WO2010025540A1 - Procédés de fracturation de gaz de pétrole liquéfié - Google Patents

Procédés de fracturation de gaz de pétrole liquéfié Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010025540A1
WO2010025540A1 PCT/CA2009/001182 CA2009001182W WO2010025540A1 WO 2010025540 A1 WO2010025540 A1 WO 2010025540A1 CA 2009001182 W CA2009001182 W CA 2009001182W WO 2010025540 A1 WO2010025540 A1 WO 2010025540A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
hydrocarbon
fracturing fluid
fluid
hydrocarbon fracturing
formation
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA2009/001182
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Dwight N. Loree
Grant Nevison
Original Assignee
Gasfrac Energy Services Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US12/203,072 external-priority patent/US20100051272A1/en
Priority claimed from CA002639539A external-priority patent/CA2639539A1/fr
Application filed by Gasfrac Energy Services Inc. filed Critical Gasfrac Energy Services Inc.
Publication of WO2010025540A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010025540A1/fr

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Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • C09K—MATERIALS FOR MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATIONS, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • C09K8/00—Compositions for drilling of boreholes or wells; Compositions for treating boreholes or wells, e.g. for completion or for remedial operations
    • C09K8/60—Compositions for stimulating production by acting on the underground formation
    • C09K8/62—Compositions for forming crevices or fractures
    • C09K8/64—Oil-based compositions
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B43/00—Methods or apparatus for obtaining oil, gas, water, soluble or meltable materials or a slurry of minerals from wells
    • E21B43/25—Methods for stimulating production
    • E21B43/26—Methods for stimulating production by forming crevices or fractures
    • E21B43/2605—Methods for stimulating production by forming crevices or fractures using gas or liquefied gas
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C09—DYES; PAINTS; POLISHES; NATURAL RESINS; ADHESIVES; COMPOSITIONS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; APPLICATIONS OF MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • C09K—MATERIALS FOR MISCELLANEOUS APPLICATIONS, NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • C09K8/00—Compositions for drilling of boreholes or wells; Compositions for treating boreholes or wells, e.g. for completion or for remedial operations
    • C09K8/60—Compositions for stimulating production by acting on the underground formation
    • C09K8/62—Compositions for forming crevices or fractures
    • C09K8/70—Compositions for forming crevices or fractures characterised by their form or by the form of their components, e.g. foams

Definitions

  • This application relates to the field of LPG fracturing and treatment systems and methods BACKGROUND
  • fracturing fluid In the conventional fracturing of wells, producing formations, new wells or low producing wells that have been taken out of production, a formation can be fractured to attempt to achieve higher production rates Proppant and fracturing fluid are mixed in a blender and then pumped into a well that penetrates an oil or gas bearing formation High pressure is applied to the well, the formation fractures and proppant carried by the fracturing fluid flows into the fractures The proppant in the fractures holds the fractures open after pressure is relaxed and production is resumed
  • fracturing fluid including various mixtures of hydrocarbons, nitrogen and carbon dioxide [0003] Care must be taken over the choice of fracturing fluid
  • the fracturing fluid must have a sufficient viscosity to carry the proppant into the fractures, should minimize formation damage and must be safe to use
  • a fracturing fluid that remains in the formation after fracturing is not desirable since it may block pores and reduce well production For this reason, carbon dioxide has been used as a
  • Fluid in the subterranean formation has a fluid temperature
  • a first critical temperature of a base hydrocarbon fluid is adjusted for example to a critical temperature above the fluid temperature by adding a critical temperature adjusting fluid such as a liquefied petroleum gas component to the base hydrocarbon fluid to produce the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid
  • the liquefied petroleum gas component has a second critical temperature
  • the base hydrocarbon fluid comprises liquefied petroleum gas
  • Methods of treating a subterranean formation are also disclosed
  • a hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is introduced into the subterranean formation, the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid having a critical temperature that is above a fluid temperature of the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid when the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is in the subterranean formation, the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid comprising liquefied petroleum gas
  • the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is subjected to pressures above the formation pressure
