WO2017163265A1 - Fracturation assistée par ondes de choc caractérisée par l'ébullition explosive d'un fluide de fracturation - Google Patents

Fracturation assistée par ondes de choc caractérisée par l'ébullition explosive d'un fluide de fracturation Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2017163265A1
WO2017163265A1 PCT/IN2017/050104 IN2017050104W WO2017163265A1 WO 2017163265 A1 WO2017163265 A1 WO 2017163265A1 IN 2017050104 W IN2017050104 W IN 2017050104W WO 2017163265 A1 WO2017163265 A1 WO 2017163265A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cracks
brine solution
heating
fracking
petroleum well
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IN2017/050104
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English (en)
Inventor
Gopalan Jagadeesh
Original Assignee
Super Wave Technology Private Limited
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
Application filed by Super Wave Technology Private Limited filed Critical Super Wave Technology Private Limited
Publication of WO2017163265A1 publication Critical patent/WO2017163265A1/fr

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Classifications

    • 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
    • E21B43/263—Methods for stimulating production by forming crevices or fractures using explosives

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to the field of fracking.
  • the present disclosure relates to the field of shock/blast wave assisted fracking of petroleum wells. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to in-situ generation of Shockwaves for expanding the cracks present within a petroleum well, as well as creating new cracks therein.
  • Fracking is the process of creating cracks/fissures in a controlled manner, on the inner surface of deep wells.
  • the process of fracking also incorporates enhancing/extending already existing cracks/fissures of deep wells.
  • lateral cracks are required to be created deep down in the petroleum well in order to ensure the flow of a reasonable amount of crude oil/gas.
  • the cracks/fissures act as a conduit for the flow of raw oil/gas into the petroleum well.
  • hydrofracking also referred to as hydrofracturing or hydraulic fracturing. Hydrofracking is typically performed in order to enhance the yield/output of an petroleum well.
  • the pressurized water used during the process of hydrofracking is typically induced with additives such as sand, proppants and the like. Therefore, there are high probabilities that the water used for hydrofracking, which is contaminated with sand and proppants reaches underground water reserves and pollutes them.
  • An object of the present disclosure is to provide an environment friendly alternative to hydrofracking.
  • Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an efficient and alternate method for replenishing depleted petroleum wells.
  • Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for enhancing crack formation by heating fracking fluid using one of microwave generator and electrical heater.
  • One more object of the present disclosure is to provide a system and method that enables crack propagation only in a lateral direction, inside the petroleum well.
  • Still a further object of the present disclosure is to provide a method that efficiently addresses the issue of underground water contamination commonly witnessed during the process of hydrofracking.
  • One more object of the present disclosure is to provide a method that enables the creation of cracks and fissures to be efficiently controlled.
  • Still a further object of the present disclosure is to provide a method and system that enables the direction of enhancement/elongation of cracks/fissures to be effectively controlled.
  • the present disclosure envisages a shock/blast wave assisted fracking method which includes explosive heating of a fracking fluid.
  • the term 'explosive heating' refers to the phenomenon of heating a liquid material beyond its boiling point, and maintaining the liquid material at a predetermined high temperature beyond the boiling point thereof, thereby converting the liquid material into high-pressure vapors.
  • the method envisaged by the present disclosure while providing an eco- friendly alternative to the hydrofracking method, also ensures that underground water resources are not contaminated during the fracking process/method. Further, the shock/blast wave assisted fracking method envisaged by the present disclosure also ensures that there is no excessive usage of water resources contrary to the process of hydrofracking which requires a huge quantity of water to be filled up in the well in a pressurized state.
  • the shock/blast wave assisted method for expanding surface cracks of petroleum well includes heating the fracking fluid to generate high pressure steam which further results in the formation of Shockwaves.
  • the fracking fluid is heated using one of an electrical heater, a laser generator and a microwave generator.
  • a plurality of (pilot) cracks are created on the inner circumference of the petroleum well.
  • a chamber is aligned along the inner circumference of the petroleum well.
