Wellbore Notching Simulation for Lower Breakdown Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for predicting the effect of notching configurations on breakdown pressure in wellbores are reactive, require multiple wells to be drilled, and do not account for heterogeneous subsurface formations with varying confining stresses and rock tensile strengths, leading to suboptimal notch configurations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a wellbore modeling system and a notching tool that iteratively simulate notch depth and shape to predict and optimize breakdown pressure by redistributing stress concentrations, utilizing a computational mesh and data processor to model fluid injection and adjust notch parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional reactive methods are used to predict notching configuration effects, then multiple wells must be drilled to find preferred configuration, but this results in loss of time and increased cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the subsurface formation through computational modeling. The system builds a digital representation of the formation including stress fields, rock properties, and wellbore geometry, allowing virtual testing of notching configurations without physical drilling. This copying approach enables accurate prediction of breakdown pressure while eliminating the need to drill multiple exploratory wells.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis and optimization of notching configurations before any physical drilling or fracturing operation. By using computational models to predict breakdown pressure and optimize notch parameters (depth, shape, orientation) in advance, the system eliminates the trial-and-error approach that requires drilling multiple wells to find the preferred configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional methods are used that do not account for formation heterogeneity, then the process is simpler, but the notch configuration is not truly optimized for the target wellbore
Solution Approach 1:
The computational model incorporates local variations in formation properties by dividing the subsurface formation into discrete elements with unique stress states and rock properties. Each element can have different confining stresses, tensile strengths, and mechanical properties, allowing the model to accurately represent heterogeneous formations and optimize notching configurations for specific local conditions around the target wellbore.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the continuous subsurface formation into a finite element mesh, allowing different regions to have different mechanical properties and stress states. This segmentation enables the model to handle formation heterogeneity by assigning local properties to each mesh element while maintaining computational efficiency through systematic organization of the discrete elements.
3Stress or pressure
If breakdown pressure is reduced by generating a notch, then the pressure required for hydraulic fracturing decreases, but the complexity of creating and optimizing the notch increases
Solution Approach 1:
The computational model provides feedback on the effectiveness of different notching configurations by predicting breakdown pressure for various notch depths, shapes, and orientations. This feedback loop allows iterative optimization where the model evaluates multiple configurations and identifies the optimal parameters that maximize breakdown pressure reduction, guiding the design of the notching tool and operation parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes breakdown pressure reduction by systematically varying key parameters of the notch configuration including depth, shape, orientation, and position relative to the wellbore. The computational model evaluates how changes in these parameters affect stress redistribution and breakdown pressure, identifying the optimal parameter set that achieves maximum pressure reduction with minimal complexity in the notching operation.
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
Accurately quantifies the effectiveness of notch configurations in reducing breakdown pressure, optimizing the notch shape and depth to minimize the pressure required for hydraulic fracturing, thereby enhancing wellbore stimulation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The breakdown pressure is generally much higher than the minimum confining stress plus the tensile strength of the reservoir rock, owing to the stress concentration around the wellbore
Implementation Method 2
In hydraulic fracturing, pressure in the wellbore is increased by injecting a fluid until a conductive fracture is created
Implementation Method 3
generating a fluid injection simulation for the computational mesh including the simulated notch and the simulated wellbore, the fluid injection simulation including a ramp-type pressure increase of wellbore pressure on a computational mesh-facing surface of the simulated wellbore and the simulated notch
Implementation Method 4
Notches reduce breakdown pressure by redistributing the stress concentration around the notch
Data Source
AI summary
A system for notching a target wellbore in a subsurface formation includes a notching tool and a wellbore modelling system in communication with the notching tool. The wellbore modelling system includes a simulated notch, a simulated wellbore, a computational mesh, and a data processor. The simulated notch and the simulated wellbore are digitally positioned in the computational mesh of the wellbore modelling system. The simulated notch extends from the simulated wellbore. The data processor is communicatively coupled to the simulated notch, the simulated wellbore, and the computational mesh, and is operable to execute an iterative process. The wellbore modelling system is configured to communicate the target notch shape, the target cutting depth, or both, to the notching tool for notching the target wellbore with the target notch shape, the target cutting depth, or both.