EP2932026A1

EP2932026A1 - Device and method for well stimulation

Info

Publication number: EP2932026A1
Application number: EP13799529.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Vladimir Stehle; Konrad Siemer; Jan Hantusch; Werner ANGENENDT
Original assignee: Wintershall Holding GmbH
Current assignee: Elektro Thermit GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2012-12-13
Filing date: 2013-12-03
Publication date: 2015-10-21
Anticipated expiration: 2033-12-03
Also published as: EP2932026B1; RU2015127889A; US9856725B2; CA2893312A1; WO2014090630A1; US20150300127A1; CA2893312C

Abstract

The invention relates to a heat generator for well stimulation, comprising a tubular fuel container (22) with two or more mutually separated closed segments (23), which are arranged one after another in the longitudinal direction and are each filled at least in part with fuel (30), and at least one igniter (40) for igniting the fuel in at least one of the segments (23). The ends of the segments are connected in such a manner that the fuel in a subsequent segment can be ignited due to the heat developed during combustion of the fuel in a preceding segment. The invention also relates to a method for well stimulation using a heat generator according to the invention.

Description

Apparatus and method for borehole stimulation

The present invention relates to a heat generator for well stimulation comprising a tubular fuel container with two or more separate, closed segments, which are arranged longitudinally behind each other and each at least partially filled with fuel, and an igniter for igniting the fuel in at least one of the segments. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for borehole stimulation using the device according to the invention.

In the production of fluids such as petroleum or natural gas from subterranean rock strata, the productivity of a production facility is highly dependent on the permeability of the rock strata adjacent to the well. The more permeable these strata are, the more economically a deposit can be operated. Both the development and the extraction from a deposit can lead to a reduction in the permeability and thus to adverse effects.

In the production of wells for both production and injection wells, the porous rock strata may silt during the drilling and cementing process, decreasing permeability. In addition, in the vicinity of the hole, the state of stress, pressure and deformation of the rock changes, resulting in zones with increased density and low permeability forming around the hole in a circular manner in the rock. During the operational phase of the well, paraffin, asphaltenes and high viscosity tars often deposit in the rock, reducing the productivity of the well.

Among the best known methods for counteracting a reduction in the permeability of the well area are various perforation technologies, vibration and heat treatment, the use of chemically active substances and swabbing. One type of perforation technology uses gas generators that run on solid fuels. They are designed as jacketed or uncovered explosive charges and produce hot gases after ignition, resulting in a pressure increase in the borehole and the adjacent rock layers. Usually gas generators are used in the borehole at the level of Förderhorizonte to cause due to the pressure increase new perforations in the rock or to expand existing perforations.

From the Russian patent RU 231 1529 C2 a method for well stimulation by means of a gas generator in the oil and gas production is known. The device includes tubular cylindrical explosive charges, ignition charges and a geophysical cable, a so-called logging cable, with explosive charge fasteners. The cable can be inside a winding cable, so that the gas generator can also be used for angled, directed and horizontal holes. When burning the cylindrical explosive charges in the bore carried a thermo-chemical treatment and an air pressure treatment of the rock. If a perforation has been carried out in advance, the perforation channels are widened and cleaned, and fine cracks are formed in the rock. At high pressure of the gas generators these processes are amplified. Under certain circumstances, extensive cracks may form. A disadvantage of this method is that the escaping gases spread quickly in the well and as a result the amount of energy available in the area of the well to be treated is relatively small.

Document US 2008/0271894 A1 discloses an apparatus and a method for producing perforations in subterranean rock layers. Around a carrier explosive charges are mounted, which produce perforations in the adjacent rock after ignition and expand by increasing the pressure. The device is provided with sealing elements which deform with increasing pressure such that they rest against the borehole wall and thereby limit the space of pressure development. The Russian patent RU 2291289 C2 describes a device and a method for borehole stimulation. The device includes a tubular body in which fuel and an igniter are arranged. After ignition of the fuel, the temperature in the device rises very rapidly. Water that is in the wellbore around the device partially vaporizes, causing pressure surges. The forming vapor as well as the pressure waves cause generation or widening of perforations in the adjacent rock.