  • Methods of treating a subterranean formation are also disclosed A hydrocarbon fracturing fluid comprising liquefied petroleum gas is introduced into the subterranean formation The hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is subjected to pressures above the formation pressure The hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is then shut-in in the subterranean formation for a period of more than 4 hours The period may be, for example longer than 12 hours or 24 hours and could be more than two days
  • Methods of treating plural zones of one or more hydrocarbon reservoirs penetrated by a well are also disclosed Hydrocarbon fracturing fluid comprising liquefied petroleum gas is introduced through the well into a first zone of the one or more hydrocarbon reservoirs The hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is subjected in the first zone to pressures above the formation pressure of the first zone Hydrocarbon fracturing fluid comprising liquefied petroleum gas is introduced through the well into a second zone of the one or more hydrocarbon reservoirs The hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is subjected in the second zone to pressures above the formation pressure of the second zone The hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is at least partially removed from the first zone and the second zone [0009] A fluid is also disclosed, the fluid comprising hydrocarbon fracturing fluid at least partially removed from the subterranean formations of the methods disclosed herein A subterranean formation is also disclosed comprising the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid introduced by any of the methods disclosed herein
  • a method of treating under-pressured formations is also disclosed
  • the under- pressured subterranean formation has a formation pressure and contains formation fluids
  • a hydrocarbon fracturing fluid comprising liquefied petroleum gas is prepared, the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid having a density such that the static pressure of the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid at the under-pressured subterranean formation is less than the formation pressure
  • the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is introduced into the under-pressured subterranean formation
  • the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is subjected to pressures above the formation pressure
  • the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is then recovered along with formation fluids
  • a method of treating a subterranean formation is also disclosed, the method comprising introducing a hydrocarbon fracturing fluid into the subterranean formation, the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid comprising liquefied petroleum gas, subjecting the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid to pressures above the formation pressure, recovering the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid along with formation fluid
  • Fig 1 is a graph of the saturation curve of propane, illustrating a fracturing process
  • Fig 2 is a graph of saturation curves of various mixtures of propane and methane
  • FIG 3 is a schematic of a fracture created by conventional fracturing techniques
  • FIG 4 is a schematic of a fracture created by the methods disclosed herein
  • FIG 5 is a top plan schematic of a fracturing system carrying out an embodiment of a method as disclosed herein, illustrating proppant being loaded into proppant supply vessels
  • FIG 6 is a top plan schematic of a fracturing system carrying out an embodiment of a method as disclosed herein, illustrating pressure testing the lines with inert gas
  • FIG 7 is a top plan schematic of a fracturing system carrying out an embodiment of a method as disclosed herein, illustrating the bleeding off of inert gas from the lines, and commencement of the frac
  • FIG 8 is a top plan schematic of a fracturing system carrying out an embodiment of a method as disclosed herein, illustrating the loading of frac fluid in the well
  • FIG 9 is a top plan schematic of a fracturing system carrying out an embodiment of a method as disclosed herein, illustrating the completion of a frac treatment
  • FIG 10 is a top plan schematic of a fracturing system carrying out an embodiment of a method as disclosed herein, illustrating the purging of LPG-filled lines with inert gas
  • FIG 11 is a top plan schematic of a fracturing system carrying out an embodiment of a method as disclosed herein, illustrating the purging of the process blender with inert gas
  • Fig 12 is a top plan schematic of a fracturing system carrying out an embodiment of a method as disclosed herein, illustrating the production of well fluids upon completion of a frac treatment
  • Fig 13 is a graph illustrating various specifications for an exemplary treatment carried out using an embodiment of a method as disclosed herein
  • FIGs 14A-C illustrate a method of treating plural hydrocarbon reservoirs penetrated by a vertical well as disclosed herein
  • Fig 14D illustrates a method of treating plural hydrocarbon zones of a reservoir penetrated by a horizontal well as disclosed herein
  • Fig 15 is a graph illustrating the viscosity of water and LPG
  • Fig 16 is a graph illustrating the surface tension of water and LPG
  • Fig 17 is a graph illustrating a gelled hydrocarbon fracturing fluid breaking after a set amount of time
  • Fig 18 is a graph of the saturation curve of propane, illustrating the separator operating region