  • a plurality of heater coils are incorporated within the chamber, and the chamber is filled with fracking fluid, for example, brine solution.
  • the heater coils within the chamber are heated to a predetermined temperature -preferably beyond the boiling point of the brine solution- such that the brine solution which is in contact with the heater coils heats up and transforms into high pressure steam.
  • the high pressure steam is subsequently directed through a plurality of fast actuating valves located (at predetermined locations) within the chamber.
  • the rapid flow/release of the steam through the fast actuating valves results in creation of high velocity shock waves/blast waves.
  • the shock waves/blast waves are directed onto the cracks of the petroleum well, thereby causing the cracks to expand and further causing the formation of new cracks on the inner surface of the petroleum well.
  • the shock waves/blast waves travel outward in all directions from the fast actuating valves, moving at (preferably) a near detonation velocity, and rupturing the rock formation surrounding the bore hole (of the petroleum well).
  • the force/pressure of the shock waves/blast waves travelling outwards from the fast actuating valves typically exceed the compression strengths of the surrounding rock formation, thereby causing the rock formation to bend forward and crack.
  • the force/pressure of the shock waves/blast waves creates new cracks and widens already existing cracks. Cracks thus generated are radial in the sense that they radiate out from the borehole. Further, any cracks, previously present are widened in radial direction subsequent to the propagation of shock waves/blast waves. Further, the shock waves/blast waves propagating through the petroleum well are typically reflected back into the rock formation as tension waves. The reflected tension waves create lateral cracking in the rock formation, between the radial cracks.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an petroleum well equipped with electrical heating mechanism, in accordance with the present disclosure
  • FIG.2A is a schematic representation of an petroleum well equipped with a laser resource, in accordance with the present disclosure
  • FIG.2B is a diagram illustrating delivering of laser beams inside the petroleum well
  • FIG.3A is a schematic representation of a petroleum well equipped with a microwave generator, in accordance with the present disclosure
  • FIG.3B is a diagram illustrating delivering of microwaves in to the petroleum well using microwave wave guides; and [0021] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of expanding surface cracks of petroleum well, in accordance with the present disclosure.
  • the present disclosure envisages a shock/blast wave assisted fracking method which includes explosive heating of a fracking fluid.
  • the method envisaged by the present disclosure while providing an eco-friendly alternative to the hydro fracking method, also ensures that underground water resources are not contaminated during the fracking process/method. Further, the shock/blast wave assisted fracking method envisaged by the present disclosure also ensures that there is no excessive usage of water resources contrary to the process of hydro-fracking which requires a huge quantity of water to be filled up in the well in a pressurized state.
  • the present disclosure proposes using a predetermined fracking fluid to expand the cracks present on the inner periphery of a petroleum well, as well as create new cracks thereupon.
  • the present disclosure teaches heating the fracking fluid to generate high pressure steam which further result in the formation of Shockwaves.
  • the term 'explosive heating' refers to the phenomenon of heating a liquid material beyond its boiling point, and maintaining the liquid material at a predetermined high temperature beyond the boiling point thereof, thereby converting the liquid material into high-pressure vapors (high-pressure steam).
  • the high- pressure vapors are directed through a plurality of fast-actuating valves, which enable conversion of high-pressure vapors into Shockwaves.
  • the Shockwaves thus formed are thrust upon the inner periphery of the petroleum well thereby expanding the existing cracks, and creating new cracks thereupon.
  • the fracking fluid is heated using one of an electrical heater, a laser generator and a microwave generator.
  • a plurality of (pilot) cracks are created on the inner circumference of the petroleum well.
  • a chamber is aligned along the inner circumference of the petroleum well.
  • a plurality of heater coils are incorporated within the chamber and subsequently the chamber is filled with brine solution.
  • the heater coils within the chamber are heated to a predetermined temperature, such that the brine solution which is in contact with the heater coils heats up and transforms into high pressure steam.
  • the high pressure steam is subsequently directed through a plurality of fast actuating valves located (at predetermined locations) within the chamber.
  • the rapid flow/release of the steam through the fast actuating valves results in creation of high velocity shock waves/blast waves.