A device for borehole stimulation is known from the document EP 2 460 975 A2, in which a solid fuel is arranged on a rod or a rope between two boundary elements. The fuel is in the form of cylindrical charge units having an axial recess through which the rod or rope is passed. In specific embodiments, structural design elements, such as sleeves or packings, are disclosed which ensure that the steam which forms when the fuel burns off is directed in a targeted manner into the desired perforation area of the borehole.

The document WO 2012/150906 A1 discloses a tubular thermo-pulse generator for borehole stimulation, in which fuel is located in an upper region of the tube and is separated from a lower, empty region by a membrane. The lower area is provided with openings through which wellbore fluid can flow into the interior of this tube area. When the fuel burns down, the membrane is destroyed so that hot burnt residues such as slag fall into the lower tube area and come into direct contact with the liquid. This enhances the development of heat and the evaporation of the borehole fluid.

Although a number of drill hole stimulation approaches are already known, there is still a need to improve and increase the efficiency of producing oil or natural gas from underground reservoirs. The object was to provide a device and a method for well stimulation by means of which the permeability of the rock around a region of the well can be targeted and efficiently improved. The device should be simple in construction and inexpensive to manufacture.

This object is achieved by the subject matter of the invention, as set forth in claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims. Another object of the invention is given in the method claim 1 1 and dependent of this claims.

According to the invention, the heat generator for borehole stimulation comprises a tubular fuel container with two or more separate, closed segments, which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction and are each at least partially filled with fuel. Furthermore, the heat generator comprises at least one igniter for igniting the fuel in at least one of the segments. The ends of the segments are connected such that the fuel in a subsequent segment is ignitable due to the evolution of heat upon combustion of the fuel in a preceding segment.

The fuel container may be made in one piece or in several parts. Its outer wall is preferably made of a material that withstands the pressure and temperature stresses during burning of the fuel. The wall thickness is preferably chosen so that the fuel container is not destroyed during combustion of the fuel. Among other things, it depends on the properties of the material from which the container is made, as well as on the properties and the amount of fuel used.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outer wall of the fuel container is made of a steel, in particular of a high-strength, tough steel. Further preferred is the use of pipes, as they are usually used for the production of oil or gas, as fuel containers. Such pipes are usually made of steel with an inner diameter of 8 to 40 cm and a length of 1 to 15 m. Their wall thickness is usually 1 to 10 mm.

The heat generator according to the invention comprises at least one igniter for igniting the fuel. The choice of igniter depends on the fuel used. Thus, for example, electric igniters such as electric arc igniters or spiral igniters, or chemical detonators can be used as long as they have sufficient activation energy.

Suitable chemical igniters are, for example, mixtures which are ignitable at temperatures below the ignition temperature of the fuel in the heat generator. Examples of suitable detonators are mixtures of (percentages by mass in parentheses):

-SiO ₂ / Mg (55/45),

MnO ₂ / Al powder / Al powder / Mg (68 / 7,5 / 7,5 / 17),

- BaO ₂ / Mg (88/12). These mixtures are ignited by means of electrical pulses, for example with the above-mentioned electric detonators.

Activation of the electrical detonators preferably occurs via a conductive cable which is routed along the logging cable or in the logging cable from the surface of the bore to the electrical detonator. A "logging cable" is here understood to mean a load-bearing cable to which the heat generator can be attached and used to lower the heat generator from the surface into the bore. in which the segments are separated from one another by separating elements which extend over the entire pipe cross-section in the interior of the pipe.The separating elements preferably extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fuel container.Cylinder-shaped assemblies made of plastic or metal whose outer diameter is slightly larger are particularly preferably used as separating elements In this case, the heat generator can be produced, for example, by first introducing fuel into the tube and then pressing a separating element into the tube, so that s I make a closed segment. This process is repeated until the intended number of segments with the desired amount of fuel is present.