  • Figs 19A-B are tables that illustrate various examples of formations fractured using the methods disclosed herein
  • Fig 20 is a flow schematic illustrating a method of tailoring a hydrocarbon fracturing fluid for a subterranean formation, fluid in the subterranean formation having a fluid temperature
  • Fig 21 is a flow schematic illustrating a method of treating a subterranean formation with a fracturing fluid that has a critical temperature above the fluid temperature
  • Fig 22 is a flow schematic illustrating a further method of treating a subterranean formation involving shutting-in the fluid for an extended period of time
  • Fig 23 is a flow schematic illustrating a method of treating plural zones of one or more hydrocarbon reservoirs penetrated by a well
  • Fig 24 is a flow schematic illustrating a further method of tailoring a hydrocarbon fracturing fluid for a subterranean formation, fluid in the subterranean formation having a fluid temperature
  • Fig 25 is a flow schematic illustrating a method of treating an under-pressured subterranean formation having a formation pressure and containing formation fluids
  • Fig 26 is a flow schematic illustrating a method of method of treating a subterranean formation DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • LPG Liquefied Petroleum Gases
  • LPG include a variety of petroleum and natural gases existing in a liquid state at ambient temperatures and moderate pressures
  • LPG refers to a mixture of such fluids
  • Further examples include HD-5 propane, commercial butane, i-butane, i-pentane, n-pentane, and n-butane
  • the LPG mixture may be controlled to gain the desired hydraulic fracturing and clean-up performance
  • LPGs tend to produce excellent fracturing fluids LPG is readily available, cost effective and is easily and safely handled on surface as a
  • the extremely low surface tension of the LPG eliminates or at least significantly reduces the formation of liquid blocks created by fluid trapping in the pores of the formation This is contrasted with the high surface tension of water, which makes water less desirable as a conventional fluid LPG is nearly half the density of water, and generates gas at approximately 272 m s gas/m 3 of liquid LPG comprising butane and propane has a hydrostatic gradient at 5 1 kPa/m, which greatly assists any post-treatment clean-up required, by allowing greater drawdown
  • This hydrostatic head is approximately half the hydrostatic head of water, indicating that LPG is a naturally under balanced fluid
  • LPG also has significantly lowered viscosity than water in an ungelled state, which further aids in the removal of LPG from a well
  • a propane saturation curve is illustrated
  • the * indicates the critical point of propane, and hence the critical temperature as well
  • the critical temperature is understood as the temperature beyond which the fluid exists as a gas, regardless of pressure
  • the region indicated by the reference numeral 10 corresponds to low-pressure surface handling, which refers to exemplary ranges of pressures and temperatures under which LPG is typically stored prior to use in fracturing Exemplary critical temperatures of LPGs are denoted below in Table 1 [0046] Table 1
  • Fluid in the subterranean formation has a fluid temperature This may be the temperature of fluids contained naturally in the formation, or the temperature of fracturing or treatment fluids that have been in the formation long enough to acclimatize with the formation, and will typically be the formation temperature
  • a first critical temperature of a hydrocarbon fluid base fluid
  • a critical temperature adjusting fluid such as liquefied petroleum gas component having a second critical temperature
  • the hydrocarbon fluid comprises liquefied petroleum gas
  • the formation temperature of each formation to be fractured is different, as is the fluid temperature in each of these formations
  • the second critical temperature is higher than the first critical temperature An example of this may occur if the base hydrocarbon fluid is propane, and the LPG component added to adjust the first critical temperature is butane In some embodiments, the second critical temperature is lower than the first critical temperature, and the first critical temperature is above the fluid temperature These situations may arise when the first critical temperature is far above the fluid temperature, and a frac operator desires to lower the first critical temperature to improve the recovery and performance of the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid
  • the base fluid comprises propane and butane
  • the critical temperature adjusting fluid may be, for example propane and ethane
  • a further method of tailoring a hydrocarbon fracturing fluid for a subterranean formation is disclosed, fluid in the subterranean formation having a fluid temperature
  • a first critical temperature of a base hydrocarbon fluid is adjusted by adding a liquefied petroleum gas component having a second critical temperature to the base hydrocarbon fluid to produce the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid
  • the base hydrocarbon fluid comprises liquefied petroleum gas
  • the first critical temperature may be adjusted to, for example above the fluid temperature In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to adjust the first critical temperature to below, for example slightly below, the fluid temperature