  • the shock waves/blast waves are directed onto the cracks of the petroleum well, thereby causing the cracks to expand.
  • the shock waves/blast waves travel outward in all directions from the fast actuating valves, moving at (preferably) a near detonation velocity, and rupturing the rock formation surrounding the bore hole (of the petroleum well).
  • the force/pressure of the shock waves/blast waves travelling outwards from the fast actuating valves typically exceed the compression strengths of the surrounding rock formation, thereby causing the rock formation to bend forward and crack.
  • the force/pressure of the shock waves/blast waves creates new cracks and widens already existing cracks. Cracks thus generated are radial in the sense that they radiate out from the borehole. Further, any cracks, previously present are widened in radial direction subsequent to the propagation of shock waves/blast waves. Further, the shock waves/blast waves propagating through the petroleum well are typically reflected back into the rock formation as tension waves. The reflected tension waves create lateral cracking in the rock formation, between the radial cracks.
  • the shock/blast wave assisted fracking method includes heating the fracking fluid using an electrical heater or electrical heating tool.
  • a petroleum well comprises a plurality of pilot cracks 14, located preferably on the inner walls/inner periphery thereof as shown in FIG.l.
  • a fracking fluid for example, brine solution 10 is filled up inside the petroleum well to prevent the inner walls from collapsing due to exertion of high levels of atmospheric pressure (approximately 150 Bars).
  • the brine solution 10 is typically confined in a chamber 12 (constructed inside the petroleum well).
  • the chamber 12 incorporates a plurality of heating coils 12A wound around the inner surface thereof.
  • the heating coils 12A are heated by an external energy source (not shown in figures), and the brine solution is heated preferably up to the boiling temperature.
  • the heating coils 12A heat the brine solution 10 so as to ensure that the steam is generated at the prescribed conditions of around 220 atmospheres and 350 °C. Subsequently, the temperature inside the chamber 12 comprising the brine solution 10 is maintained at high levels.
  • the boiling of the brine solution 10 results in formation of high pressure steam, which is subsequently directed through a plurality of fast acting valves, towards the (pilot) cracks 14 inside the petroleum well.
  • the rapid flow/release of the steam through the fast acting valves results in creation of shock waves/blast waves 16.
  • the shock waves 16 are exerted upon the existing cracks 14 thereby causing crack propagation/enhancement, in addition to creating new cracks on the inner periphery of the petroleum well.
  • a laser generator is used to heat the fracking solution (preferably confined in a chamber) to a predetermined temperature, as shown in FIG 2A.
  • the fracking fluid is brine solution 10.
  • the laser generator 10A shown in FIG.2B
  • the laser beams 14B generated by the laser generator 10A are carried down to the location where the chamber 12 is constructed, through suitable fiber optic couplers 14 A, as depicted in FIG.2A.
  • the laser beams 14B are focused upon the brine solution 10 via focusing optics 14C as shown in FIG.2A.
  • the brine solution 10 is heated to a predetermined temperature by the laser beams 14B converging thereupon.
  • the heating/boiling of the brine solution 10 results in formation of high pressure steam, which is subsequently directed through a plurality of fast acting valves, towards the (pilot) cracks 12 inside the petroleum well.
  • the rapid flow/release of the steam through the fast acting valves results in creation of shock waves/blast waves 16.
  • the shock waves are exerted upon the existing cracks 12 thereby causing crack propagation/enhancement, in addition to creating new cracks on the inner periphery of the petroleum well.
  • a microwave generator 10B is used to heat the brine solution 10 (confined in the chamber 12) to a predetermined temperature, as shown in FIG 3 A.
  • the microwave generator 10B (depicted in FIG.3B) is located outside the petroleum well, and the microwave beams (not shown in figures) generated by the microwave generator 10B are carried down to the location of the brine solution, through suitable microwave inlets 14D. Subsequently, the microwave beams (not shown in figures) are focused upon the brine solution 10 via focusing microwave inlets 14D as shown in FIG.3B. Subsequently, the brine solution 10 is heated to a predetermined temperature by the microwave beams converging thereupon.
  • the heating/boiling of the brine solution 10 results in formation of high pressure steam, which is subsequently directed through a plurality of fast acting valves, towards the cracks 14 inside the petroleum well.
  • the rapid flow/release of the steam through the fast acting valves results in creation of shock waves/blast waves.