In a first embodiment, the separating elements are designed such that they are not destroyed during the combustion of the fuel. An embodiment provides that the separating elements are made of a material whose melting point is above the temperature range prevailing during combustion of the fuel. Depending on the fuel used, combustion temperatures of more than 1000 ° C may occur inside the heat generator. Suitable materials for the production of a separating element are, for example, steels whose alloy is selected such that their melting point is higher than the maximum temperature to be expected when the fuel burns. In another embodiment, the separating elements are made of a material whose melting point is below the temperature range arising during combustion. In this case, the material thickness of the separating elements is dimensioned so that the material begins to melt, but does not melt completely. For example, the material thickness may be at least 2 cm to 5 cm for a corresponding low melting point steel alloy. In both design variants, the separating elements are not destroyed, but slow down the reaction front that migrates through the respective segment during the burnup. The material and the dimensions of the separators are chosen so that they heat up in a temperature range sufficient to activate the reaction in the respective subsequent segment. In a second embodiment, the separating elements are made of a material whose melting point is significantly below the temperature range prevailing during combustion of the fuel. In this embodiment as well, the separating elements brake the reaction front migrating through the respective segment during the burnup. However, the Due to the high level of heat generated during the reaction, the separating elements are exposed to a temperature significantly above their melting point. The respective separating element melts, the melt produced during the combustion of the fuel passes into the following segment and releases so much heat that the reaction is activated there. Materials suitable for the production of the separating elements for this embodiment are, for example, plastics having a melting temperature in the range from 150 ° C. to 500 ° C. or aluminum alloys having melting temperatures in the range from 600 ° C. to 800 ° C.

In a further preferred embodiment of the heat generator according to the invention, the fuel container comprises two or more closed tubular containers which form the segments and whose end faces are connected by connecting elements.

The tubular containers are at least partially, preferably completely, filled with fuel and their end faces are closed, for example by closure elements such as blind flanges. The containers can be connected at their end faces in different ways via connecting elements. An easy-to-implement way is that the containers are screwed by means of the connecting elements, for example by the containers are provided with an external thread on which a tubular connecting element is screwed with internal thread. A further possibility of the connection is provided in that the ends of the containers to be connected are each provided with a flange as connecting element, and the flanges are connected to each other, e.g. by screwing. Even with union nuts or a bayonet lock, for example, connections between the tubular containers can be easily produced. An embodiment of the heat generator provides that the end faces touch and are made of a material that ensures sufficient heat transfer to ignite the fuel in the subsequent segment. In addition to a suitable selection of materials, the structural design of the end faces can also contribute to a good heat transfer. A large-scale edition of the two end faces is preferred in this regard. Furthermore, it is preferred to carry out the screwing in such a way that the adjacent end faces are pressed firmly against one another.

In a further embodiment of the heat generator, the interconnected container ends are made of a material whose melting point is below the prevailing at combustion of the fuel temperature range. As with the one-piece tube embodiment, sequential ignition of the fuel occurs by melting the respective separator and releasing so much heat in the subsequent segment that the reaction is activated there. The container ends may be closed at their end faces, for example by closure elements in the form of caps or plugs, which are made of a plastic or an aluminum alloy. The melting temperature of the material used is preferably from 150 ° C to 500 ° C in the case of plastic and from 600 ° C to 800 ° C in the case of the aluminum alloy. The axial extent of the caps or plugs is preferably from 5 mm to 50 mm. The closure elements ensure that the fuel can be safely stored and transported in the fuel container protected against environmental influences and transported before it is burned down when used in a borehole.

The longitudinal extent of the individual segments and the type and amount of fuel in the respective segments affect the intensity and duration of the heat development during the burning of a segment. In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal dimensions of the segments differ by no more than 10%, in particular not more than 1% from one another. For this purpose, the distance of the separating elements or the length of the respective pipe sections is selected accordingly. In one embodiment with separate closed pipe sections as segments, these pipe sections are preferably the same length. With regard to an efficient and cost-effective provision of heat generators according to the invention, a prefabrication of segments with different lengths in the form of a modular system is advantageous. A suitable length division is intervals of 50 cm, starting from segment lengths of one meter to five meters.

Particularly preferably, the longitudinal extent of the segments are selected such that they correspond to the axial extent of the bore through the perforation region. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the longitudinal extent of the heat generator over all segments is chosen so that it corresponds to the axial extent of the bore through the perforation region. The perforation area is understood here and below to mean the area of a conveying horizon in which perforation holes and perforation channels are already present. Frequently, the axial extent of the perforation region corresponds to the thickness of the rock layer from which the fluid, e.g. Oil or natural gas, to be promoted.

The outer diameters of the segments are preferably from 8 to 15 cm, in particular from 10 to 12 cm. The diameter is advantageously chosen to be 10% to 30% smaller than the inside diameter of the borehole in the area where the heat generator is used. This has a beneficial effect on the efficiency of the well's stimulation.

