Wellbore Pressure Pulse Generation via Plug-and-Die Sealing

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for fracturing subterranean oil and gas formations require additional time and costs due to the need for shutting down and restarting pump sources to achieve pressure pulses, which are essential for creating effective dilations in the formations.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a die and plug system that allows for the creation of instantaneous pressure pulses by sealing and unsealing fluid flow through the die, enabling efficient and controlled fluid communication with the target formation, thereby reducing the need for continuous pump operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If pump sources are shut down and started up to create pressure pulses, then pressure pulses are achieved for formation treatment, but additional time and operational costs are incurred

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure pulsesVSAvoidtime for shutting down and starting up pumps

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the fluid flow control into discrete controllable elements (outlet ports with plugs) rather than controlling the entire pump system. Individual plugs can be deployed to block specific outlet ports, creating pressure pulses in targeted zones without affecting the overall pump operation or other treatment zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Plugs serve as intermediary elements between the continuous pump operation and the desired pressure pulse effect. The plugs are introduced into the wellbore, travel to target locations, and temporarily block fluid flow through outlet ports, mediating the conversion of continuous flow into pulsed pressure without requiring pump shutdowns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stress or pressure

If pump sources are shut down and started up to create pressure pulses, then pressure pulses are achieved for formation treatment, but operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure pulsesVSAvoidoperational costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the fluid flow control into discrete controllable elements (outlet ports with plugs) rather than controlling the entire pump system. Individual plugs can be deployed to block specific outlet ports, creating pressure pulses in targeted zones without affecting the overall pump operation or other treatment zones.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Plugs serve as intermediary elements between the continuous pump operation and the desired pressure pulse effect. The plugs are introduced into the wellbore, travel to target locations, and temporarily block fluid flow through outlet ports, mediating the conversion of continuous flow into pulsed pressure without requiring pump shutdowns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If continuous pump operation is used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but pressure pulse creation is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefracturing efficiencyVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces the mechanical operation of shutting down and starting pumps with a passive plug-based flow control mechanism. Instead of mechanically controlling the pump cycle, the invention uses plugs that automatically block outlet ports based on their deployment and positioning, substituting complex mechanical pump control with simpler plug deployment operations.

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

This solution allows for immediate and controlled pressure pulses to be applied to the formation, enhancing fracturing efficiency and reducing operational costs by eliminating the need for continuous pump operation, thereby improving the formation of radial and dendritic dilations.

Implementation Method 1

creating a pressure seal above and below the outlet port in an annulus immediately surrounding the exterior surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure seal:

Implementation Method 2

increasing the pressure above the die so that the plug passes through the die causing an instantaneous increase in pressure flowing through the outlet port into contact with the target formation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure pulse:

Data Source

PatentUS8347965B2Apparatus and method for creating pressure pulses in a wellbore

Publication Date: 2013.01.08 LIBERTY OILFIELD SERVICES HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

An apparatus for wellbore fluid treatment having a body with a lower end, an upper end, an exterior surface and an interior surface defining a long bore open at the upper end, an outlet port spaced from the upper end, and a die in the long bore between the upper end and the outlet port. The outlet port permits the communication of fluids between the long bore and the exterior surface. The die is substantially immovable within the long bore and has an inner open diameter in which a plug is landable to create a seal in the long bore before passing through the inner open diameter.