  • the shock waves are exerted upon the existing cracks thereby causing crack propagation/enhancement, in addition to creating new cracks on the inner periphery of the petroleum well.
  • the rapid flow/release of the steam through the fast actuating valves results in creation of high velocity shock waves/blast waves.
  • the shock waves/blast waves are directed onto the cracks of the petroleum well, thereby causing the cracks to expand.
  • the shock waves/blast waves travel outward in all directions from the fast actuating valves, moving at (preferably) a near detonation velocity, and rupturing the rock formation surrounding the bore hole (of the petroleum well).
  • the force/pressure of the shock waves/blast waves travelling outwards from the fast actuating valves typically exceed the compression strengths of the surrounding rock formation, thereby causing the rock formation to bend forward and crack.
  • the force/pressure of the shock waves/blast waves creates new cracks and widens already existing cracks.
  • Cracks thus generated are radial in the sense that they radiate out from the borehole. Further, any cracks, previously present are widened in radial direction subsequent to the propagation of shock waves/blast waves. Further, the shock waves/blast waves propagating through the petroleum well are typically reflected back into the rock formation as tension waves. The reflected tension waves create lateral cracking in the rock formation, between the radial cracks.
  • a plurality of pressure sensors and thermocouples are mounted at appropriate locations of the chamber to monitor the pressure and temperature conditions (inter-alia) therein.
  • FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for expanding surface cracks of a petroleum well.
  • a plurality of cracks pilot cracks
  • a chamber is created abutting the inner circumference of the petroleum well, such that the chamber is accommodated within the inner circumference of the petroleum well (402).
  • a plurality of heater coils are incorporated within the chamber, and thereafter the chamber is filled with brine solution (403). Consequently, the heater coils which are in contact (heater coils are preferably immersed in the brine solution) with the brine solution are heated to a predetermined temperature, thereby resulting in the formation of high pressure steam (404).
  • the high pressure steam is directed through a plurality of fast actuating valves located within the chamber.
  • the fast actuating valves propagate the high pressure steam onto the cracks of the petroleum well, thereby causing the high pressure steam to expand the surface cracks (405) and also create new cracks on the inner periphery of the petroleum well.
  • the technical advantages envisaged by the present disclosure include the realization of an environment friendly alternative to hydrofracking.
  • the present disclosure provides an efficient and alternative method for replenishing depleted petroleum wells.
  • the method envisaged by the present disclosure efficiently addresses the issue of underground water contamination commonly witnessed during the process of hydrofracking.
  • the method envisaged by the present disclosure also provides for the creation of cracks and fissures to be efficiently controlled.
  • the present disclosure envisages a system and method that enable the direction of enhancement/elongation of cracks/fissures to be effectively controlled. Further, the system and method envisaged by the present disclosure enables crack propagation only in a lateral direction inside the petroleum well, thereby ensuring the directionality for propagation of cracks as well as for creation of new cracks. Further, enabling crack propagation only in the lateral direction provides greater control over the creation and enhancement of cracks.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Geology (AREA)
  • Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
  • Production Of Liquid Hydrocarbon Mixture For Refining Petroleum (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un procédé de fracturation assistée par ondes de choc/explosion, qui consiste à chauffer par explosion un fluide de fracturation. Le procédé consiste à chauffer la solution de saumure à l'aide soit d'un dispositif de chauffage électrique, soit de faisceaux laser, soit de générateurs de micro-ondes. Une chambre comprenant une pluralité de fissures témoins est remplie de la solution de saumure. Le fluide de saumure peut être chauffé à l'aide d'une pluralité de bobines électriques ou d'un générateur de faisceaux laser ou d'un générateur de micro-ondes. La mise en ébullition de la solution de saumure entraîne la formation de vapeur à haute pression qui est ensuite dirigée vers les fissures présentes à l'intérieur du puits de pétrole à travers une pluralité de soupapes. L'écoulement/libération rapide de la vapeur à travers les soupapes entraîne la création d'ondes de choc/d'ondes d'explosion. Les ondes de choc sont appliquées sur les fissures existantes, induisant ainsi une propagation des fissures.
PCT/IN2017/050104 2016-03-24 2017-03-21 Fracturation assistée par ondes de choc caractérisée par l'ébullition explosive d'un fluide de fracturation WO2017163265A1 (fr)