  • the base hydrocarbon fluid may comprise one or more of propane, butane and pentane
  • the liquefied petroleum gas component may comprise one or more of ethane, propane, butane and pentane
  • the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid produced by the above methods may comprise at least one gelling agent
  • the gelling agent may be any suitable gelling agent for gelling LPG, including ethane, propane, butane, pentane or mixtures of ethane, propane, butane and pentane, and may be tailored to suit the actual composition of the frac fluid
  • a suitable gelling agent is created by first reacting phosphoais oxychloride and an alcohol having hydrocarbon chains of 3-7 carbons long, or in a further for example alcohols having hydrocarbon chains 4-6 carbons long
  • the orthophosphate acid ester formed is then reacted with an aluminum sulphate activator to create the desired gelling agent
  • the gelling agent created will have hydrocarbon chains from 3-7 carbons long or, as in the further example, 4-6 carbons long
  • the hydrocarbon chains of the gelling agent may be thus commensurate in length with the hydrocarbon chains of the liquid petroleum gas used for the frac fluid This gelling agent may be more effective at gelling
  • a hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is introduced into the subterranean formation, the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid having a critical temperature and comprising LPG
  • the critical temperature is above a fluid temperature of the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid when the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is in the subterranean formation
  • the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is subjected to pressures above the formation pressure
  • the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is subjected to pressures at or above fracturing pressures
  • the method may further comprise a step of at least partially removing the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid from the formation As described above, the presence of LPG in the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid greatly aids this step
  • the critical temperature of the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is within 100 degrees of the fluid temperature of the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid when the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is in the subterranean formation In further embodiments, the critical temperature of the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is within 50 degrees of the fluid temperature of the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid when the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is in the subterranean formation In even further embodiments, the critical temperature of the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is within 30 degrees of the fluid temperature of the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid when the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is in the subterranean formation It should be understood that this hydrocarbon fracturing fluid may be the same as the hydrocarbon fracturing fluids disclosed throughout this document Accordingly, the critical temperature of the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid may be at least 1, for example at least 10 degrees higher than the fluid temperature of the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid when the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is in the subterranean formation
  • a hydrocarbon fracturing fluid comprising liquefied petroleum gas is introduced into the subterranean formation
  • the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is subjected to pressures above the formation pressure
  • the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is shut-in in the subterranean formation for a period of at least 1 hour
  • the shutting-in period may comprise at least two periods combined, for example if the period was broken up into two periods due to the addition of extra hydrocarbon fracturing fluid at the halfway point
  • the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid may be shut-in, but only for short periods of time, usually until the fracturing itself has been completed
  • the extending of the shutting-in period disclosed herein following the fracture treatment enhances the subsequent clean-up of the fluid due to the mixing of the fracturing fluid with the reservoir gas Mixing of the fracturing fluid with the reservoir gas results in
  • the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is shut-in for a period of more than 4 hours In further embodiments, the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is shut-in for a period of at least 7 hours In further embodiments, the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is shut-in for a period of at least 10 hours In even further embodiments, the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is shut-in for a period of at least 15 hours In even further embodiments, the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is shut-in for longer periods, for example a period of at least 24 hours
  • the extended shut-in time may be determined in order to maximize the mixing of the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid with the reservoir gas in the most efficient manner possible
