Mechanical energy assisted hydraulic fracturing
OwnerJohn Mastroianniinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Computer implemented methods and systems for fracturing subterranean geological features during fracturing operations, which includes generating mechanical energy, propagating mechanical energy, and applying mechanical energy to the subterranean geological feature. Application of mechanical energy to the subterranean geological feature may lower fluid friction, extend fracture propagation, and enhance hydrocarbon recovery. Various mechanical energy sources may generate, propagate, and/or apply mechanical energy to the subterranean geological feature, including seismic vibrator trucks, variable-depth piers, surface piers, and scalable deep probes.
Claims20
A computer-implemented method of fracturing a subterranean geological feature, the method comprising:
- receiving, by a control module executing on a first computing device, one or more instructions for generating mechanical energy at a surface proximate to a wellbore;
- causing, by the control module, at least one mechanical energy source to generate the mechanical energy in accordance with the one or more instructions, such that the mechanical energy propagates through a subsurface toward the subterranean geological feature;
- receiving, by the first computing device, sensor information from one or more sensors, the sensor information comprising at least one of mechanical energy propagation information or fracture information, the one or more sensors comprising at least one of a surface sensor or a downhole sensor;
- determining, based on the sensor information, a condition of the subterranean geological feature, the condition comprising at least one of fracture initiation, fracture propagation, fracture extension, fracture networking, or fracture collapse;
- and
- causing, by the control module, modification of at least one parameter of the mechanical energy based on the determined condition, the at least one parameter comprising frequency, amplitude, or cycle speed, such that subsequent mechanical energy generation alters the condition of the subterranean geological feature.
A system for fracturing a subterranean geological feature, the system comprising:
- a computing system comprising one or more processors and memory storing instructions that, when executed, cause the computing system to:
- receive instructions for generating mechanical energy;
- transmit control instructions to at least one mechanical energy source to cause generation of mechanical energy at a surface proximate to a wellbore such that the mechanical energy propagates through a subsurface toward the subterranean geological feature;
- receive sensor information from one or more sensors, the sensor information comprising at least one of mechanical energy propagation information or fracture information;
- determine, based on the sensor information, a condition of the subterranean geological feature, the condition comprising at least one of fracture initiation, fracture propagation, fracture extension, fracture networking, or fracture collapse;
- and
- generate modified control instructions to adjust at least one parameter of the mechanical energy based on the determined condition, the at least one parameter comprising frequency, amplitude, or cycle speed;
- a control module in electronic communication with the computing system and the at least one mechanical energy source, the control module configured to receive the control instructions and actuate the at least one mechanical energy source in accordance with the control instructions;
- the at least one mechanical energy source configured to generate the mechanical energy at the surface proximate to the wellbore;
- and
- the one or more sensors in electronic communication with the computing system via a network.
A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, cause a computing system to:
- receive instructions for generating mechanical energy;
- transmit control instructions to at least one mechanical energy source to cause generation of mechanical energy at a surface proximate to a wellbore such that the mechanical energy propagates through a subsurface toward a subterranean geological feature;
- receive sensor information from one or more sensors, the sensor information comprising at least one of mechanical energy propagation information or fracture information;
- determine, based on the sensor information, a condition of the subterranean geological feature, the condition comprising at least one of fracture initiation, fracture propagation, fracture extension, fracture networking, or fracture collapse;
- and
- generate modified control instructions to adjust at least one parameter of the mechanical energy based on the determined condition, the at least one parameter comprising frequency, amplitude, or cycle speed, such that subsequent mechanical energy generation alters the condition of the subterranean geological feature.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.