Preferably, the segments have a circular cross-section. However, other cross-sectional shapes are also covered by the invention, in which case the outside diameter is understood to be the greatest distance between two points on the cross-sectional area.

In an advantageous embodiment, spacers are mounted on the outside of the heat generator, which have an extent of at least 5 mm, in particular at least 10 mm in the radial direction. Preferably, viewed in the circumferential direction at least three spacers are distributed over the circumference so mounted that the heat generator in each radial direction has a predetermined minimum distance from the inner wall of the bore. In the axial direction spacers are preferably arranged at a distance of 0.5 m to 3 m, so that the heat generator over the entire length is not in contact with the inner wall of the hole comes. The spacers may be designed, for example, as ribs or finger-shaped. They are preferably made of a similar temperature-stable material as the wall of the heat carrier and firmly connected to this, eg welded.

In preferred embodiments of the heat generator according to the invention, a metal-thermal mixture is used as the fuel. As "metal-thermal mixtures", mixtures of metals with metal oxides are referred to here which react after activation of the redox reaction to form the metal originally contained in the metal oxide Such mixtures are referred to below as "aluminothermic". A "thermite" is in particular a mixture of iron (III) oxide and aluminum, which is produced, for example, by Elektro-Thermit GmbH & Co. KG (Halle / Saale) and can be obtained there.

The resulting temperature range at the end of Thermitreaktion and the released reaction enthalpy can be adjusted by appropriate choice of the reactants and optionally the addition of additives. From the patent RU 2291289 C2, in addition to the above-mentioned thermite mixtures, further metal-thermal mixtures are known, such as nickel (II) oxide and magnesium, iron (III) oxide and silicon, chromium (III) oxide and magnesium, molybdenum ( VI) oxide and silicon and aluminum, vanadium (V) oxide and silicon. When these mixtures burn, temperatures of up to 2500 ° C may arise. Another class of metal-thermal mixtures including iron oxide, aluminum powder, clay and a metal-phosphate binder is known from document RU 2062194 C1. These mixtures have a comparatively low specific heat generation and a maximum temperature during burning of about 1930 ° C.

Particularly suitable for carrying out the process according to the invention is an alumino-thermal mixture comprising aluminum as a reducing agent and CuO, FeO, Fe 2 O 3, FesC, TIO 2, O 2 O 3 and / or SIO 2 as oxidizing agent. Such aluminothermic mixtures are inexpensive compared to other metallothermal mixtures and cover a wide range of applications with respect to the ignition temperature, the developing maximum temperature at the burning of the fuel and the burning rate. In a further advantageous embodiment, a metallothermal mixture is used in which predominantly a slag-like reaction product is formed. In the case of aluminothermic mixtures, these are also referred to as "glowing monomers." Such mixtures contain, in addition to the reaction partners required for the redox reaction, other components which dampen the reaction The resulting molten metal solidifies very quickly so that there is no macroscopic material flow and the reaction product is a metal-slag foam, which is particularly advantageous if the reaction volume is to remain substantially constant, for example above a certain level Length of a segment to set a largely constant outside temperature of the fuel tank.

In a further advantageous embodiment, different fuels are arranged in a segment. Particularly preferred is an embodiment in which a metallothermal mixture is arranged in an upper region of the segment, in the reaction predominantly a slag-like reaction product is formed, in particular Glühherhermit, while the lower portion of the segment is filled with a metallothermal mixture, in the reaction predominantly one liquid reaction product is formed, in particular so-called pure thermite. Aluminothermic mixtures, which comprise only the metal oxide and aluminum without the addition of steel formers such as carbon or ferro-manganese, are the term "pure thermite." The reaction products produced during the combustion of these mixtures are liquid metal and an aluminum slag In this embodiment, particularly preferred in this embodiment is used annealing with a further aluminothermic mixture, in particular pure ether. In this embodiment of the invention, the reaction is formed in the reaction Both solid slag-like products and liquid metal, which can serve, for example, to melt the separating elements or the closure elements and thus to transport heat of reaction in a subsequent segment hförmiger temperature range over a certain length of the fuel tank guaranteed.

The fuel can be present in different forms in the segments, for example as a solid body, pasty mass or finely divided bulk material. The solid body may e.g. be made by pressing with or without binder.