  • the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid may have a critical temperature that is above a fluid temperature of the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid when the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is in the subterranean formation
  • the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid may be shut in for a period longer than 4 hours, 12 hours or 24 hours
  • the method may further comprise producing
  • step 112 hydrocarbon fracturing fluid comprising liquefied petroleum gas is introduced through the well 16 into a first hydrocarbon reservoir 18 of the one or more hydrocarbon reservoirs 15
  • step 114 the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid in the first hydrocarbon reservoir 18 is then subjected to pressures above the formation pressure of the first hydrocarbon reservoir 18
  • step 116 hydrocarbon fracturing fluid comprising liquefied petroleum gas is introduced through the well 16 into a second hydrocarbon reservoir 20 of the plural hydrocarbon reservoirs 15
  • step 118 shown in Fig 23
  • the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid in the second hydrocarbon reservoir 20 is subjected to pressures above the formation pressure of the second hydrocarbon reservoir 20
  • step 120 the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is at least partially removed from the first hydrocarbon reservoir 18 and the second hydrocarbon reservoir 20 It should be understood that step 120 may
  • step 120 may be carried out, at least partially removing the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid from reservoirs 18, 20, and 30
  • This method may be contrasted with conventional methods, which involve flowing back each reservoir individually before fracturing another reservoir
  • This method of sequential fracturing is much more cost effective and time efficient than conventional methods
  • this method may be used to fracture reservoirs penetrated by a branched well, for example fracturing reservoirs in parallel
  • reservoir 30 may be fractured, followed by reservoirs 18 and 20 respectively
  • the fracturing fluid in reservoir 18 is allowed to mix with formation gas, making recovery of the fracturing fluid much easier as discussed in more detail above
  • the shutting in of the second zone occurs before at least partially removing the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid from the second zone
  • each of reservoirs 18, 20, and 30 may be shut-in for extended amounts of time as disclosed in this document for example, in order to achieve this effect
  • the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid introduced into the first hydrocarbon reservoir 18 is different from the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid introduced into the second hydrocarbon reservoir 20
  • the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid(s) used in this method may be the same as the hydrocarbon fracturing fluids disclosed throughout this document This method is illustrated as being carried out using packers, but other implements may be used to achieve the same result
  • a single packer may be used, pulling up the packer to each respective reservoir after fracturing the previous one
  • this method of isolating the intervals may include the use of plugs, with appropriate perforation of the wellbore to access the reservoir, or alternate mechanical diverting assemblies within the wellbore Additionally, the process is applicable to de
  • hydrocarbon fracturing fluid used at any point in this document may be the same as the hydrocarbon fracturing fluids disclosed throughout this document
  • a fluid comprising the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid at least partially removed from the subterranean formations of any of the disclosed methods herein is also disclosed Recovering this flowback fracturing fluid is advantageous, as it may in many cases be of suitable quality to pump directly to a sales line Further, in the event that the fracturing fluids have been allowed to mix with the formation gas, the recovered fluid may be even more valuable
  • the gas mixture of hydrocarbon fracturing fluid pumped into a gas bearing formation that mixes with natural gas in the formation may be recovered (produced) into a typical gas collection system In some embodiments, this collection or production may exclude the recovery of the initial returns to the system without extending the shut-in
  • a line heater may be employed to allow
  • a subterranean formation (illustrated by plural hydrocarbon reservoirs 15 for example) comprising the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid introduced into the formation by any of the methods disclosed herein Because the formation, in this instance, contains salable product (the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid and the formation gas), the formation itself is quite valuable
  • an exemplary process of fracturing with LPG hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is illustrated
  • darkened lines in the drawings refer to lines through which fluid is flowing
  • an exemplary set-up includes a treatment control van 34, an N 2 storage truck 36, an LPG trailer 38, a chemical control unit 40, a sand truck 42, an LPG process blender 44, and LPG fracturing pumps 46A, 46B
