Wellbore Resistance Prediction for Fracturing Screen-Out Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydraulic fracturing operations face challenges in predicting and preventing screen-out events caused by proppant accumulation, which can lead to pressure spikes and hazardous situations due to unexpected restrictions in fluid flow, requiring efficient methods to anticipate and adjust wellbore operations.

Innovation Solution

A method combining rule-based discrimination and machine learning models, utilizing water hammer pressure data to determine inferred resistance, compare it with measured resistance, and predict screen-out events, allowing for adjustments in wellbore operations to prevent such occurrences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If hydraulic fracturing operations proceed at high pressure to increase productivity, then fluid flow and proppant transport are improved, but screen-out events occur due to proppant accumulation causing blockages

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow and proppant transport efficiencyVSAvoidscreen-out event frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring pressure pulse characteristics and comparing inferred resistance against measured resistance before screen-out events occur. The machine learning model predicts potential screen-out events in advance, allowing operators to adjust pumping rates or proppant concentration proactively, preventing the blockage rather than responding after it occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback by continuously measuring pressure pulses, inferring resistance values, comparing them with measured resistance from wellbore elements, and using this information to adjust operations. The closed-loop feedback enables real-time detection of resistance changes and proactive modification of pumping parameters to prevent screen-out events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If pumping rate is increased to maintain productivity, then fluid flow is improved, but pressure spikes occur due to screen-out events

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow rateVSAvoidwellbore pressure spike

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The system detects changes in pressure pulse characteristics that indicate developing screen-out conditions before actual blockages occur. By analyzing the inferred resistance trends against measured resistance thresholds, the system enables proactive reduction of pumping rate before pressure spikes happen, preventing the hazardous situation rather than responding to the spike itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If proppant concentration is increased to maintain fracture conductivity, then fracture quality is improved, but proppant accumulation and screen-out events increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefracture conductivityVSAvoidscreen-out event risk

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from pressure pulse monitoring to detect when proppant concentration is causing excessive accumulation. By continuously comparing inferred resistance with measured resistance and analyzing pressure pulse characteristics, the system identifies when proppant concentration is too high, enabling operators to adjust the concentration level to maintain fracture conductivity without causing screen-out events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 method effectively predicts screen-out events, enabling proactive adjustments to prevent pressure spikes and maintain operational safety by modifying pumping rates and proppant concentration, thereby enhancing hydraulic fracturing efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

obtaining water hammer data for a wellbore; determining an inferred resistance for the wellbore from the water hammer data

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWater hammer: Fluid Hammer

Data Source

PatentUS20250369339A1Prediction of screen-out event in a wellbore from resistance measured based on pressure pulse

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

Embodiment of a method, apparatus, and non-transitory computer readable medium for predicting a screen out event are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method comprises obtaining water hammer data for a wellbore; determining an inferred resistance for the wellbore from the water hammer data; comparing the inferred resistance for the wellbore with a measured resistance, wherein the measured resistance comprises at least one of an eroded resistance or a growth rate of the resistance for the wellbore; and predicting a screen-out event occurring in the wellbore based on at least the comparison of the inferred resistance with the measured resistance.