The heat generator can be made in advance in parts and transported to the well, for example, individual pipe sections that are filled with fuel. On site, the items can be easily assembled and adapted to the specific requirements, for example, by depending on requirements, a corresponding number of pipe sections are bolted together. Lengths of individual pipe sections of one to three meters are preferred from a manufacturing point of view and with a view to easy transport to the borehole. The total length of the heat generator depends on the respective requirements and can be, for example, from two to twenty meters. The heat generator can be introduced by known means such as winch and Loggingkabel in the borehole and removed again from it.

The invention further comprises a method for well stimulation, in which a heat generator according to the invention is introduced into a borehole and positioned so that the uppermost segment is located at the perforation area of the bore, then the fuel is ignited in the uppermost segment, and after the ignition of the Fuel the Heat generator is pulled upwards and positioned so that the burning segment is equal to the perforation area of the bore.

Due to the heat generated by the combustion of the fuel, the borehole fluid, which surrounds the heat transfer medium in the region of the burning segment, strongly heated, preferably in temperature ranges of their boiling point. The hot liquid and the resulting vapor clean the adjacent perforation area of the bore.

In a preferred variant of the method according to the invention, the heat generator is pulled up continuously at a speed which corresponds to the speed of the reaction front in the segment which is being burned.

In a further preferred variant of the method according to the invention, after ignition of the fuel in the respective subsequent segment, the heat generator is pulled up in steps by the length of the segment burned up.

The method according to the invention for borehole stimulation is characterized in that the overall duration of pressure generation and stimulation of the rock is increased in comparison to known methods. Furthermore, the arrangement of the fuel in segments and the sequential ignition of the segments generate intermittent steam and water pressure waves in the borehole. During burning in a segment, there is a high pressure and a high temperature in the area of the perforation openings in the delivery horizon. After the reaction lapses until the reaction in the next segment ignites, the pressure and temperature in the production horizon drop again. This has a beneficial effect on the cleaning and stimulation of the perforation openings. By appropriate selection of the design parameters for the heat generator, the duration and intensity of the intervals can be set individually. Design parameters are, for example, the number and length of the segments, the type and amount of fuels in the respective segments and the materials of the fuel container, the separating elements or closure elements.

The heat generator according to the invention is characterized by a simple construction, which is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to use. The heat generator can be made to stock, possibly in individual parts, and stored without problems for a long time. In particular when using an aluminothermic mixture as fuel, no potentially harmful gases escape when the fuel is burnt off.

With reference to the drawings, the invention will be further explained in the following, the drawings being to be understood as schematic representations. They do not constitute a limitation of the invention, for example with regard to specific dimensions or design variants of components. For better representability, they are generally not to scale, in particular with regard to length and width ratios. Show it: Fig. 1: a first embodiment of a heat generator according to the invention Fig. 2: a second embodiment of a heat generator according to the invention

3 shows a third embodiment of a heat generator according to the invention

4 shows a variant of a method according to the invention for borehole stimulation

List of reference numbers used

10. , drilling

1 1. , lining

12. , perforation

14. , perforation

15. , conveyor horizon

20. , Logging cable

21. , Suspension of the fuel container

22. , fuel container

23. , segment

24. , separating element

25. , closure element

26. , container

27. , connecting element

28. , pipe casing

30. , fuel

31. , reaction front

32. , "Reinthermit"

33. , "Glühthermit"

40. , fuze

Figures 1 to 4 are schematic sectional views of a bore 10 in an underground deposit. The bore 10 is provided with a liner 11, for example a steel pipe. The liner 1 1 prevents loose rock adjacent to the well from falling into the wellbore and usually breaking formation fluid under pressure such as formation water in large quantities into the well. The lining 1 1 has a plurality of perforation openings 12. By known methods such as ball perforation or jet perforation perforation channels 14 were generated in the delivery horizon 15. Via the perforation channels 14, fluids to be delivered, e.g. Natural gas or petroleum, through the perforations 12 in the hole and can be promoted to the surface.

The inner wall of the liner 1 1 is cylindrical or stepwise cylindrical designed with a circular cross-section. In a stepwise cylindrical configuration, the diameter of the circular cross section gradually decreases in the axial direction downwards. The fuel container 22 of the heat generator is connected via a suspension 21 with the logging cable 20, which can be moved via a winch on the surface. The latter is not shown in the figures, corresponding devices are known in the art.