  • Treatment control van 34 provides centralized remote operating and monitoring of the equipment of the fracturing system Van 34 may be provided with a Geo-Sat communication system, which allows for real time internet based monitoring and VOIP phone lines to communicate with systems operators It also provides continuous environmental monitoring of 4 wireless remote LEL sensors, and wind direction and speed for example Van 34 may perform all of the required calculations, such as the optimum blend of LPG components to add to tailor the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid to best fracture the formation, as well as the optimum job program for fracturing multiple reservoirs, for example Calculations and adjustments may be made on the fly, as needed
  • the N 2 storage taick may comprise a flameless N 2 pumper, which is incorporated into the process to supply boost pressure to move the LPG product through the process, and to purge all equipment to a safe environment prior to and after the stimulation
  • no centrifugal pumps are may be used in this process
  • the LPG fracturing process blender may be a closed, pressurized system that uses integrated Process Logic Control (PLC) to precisely control the addition of proppant to a stream of Liquid LPG Blender 44 may be operated and monitored from the treatment control and command center (illustrated as treatment control van 34 for example)
  • Blender 44 may be provided with two 16 tonne proppant vessels 48A, B, from which proppant may be metered by two automated density controlled augers
  • Monitoring of blender 44 includes monitoring of clean and slurry flow rate, Radioactive Densitometer, Inline Process Viscometer, 4 Point load cell, Pressure Transducers, and Closed Circuit cameras The densitometer may determine the proppant concentration being added, while the vis
  • Chemical control unit 40 comprises an integrated and automated chemical addition system, that may be operated by remote or local operation
  • Control unit 40 may comprise six 4 stage progressive cavity pumps monitored with mass flow meters, in order to ensure the proper and precise addition of chemicals into blender 44
  • Such chemicals include, for example gelling agents, breakers, activators, and tailoring LPG components, for example Unit 40 may further comprise an LEL monitoring and alarm system for safety purposes
  • Unit 40 may be climate controlled with a high rate air exchanger to ensure a safe working environment, and may further comprise a drip proof containment system to protect a user and the environment from chemicals
  • the system may also comprise an Iron truck (not shown)
  • the iron truck may operate, for example, 100 m of 76 2 mm ( 3 inch) 103 4 MPa Treating Iron
  • the iron truck may comprise hydraulically operated PLC controlled Plug Valves, operated from treatment control van 34 for example Iron truck may further have an integrated equipment emergency shut down system, and a hydraulic accumulator system
  • LPG Fracturing pumps 46A, B are designed for increased operating range and redundancy Pumps 46A, B, may comprise OEM rated 2,500 hhp Caterpillar motors, and may be designed to meet 2006 EPA Tier 2 Non-Road Emissions standards
  • Pumps 46A, B may also comprise 7 speed Caterpillar Transmissions, Quint-plex pumps, and automatic over- speed emergency shut-down systems
  • LPG pumps 46A, B may be operated digitally from the Treatment Control and Command Centre (illustrated as treatment control van 34 for example) Operating features may include One man operator control of all pumps from one integrated operating screen, automatic pressure testing modes, and automatically adjustments of individual pump
  • These methods may be used on sub-normally saturated and under-pressured reservoirs, including gas, oil and water wells, to eliminate altered saturations and relative permeability effects, accelerate clean-up, realize full frac length, and improve long-term production Further, these methods may be used on reservoirs that exhibit high capillary pressures with conventional fluids to eliminate phase trapping These methods may also be used on low permeability reservoirs, which normally require long effective frac lengths to sustain economic production, to accelerate clean-up, realize full frac length quicker, and improve production These methods may also be used on recompletions with recovery through existing facilities, in order to recover all LPG fluid to sales gas - thus reducing clean-up costs, avoiding conventional fluid recovery and handling costs, and eliminating flaring Multiple frac treatments may be completed without the need for immediate frac clean-up between treatments, as the extended shut-in simplifies and speeds the clean-up without detriment to formation These methods may also be used in exploration, as the pumping of a completely reservoir compatible fluid provides excellent stimulation plus rapid cleanup and evaluation, which gives
  • Figs 19A and B illustrate examples of successful fracturing procedures carried out using the methods as disclosed herein Various specifications of each job are indicated in those figures [0076] Hydraulic fracturing with LPG has been done in the past, but has since been deemed too dangerous by others, and as a result, most development in this area has slowed or stopped However, by combining safety techniques, LPG fracturing can be made safe LPG Processes disclosed herein require no load fluids, CO 2 or N 2 during initial production which is less taxing on the production equipment, which results in reduced well clean-up time, although in specific instances, there may be additional fluids pumped with the LPG fluids [0077] Tailoring of the LPG component mix also enhances recovery in under- pressured reservoirs via the combination of low hydrostatic, mixing with native reservoir hydrocarbons, low viscosity and minimized surface tension/capillary pressure Under- pressured refers to the formation pressure being lower than the hydrostatic pressure at the formation depth The density of a hydrocarbon fracturing
