ConocoPhillips has filed a patent for a method of fracturing a reservoir to increase hydrocarbon production. The method involves depositing non-dissolving solids into fracture tips to control fracture geometry and prevent unwanted fracture propagation. The process includes injecting a fracture fluid, strengthening the fracture tips with solid deposits, and then injecting a main treatment fluid. This method aims to improve production while avoiding damage to undesirable zones. GlobalData’s report on ConocoPhillips gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
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According to GlobalData’s company profile on ConocoPhillips, HBV (Hepatitis B Virus) peptides was a key innovation area identified from patents. ConocoPhillips's grant share as of September 2023 was 80%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Method of fracturing reservoirs to control fracture geometry and increase production
A recently filed patent (Publication Number: US20230313658A1) describes a method for stimulating a reservoir to increase hydrocarbon production. The method involves injecting a fracture fluid into a well to initiate fractures, determining the fracture extension rate and geometry, and identifying fractures that require strengthening.
To strengthen the identified fractures, a tip strengthening fluid containing a non-dissolving solid is injected into the well at a controlled rate. This strengthens the fracture tips by depositing the solid material. The process can be repeated with a second tip strengthening fluid containing a larger solid if necessary.
Once the fracture tips are strengthened, a main treatment injection fluid is injected into the well at a rate that does not exceed the rate of the tip strengthening fluid injection. This ensures that the fracture vertical growth is contained during the injection process. The method can be repeated for subsequent stages of the well, and hydrocarbons can be produced from the well.
The patent also describes variations of the method, such as combining the first and second tip strengthening fluids with the main treatment injection fluid, and using different ratios of solids in the tip strengthening fluids. The method also includes injecting a flush fluid after each step of tip strengthening and optional injection of the second tip strengthening fluid.
In another embodiment of the invention, the method involves simulating fracture geometry in a model reservoir with characteristics similar to the actual reservoir. This simulation helps identify the simulated fracture tips that require strengthening. Solid settling is also simulated in the model reservoir. The selected tip strengthening fluids containing solids are then injected into the well to strengthen the fracture tips, followed by the injection of a main treatment injection fluid and subsequent stages of the well.
Overall, this patent presents an improved method for stimulating reservoirs to increase hydrocarbon production. The use of tip strengthening fluids and controlled injection rates helps strengthen fracture tips and contain fracture growth, leading to enhanced production. The simulation of fracture geometry and solid settling in a model reservoir further aids in optimizing the stimulation process.
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