1 shows a first preferred embodiment of a heat generator according to the invention. On a logging cable 20, a tubular fuel container 22 is attached via a suspension 21. The fuel container 22 is designed as a one-piece tube, which is bounded above and below by a closure element 25. In the interior, there are three separating elements 24 in the example shown, which divide the interior into four segments 23. The separating elements 24 extend over the entire pipe cross-section, so that the segments 23 are each closed. The segments are completely filled with fuel 30, in this example an aluminothermic mixture comprising the components Al, FeO, Fe2Ü3, Fe3Ü4 and S1O2.

In the uppermost segment, an igniter 40 is mounted which is capable of igniting the fuel in this segment, for example an electric igniter such as an arc igniter or spiro igniter, or a chemical igniter whose composition makes it possible to ignite the aluminothermic mixture.

The heat generator is placed in the borehole 10 in the region of the perforation openings 12 in the delivery horizon 15. To start the borehole stimulation, the reaction in the uppermost segment is activated via the igniter 40. The activation or ignition temperature depends on the composition of the aluminothermic mixture and may be from 600 ° C to 1300 ° C. The highly exothermic reaction begins in the vicinity of the igniter 40 in the uppermost segment. After the initial ignition, the reaction moves downwards at a rate of about one centimeter to one meter per second, depending on the specific mix. In this case, liquid metal can be formed, for example, liquid iron in the classical Thermitreaktion comprising Al and Fe2Ü3 or Al and Fe30 ₄ as a reactant. The use of annealer gives solid slag-like products. Commercially available thermite mixtures contain as components aluminum powder and iron oxide of a low oxidation state. An example is a mixture of 76 wt .-% Fe30 ₄ and 24 wt .-% Al, which reacts with the release of heat to 45 wt .-% AI2O3 and 55 wt .-% elemental iron. The reaction products have low flowability and solidify quickly. The density of the thermite mixture is about 2 tm ³ .

Due to the released heat of reaction, the tube wall of the fuel container 22 and the separating elements 24 are strongly heated. In the middle illustration (FIG. 1 b), an embodiment of the invention is sketched, in which the separating elements 24 are made of a material whose melting point lies above the temperature range prevailing when the fuel burns off. The separating elements 24 are not destroyed by the Thermitreaktion, but brake the reaction front 31 from. However, they heat up to a temperature range which is sufficient to activate the Thermitreaktion in the subsequent segment. So migrates the reaction front 31 from top to bottom through the fuel container 22 until all the fuel 30 is used up.

In the right-hand illustration (FIG. 1 c), a further embodiment according to the invention is outlined, in which the separating elements 24 are made of a material whose melting point is below the temperature range prevailing during combustion of the fuel. The reaction is also activated in this case by the igniter 40 and continues first in the uppermost segment migrating down. As soon as the reaction front 31 reaches the first separation element, the reaction ceases because all the fuel has been consumed. However, due to the high heat generation during the reaction, the separating element is exposed to a temperature which is above its melting point. For example, in a reaction in which liquid metal is formed, the liquid metal collects above the separator and is in direct contact with it. The separating element melts and releases so much heat in the subsequent segment that the reaction is activated there, e.g. by inflowing liquid metal. As in the example of indirect heat transfer, the reaction continues in this case from segment to segment until the lower end of the fuel container 22 is reached. The closure element 25 at the lower end of the fuel container 22 is preferably made of a material whose melting point is above the prevailing at the burning of the fuel temperature range. This ensures that the reaction products of the thermite reaction do not get into the borehole.

The fuel container 22 may be made of a steel tube commonly used in petroleum production and referred to as "tubing," for example, type H-40, C-75, N-80, or P-105 1 b may be made of the same steel For the separating elements 24 of the embodiment according to FIG. 1 c, which are destroyed when the fuel burns, materials such as plastic, aluminum or an iron alloy are suitable A further preferred embodiment of the heat generator according to the invention is shown in Fig. 2. A tubular fuel container 22 is fastened to a logging cable 20 via a suspension 21. The fuel container 22 is composed of three closed, tubular containers, the three Segments 23 of the fuel container 22. The containers are at their End faces connected via connecting elements 27 with each other, for example screwed. The segments are completely filled with fuel 30, in this example an aluminothermic mixture comprising the components Al, FeO, Fe2Ü3, FesC and S1O2.