  • Fig 2 shows the mixture properties of propane with methane
  • the particular lines shown are the vapor-lines, that being the pressure temperature relationship below which the mixture exists as 100% vapors
  • the end point of each curve is the critical temperature of the mixture
  • the mixing desirably results in a frac-fluid/reservoir composition where the critical temperature is below the reservoir temperature This mixing is intended to occur within the formation following the fracturing treatment, during shut-in and subsequent clean-up
  • the LPG mix is designed to promote mixing with reservoir gas to achieve vaporization as another primary mechanism for developing a suitable hydrostatic for ready clean-up
  • the hydrostatic is important as it sets the surface flowing pressure of the well during clean-up If the surface flow pressure is too low, then the well may not have sufficient pressure to clean-up into the pipeline
  • a method of of treating a subterranean formation is illustrated Referring to Fig 8, in stage 132 (shown in Fig 26), a hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is introduced into the subterranean formation, the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid comprising liquefied petroleum gas In stage 134 (shown in Fig 26), the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is subjected to pressures above the formation pressure Referring to Fig 12, in stage 136 (shown in Fig 26), the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid is recovered along with formation fluids through a line heater 133 Line heater 133 may vaporize any liquid lpg present in the recovered fluids In stage 138(shown in Fig 26), the hydrocarbon fracturing fluid are produced to a sales line 68 [0081] In the claims, the word “comprising” is used in its inclusive sense and does not exclude other elements being present The indefinite article "a" before a claim feature does not exclude more than one of the feature being present Each one

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Abstract

La présente invention concerne des procédés permettant de réaliser sur mesure un fluide de fracturation d'hydrocarbures destiné à une formation souterraine. Le fluide se trouvant dans la formation souterraine est caractérisé par une température de fluide. Une première température critique du fluide d'hydrocarbure est ajustée par adjonction d'un gaz de pétrole liquéfié au fluide d'hydrocarbure jusqu'à obtention d'une température critique supérieure à la température de fluide de façon à produire le fluide de fractionnement d'hydrocarbures. Le gaz de pétrole liquéfie est caractérisé par une seconde température critique, et le fluide d'hydrocarbure contient du gaz de pétrole liquéfié. L'invention concerne également un fluide de fracturation d'hydrocarbures obtenu selon ce procédé. L'invention concerne aussi des procédés permettant de traiter une formation souterraine. Un fluide de fracturation d'hydrocarbures est introduit dans la formation souterraine, lequel fluide de fracturation d'hydrocarbures est caractérisé par une température critique qui est supérieure à une température de fluide du fluide de fracturation d'hydrocarbures quand le fluide de fracturation d'hydrocarbure se trouve dans la formation souterraine. Le fluide de fracturation d'hydrocarbures est soumis à des pressions supérieures à la pression de la formation.
PCT/CA2009/001182 2008-09-02 2009-09-01 Procédés de fracturation de gaz de pétrole liquéfié WO2010025540A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12/203,072 2008-09-02
CA2639539 2008-09-02
US12/203,072 US20100051272A1 (en) 2008-09-02 2008-09-02 Liquified petroleum gas fracturing methods
CA002639539A CA2639539A1 (fr) 2008-09-02 2008-09-02 Fracture d'hydrocarbures par gaz liquefie

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Cited By (16)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012097424A1 (fr) * 2011-01-17 2012-07-26 Enfrac Inc. Procédé pour fracturer une formation à l'aide d'un mélange de fluides de fracturation
EP2527586A1 (fr) 2011-05-27 2012-11-28 Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij B.V. Procédé pour la fracturation induite dans une formation souterraine
US9187996B1 (en) 2012-08-23 2015-11-17 Millennium Stimulation Services, Ltd. Reduced emissions method for recovering product from a hydraulic fracturing operation
WO2017176342A1 (fr) * 2016-04-08 2017-10-12 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Procédé de transport d'un additif chimique vers une formation souterraine au moyen d'un fluide porteur d'hydrocarbure léger
US10017686B1 (en) 2017-02-27 2018-07-10 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Proppant drying system and method
CN108361554A (zh) * 2018-04-02 2018-08-03 中国石油集团川庆钻探工程有限公司工程技术研究院 一种氮气增压装置及其使用方法
US10428263B2 (en) 2016-03-22 2019-10-01 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Low temperature waterless stimulation fluid
