Apparatus, systems, and methods for fracturing a geological formation
OwnerEdward O. Andersinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to apparatus, systems, and methods of fracturing a geological structure including the application of kinetic energy (e.g., from high velocity frack fluid) to a subterranean structure. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to apparatus, systems, and methods for delivery of high velocity fluid to a well using a down hole valve and/or throttling system. The present disclosure relates to apparatus, systems, and methods of generating pressure using accumulators (e.g., high pressure accumulators) at the surface of a well.
Claims19
A method of kinetically fracking a subterranean structure, the method comprising:
- (a) providing a fracking string inside a perforated wellbore liner having an interior cavity, the fracking string having an interior channel and spaced-apart apertures connecting the interior string channel and the liner cavity;
- (b) accelerating a fracking fluid in the interior channel in a downhole direction to a velocity of from about 40 to about 100 feet per second;
- and
- (c) abruptly decelerating fracking fluid flow.
A system for kinetically fracking a subterranean structure, the system comprising:
- (a) a well in fluid communication with the subterranean structure;
- (b) a well liner inside the well;
- (c) a fracking string inside the well liner, the fracking string comprising a central channel;
- (d) a high pressure gas accumulator in fluid communication with the central channel of the fracking string and configured to accelerate a fracking fluid downhole;
- (e) a high pressure gas fluid accumulator in fluid communication with the central channel of the fracking string and configured to accelerate the fracking fluid downhole;
- (f) a high pressure gas pump operably linked to the with the high pressure gas accumulator and the high pressure gas fluid accumulator;
- and
- (g) a fluid velocity activated annular valve configured to abruptly decelerate the fracking fluid.
A downhole fluid velocity activated annular valve configured for operation in a wellbore with an inserted production liner, the valve comprising:
- (a) an annular body having a longitudinal axis, an interior surface configured to slide along and seal a fracking string, and an exterior surface comprising a taper, the taper extending circumferentially around the exterior surface and extending along at least a portion of the length of the body;
- (b) an annular packing element contacting and surrounding the taper and configured to translate radially outwardly upon axial movement of the ramp;
- and
- (c) at least one aperture configured to align with a corresponding hole in the fracking string and support fluid communication between the inner channel of the fracking string and the liner cavity.
A system for directing fluid in a subterranean structure, the system comprising:
- (a) a well in fluid communication with the subterranean structure;
- (b) a well liner inside the well;
- (c) a fracking string inside the well liner, the fracking string comprising a central channel for carrying the fluid;
- (d) a configurable slider sleeve for directing flow of the fluid;
- (e) a first orifice located near the slider sleeve, a pressure drop across the first orifice being determined by the flow of the fluid;
- and
- (f) an expandable first spring for moving the slider sleeve when the pressure drop across the first orifice falls to or below a threshold level, the movement of the slider sleeve enabling the fluid to enter an annular space between the fracking string and the well liner.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.