In the uppermost segment, an igniter 40 is mounted, which is suitable for igniting the fuel in this segment, for example an electric igniter.

The tubular containers are closed at their front sides with closure elements 25. The adjacent closure elements 25 of adjacent segments are made of a Made of material whose melting point is below the temperature prevailing during combustion of the fuel temperature range, for example, a suitably selected plastic or metal. The heat generator is placed in the borehole 10 in the region of the perforation openings 12 in the delivery horizon 15. To start the borehole stimulation, the reaction in the uppermost segment is activated via the igniter 40. The highly exothermic Thermitreaktion begins in the vicinity of the igniter 40 in the uppermost segment. After the initial ignition, the reaction moves downwards at a rate of about one centimeter to one meter per second depending on the concrete mixture. This liquid metal can arise, for example, liquid iron in the classical Thermitreaktion.

As soon as the reaction front 31 reaches the lower closure element 25 of the first segment, the reaction in this segment ceases, since all the fuel has been consumed. However, due to the high heat generation during the reaction, the closure element is exposed to a temperature which is above its melting point. In a reaction, for example, in which liquid metal is formed, the liquid metal collects above the closure element and is in direct contact with it. The closure element melts and allows liquid metal to flow onto the upper closure element of the subsequent segment. This closure element also melts and allows liquid metal to penetrate into the interior of the container. This releases so much heat that the reaction in this segment is activated. The reaction front 31 migrates in this way through all the segments until the lower end of the fuel container 22 is reached. In order to activate the reactions in the respective subsequent segments, it is not necessary for the closure elements 25 to melt completely. It suffices to melt a hole through which the hot, liquid metal can flow downwards. The closure element 25 at the lower end of the fuel container 22 is preferably made of a material whose melting point is above the prevailing at the burning of the fuel temperature range. This ensures that the reaction products of the thermite reaction do not get into the borehole.

The individual tubular containers may be filled with different fuels. In a preferred embodiment, the container forming the lowermost segment is completely filled with annealing bulb 33. The containers located above are also filled in their upper part with Glühthermit 33, while the respective lower part is filled with a Thermitmischung 32, in the burn mainly produces liquid reaction products, in particular Reinthermit.

Preferably, the annealer 33 occupies a proportion of 50% to 80% of the total inner volume of the container. The remaining 50% to 20% of the internal volume are filled with the Thermitmischung, in the burn-off predominantly liquid reaction products. In this embodiment of the invention, solid slag-like products as well as liquid metal, which melts, form during the reaction in the interior of the fuel container the closure elements and thus serves to transport heat of reaction in the subsequent segment. The proportion of glow in the inner volume is preferably matched to the properties of the closure elements. The higher its melting point, the lower the proportion of glowing is chosen. If the closure elements are made, for example, from a low-melting plastic, the proportion of glowing can be up to 80%. For example, in the case of closure elements made of a higher-melting aluminum alloy, the proportion of glowing should be in the region of 50%.

3 shows a further embodiment of a heat generator according to the invention. As in the embodiment according to FIG. 2, the fuel container 22 comprises three closed, tubular containers which form three segments 23 of the fuel container 22. The containers are connected to each other at their ends by means of connecting elements 27, for example screwed. The closure elements 25 on the end faces of the respective containers are made of a material whose melting point is above the temperature range which occurs when the fuel burns off. In this embodiment, the containers are assembled such that the respective closure elements 25 of adjacent segments 23 touch each other. The activation of the reaction in the respective subsequent segment is effected by heat transfer via the closure elements 25 of the container. In order to further minimize the leakage of liquid metal or other reaction products, an additional pipe jacket 28 is provided at the lowermost end of the fuel container 22, which is made of a material whose melting point is above the temperature range prevailing during combustion of the fuel. Of course, this measure can also be taken in all other embodiments.

In addition to the advantages already mentioned, the embodiments according to FIGS. 2 and 3 furthermore have the advantage that, owing to their modular construction, they can be adapted flexibly to the particular conditions of a specific bore. For example, the length of the fuel container can be easily adapted to the respective geological conditions. Even fuel containers with a total length of more than 20 meters can be easily realized by the modular design.