US10480303B2 (en) 2016-02-01 2019-11-19 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Systems and methods for recovering an unfractionated hydrocarbon liquid mixture
US10544357B2 (en) 2014-10-22 2020-01-28 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Y-Grade NGL stimulation fluids
US10570332B2 (en) 2016-08-28 2020-02-25 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Y-grade NGL fluids for enhanced oil recovery
US10570715B2 (en) 2017-08-18 2020-02-25 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Unconventional reservoir enhanced or improved oil recovery
US10577552B2 (en) 2017-02-01 2020-03-03 Linde Aktiengesellschaft In-line L-grade recovery systems and methods
US10724351B2 (en) 2017-08-18 2020-07-28 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Systems and methods of optimizing Y-grade NGL enhanced oil recovery fluids
US10781359B2 (en) 2016-04-08 2020-09-22 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Miscible solvent enhanced oil recovery
US10822540B2 (en) 2017-08-18 2020-11-03 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Systems and methods of optimizing Y-Grade NGL unconventional reservoir stimulation fluids
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US9033035B2 (en) 2011-01-17 2015-05-19 Millennium Stimulation Services, Ltd. Method for fracturing a formation using a fracturing fluid mixture
US9181789B2 (en) 2011-01-17 2015-11-10 Millennium Stimulation Servicesltd. Fracturing system and method for an underground formation using natural gas and an inert purging fluid
WO2012097424A1 (fr) * 2011-01-17 2012-07-26 Enfrac Inc. Procédé pour fracturer une formation à l'aide d'un mélange de fluides de fracturation
US9796910B2 (en) 2011-01-17 2017-10-24 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Fracturing system and method for an underground formation using natural gas and an inert purging fluid
EP2665891A4 (fr) * 2011-01-17 2018-01-17 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Système et procédé de fracturation pour une formation souterraine utilisant du gaz naturel et un fluide de purge inerte
EP2665890A4 (fr) * 2011-01-17 2018-04-18 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Système et procédé de fracturation pour une formation souterraine
EP2665892A4 (fr) * 2011-01-17 2018-04-18 Halliburton Energy Services, Inc. Procédé pour fracturer une formation à l'aide d'un mélange de fluides de fracturation
EP2527586A1 (fr) 2011-05-27 2012-11-28 Shell Internationale Research Maatschappij B.V. Procédé pour la fracturation induite dans une formation souterraine
US9187996B1 (en) 2012-08-23 2015-11-17 Millennium Stimulation Services, Ltd. Reduced emissions method for recovering product from a hydraulic fracturing operation
US10544357B2 (en) 2014-10-22 2020-01-28 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Y-Grade NGL stimulation fluids
US10612357B2 (en) 2016-02-01 2020-04-07 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Y-grade NGL recovery
US10480303B2 (en) 2016-02-01 2019-11-19 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Systems and methods for recovering an unfractionated hydrocarbon liquid mixture
US10428263B2 (en) 2016-03-22 2019-10-01 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Low temperature waterless stimulation fluid
US10829682B2 (en) 2016-04-08 2020-11-10 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Miscible solvent assisted gravity drainage
US11795371B2 (en) 2016-04-08 2023-10-24 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Hydrocarbon based carrier fluid
WO2017176342A1 (fr) * 2016-04-08 2017-10-12 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Procédé de transport d'un additif chimique vers une formation souterraine au moyen d'un fluide porteur d'hydrocarbure léger
US10781359B2 (en) 2016-04-08 2020-09-22 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Miscible solvent enhanced oil recovery
US11149183B2 (en) 2016-04-08 2021-10-19 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Hydrocarbon based carrier fluid
US11098239B2 (en) 2016-08-28 2021-08-24 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Y-grade NGL fluids for enhanced oil recovery
US10570332B2 (en) 2016-08-28 2020-02-25 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Y-grade NGL fluids for enhanced oil recovery
US10577533B2 (en) 2016-08-28 2020-03-03 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Unconventional enhanced oil recovery
US10577552B2 (en) 2017-02-01 2020-03-03 Linde Aktiengesellschaft In-line L-grade recovery systems and methods
US10017686B1 (en) 2017-02-27 2018-07-10 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Proppant drying system and method
US10724351B2 (en) 2017-08-18 2020-07-28 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Systems and methods of optimizing Y-grade NGL enhanced oil recovery fluids
US10822540B2 (en) 2017-08-18 2020-11-03 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Systems and methods of optimizing Y-Grade NGL unconventional reservoir stimulation fluids
US10570715B2 (en) 2017-08-18 2020-02-25 Linde Aktiengesellschaft Unconventional reservoir enhanced or improved oil recovery
CN108361554A (zh) * 2018-04-02 2018-08-03 中国石油集团川庆钻探工程有限公司工程技术研究院 一种氮气增压装置及其使用方法
CN108361554B (zh) * 2018-04-02 2024-06-11 中国石油天然气集团有限公司 一种氮气增压装置及其使用方法
WO2023022959A1 (fr) * 2021-08-16 2023-02-23 Eden Geopower, Inc. Électro-hydrofracturation utilisant des agents de soutènement électriquement conducteurs et procédés associés

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