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IN201641010327 2016-03-24
IN201641010327 2016-03-24

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Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10794164B2 (en) 2018-09-13 2020-10-06 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Downhole tool for fracturing a formation containing hydrocarbons
WO2020250025A1 (fr) * 2019-06-12 2020-12-17 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Outil hybride de fracturation à impulsions photoniques et procédés associés
US11459864B1 (en) 2021-05-13 2022-10-04 Saudi Arabian Oil Company High power laser in-situ heating and steam generation tool and methods
WO2022232431A1 (fr) * 2021-04-28 2022-11-03 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Procédé et système de génération de vapeur de fond de trou utilisant de l'énergie laser
US11572773B2 (en) 2021-05-13 2023-02-07 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Electromagnetic wave hybrid tool and methods
US11674373B2 (en) 2021-05-13 2023-06-13 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Laser gravity heating
CN117108261A (zh) * 2023-10-24 2023-11-24 四川大学 一种基于含能液气流体复合控制燃爆的页岩压裂方法

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US20140305877A1 (en) * 2013-04-11 2014-10-16 Sanuwave, Inc. Apparatuses and methods for generating shock waves for use in the energy industry
CN105051323A (zh) * 2013-03-15 2015-11-11 普拉德研究及开发股份有限公司 具有放热反应的水力压裂

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN105051323A (zh) * 2013-03-15 2015-11-11 普拉德研究及开发股份有限公司 具有放热反应的水力压裂
US20140305877A1 (en) * 2013-04-11 2014-10-16 Sanuwave, Inc. Apparatuses and methods for generating shock waves for use in the energy industry

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10794164B2 (en) 2018-09-13 2020-10-06 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Downhole tool for fracturing a formation containing hydrocarbons
US10907456B2 (en) 2018-09-13 2021-02-02 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Methods for fracturing a formation containing hydrocarbons using an enabler that heats in response to electromagnetic radiation
WO2020250025A1 (fr) * 2019-06-12 2020-12-17 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Outil hybride de fracturation à impulsions photoniques et procédés associés
US11255172B2 (en) 2019-06-12 2022-02-22 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Hybrid photonic-pulsed fracturing tool and related methods
WO2022232431A1 (fr) * 2021-04-28 2022-11-03 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Procédé et système de génération de vapeur de fond de trou utilisant de l'énergie laser
US11525347B2 (en) 2021-04-28 2022-12-13 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Method and system for downhole steam generation using laser energy
US11459864B1 (en) 2021-05-13 2022-10-04 Saudi Arabian Oil Company High power laser in-situ heating and steam generation tool and methods
US11572773B2 (en) 2021-05-13 2023-02-07 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Electromagnetic wave hybrid tool and methods
US11674373B2 (en) 2021-05-13 2023-06-13 Saudi Arabian Oil Company Laser gravity heating
CN117108261A (zh) * 2023-10-24 2023-11-24 四川大学 一种基于含能液气流体复合控制燃爆的页岩压裂方法
CN117108261B (zh) * 2023-10-24 2024-01-19 四川大学 一种基于含能液气流体复合控制燃爆的页岩压裂方法

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