Fig. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the method according to the invention for borehole stimulation. A heat generator according to the invention, in this example a heat generator according to FIG. 3, is introduced into a borehole 10 and positioned such that the uppermost segment is located at the level of the perforation area of the borehole. The thickness of the perforation zone, shown hatched in FIG. 4, is approximately three meters in this example. The lengths of the tubular containers 23 are adapted to the perforation zone and each amount to three meters. The design parameters for the heat generator are chosen such that the burn time per segment is about two minutes and there is a transition time to ignite the fuel in the next segment of about one minute. After ignition of the fuel in the uppermost segment, the heat generator is pulled up and positioned so that the burning segment is equal to the perforation area of the bore. In a variant of the method according to the invention, the heat generator is pulled up continuously at a speed which corresponds to the speed of the reaction front 31 in the segment which is being burned. The term "continuous" is understood to include a time-gradual movement, for example, in a second or minute cycle.

In a further variant of the method according to the invention, after the fuel has been ignited, the heat generator is pulled upwards step by step in the respective subsequent segment by the length of the segment burnt, in the example by three meters. As a result, it is possible to ensure that the bore outside the perforation area is spared with regard to pressure and temperature stress, and that the perforation area is optimally exposed to pressure and temperature intervals.

Claims

Patent claims

Heat generator for borehole stimulation, comprising a tubular fuel container (22) with two or more separate, closed segments (23), which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction and are each at least partially filled with fuel (30, 32, 33), and at least one igniter (40 ) for igniting the fuel in at least one of the segments (23), characterized in that the fuel container (22) comprises two or more closed tubular containers which form the segments (23) and whose end faces are connected via connecting elements (27), or the fuel container (22) is designed as a one-piece tube, in which the segments (23) are separated from one another by separating elements (24) which extend over the entire tube cross-section inside the tube, so that the fuel in a subsequent segment due to the heat generated during removal Fire of the fuel in a previous segment is ignitable.

Heat generator according to claim 1, wherein the fuel container (22) comprises two or more closed tubular containers which form the segments (23) and whose end faces are connected via connecting elements (27), and wherein the end faces touch each other and are made of a material, which ensures sufficient heat transfer to ignite the fuel (30, 32, 33) in the subsequent segment (23).

Heat generator according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the interconnected container ends are made of a material whose melting point is below the temperature range prevailing when the fuel (30, 32, 33) burns off.

Heat generator according to claim 1, wherein the fuel container (22) is designed as a one-piece tube, in which the segments (23) are separated from one another by separating elements (24) extending over the entire pipe cross section inside the tube, and the separating elements (24). are made of a material whose melting point is below the temperature range that prevails when the fuel (30, 32, 33) burns off.

Heat generator according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the longitudinal dimensions of the segments (23) differ from one another by no more than 10%, in particular no more than 1%.

Heat generator according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the longitudinal dimensions of the segments (23) are selected so that they correspond to the axial extent of the bore through the perforation area.

7. Heat generator according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the longitudinal extent of the heat generator over all segments is selected so that it corresponds to the axial extent of the bore through the perforation area.

Heat generator according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fuel (30, 32, 33) is a metallothermal mixture.

Heat generator according to claim 8, wherein the fuel (30, 32, 33) comprises aluminum as a reducing agent and CuO, FeO, Fe2O3, _Fe304 , ΤΊΟ2, O2O3 and/or S1O2 as an oxidizing agent.

Heat generator according to claim 8, wherein in an upper region of a segment (23) a metallothermal mixture (33) is arranged, the reaction of which predominantly produces a slag-like reaction product, and the lower region of the segment (23) is filled with a metallothermal mixture (32). is, the reaction of which predominantly produces a liquid reaction product.

Method for borehole stimulation, characterized in that a heat generator according to one of claims 1 to 10 is introduced into a borehole and positioned so that the uppermost segment is at the level of the perforation area of the bore, then the fuel in the uppermost segment is ignited, and after When the fuel is ignited, the heat generator is pulled up and positioned so that the segment that is being burned is at the level of the perforation area of the bore.

12. The method according to claim 1 1, wherein the heat generator is continuously pulled upwards at a speed that corresponds to the speed of the reaction front in the segment being burned.

13. The method according to claim 1 1, wherein the heat generator is gradually pulled upwards by the length of the segment in the process of burning after the fuel has been ignited in the subsequent segment.