimensional parameters to dimensionless parameters. This parameter transformation allows measurements from laboratory samples to be universally applied to reservoir-scale wellbores through the dimensionless correction relationships, eliminating scale-dependent errors in prediction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 allows for more accurate planning and optimization of hydraulic fracturing operations, enhancing the efficiency of producing low-permeability hydrocarbon reservoirs by providing a more precise breakdown pressure prediction.

Implementation Method 1

time-dependent poroelastic effects

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPoroelasticity: Porosity

Data Source

PatentUS20240241999A1Method for lab-scale hydraulic fracture analysis

Publication Date: 2024.07.18 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

Examples of methods and systems for predicting a predicted breakdown pressure for a wellbore are disclosed. The methods include obtaining a set of wellbore length compensating breakdown pressure correction curves and obtaining an approximate breakdown pressure, wherein the approximate breakdown pressure is based, at least in part, on measurements taken in a laboratory-scale wellbore. The methods further include determining a predicted breakdown pressure from the approximate breakdown pressure and the set of wellbore length compensating breakdown pressure correction curves, where the predicted breakdown pressure predicts the breakdown pressure of a reservoir-scale wellbore.