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Geomechanical weakening with surface acting agents

a technology of surface acting agent and geomechanical strength, which is applied in the direction of fluid removal, chemistry apparatus and processes, and wellbore/well accessories, etc., can solve the problems of alteration in tensile strength affecting fracture creation and propagation properties, and achieves the reduction of fracture propagation pressure, fracture bifurcation index, and fracture toughness

Inactive Publication Date: 2014-12-18
CONOCOPHILLIPS CO
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  • Abstract
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Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method of hydraulic fracturing that uses surface-acting agents to change the strength of rock layers to increase the conductivity of oil and gas reservoirs. This leads to better production. The concentration, type, and application of the surface agents are determined by the specific geomechanics of the reservoir. The method can involve direct injection and fracture, pump and soak methods, or other methods to maximize the desired effect. The method also includes a step of stopping the pumping to allow the fluid to leak off and weaken the rock, making it easier to fracture. In another embodiment, the method includes adding a surfactant to the fracturing fluid to reduce the pressure needed to cause fracture or increase the likelihood of fracture bifurcation.

Problems solved by technology

This alteration in tensile strength affects the fracture creation and propagation properties.

Method used

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  • Geomechanical weakening with surface acting agents
  • Geomechanical weakening with surface acting agents
  • Geomechanical weakening with surface acting agents

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case 1

[0071]Three lab tests were performed on sandstone cores measuring tensile strength e.g., by the indirect (or “Brazilian”) method. The results showed that surfactants, such as SDS (ionic), CHAPS (Zwitterionic), and Tween-20 (non-ionic) did cause geomechanical weakening. These preliminary tests indicated proof of concept, and suggest that it is worth pursuing additional tests to confirm the value of surfactant use to decrease fracture propagation pressure, and / or fracture length.

[0072]Although various embodiments of the method and apparatus of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the spirit of the invention as set forth herein.

[0073]It should also be noted that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numero...

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Abstract

A method of hydraulic fracturing of a reservoir to improve drainage.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a non-provisional application which claims benefit under 35 USC §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 835,290 filed Jun. 14, 2014, entitled “GEOMECHANICAL WEAKENING WITH SURFACE ACTING AGENTS,” which is incorporated herein in its entirety.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH[0002]None.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” is the propagation of fractures in a rock layer by a pressurized fluid. The oil and gas industry uses hydraulic fracturing to enhance subsurface fracture systems to allow oil or natural gas to drain more freely from the reservoir to production wells that bring the oil or gas to the surface. However, there many uses for hydraulic fracturing outside of the petroleum industry, including to stimulate groundwater wells, to precondition rock for cave in mining, to enhance waste remediation processes, to dispose of waste by injection into deep rock form...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): E21B43/267
CPCE21B43/267E21B43/26C09K8/602C09K8/68
Inventor MONTGOMERY, CARLJOHNSON, JEREMY
Owner CONOCOPHILLIPS CO
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