DILATANT DECOMPRESSION TECHNOLOGY FOR ROCK FORMATIONS
The technology is based on the phenomena of dilatant decompression and fatigue effects within the rock mass.
Such decompression occurs in the presence of a liquid phase under conditions of multi-cycle, low-amplitude, non-uniform loading by directed impulse waves, which generate shear stresses and fatigue phenomena, accompanied by the displacement and accumulation of defects in the crystal structure of the rocks, leading to fracturing of the formation.
Dilatant decompression occurs under a high degree of non-uniform loading of the rock mass, resulting in large shear stresses and representing a shift of the crystal planes. These planes can be surfaces of individual crystals or entire blocks. Shear throughout the volume of the rock mass under non-uniform loading ensures uniform permeability of the entire formation.
Stages of the fatigue decompression mechanism under cyclic loading:
1.
In the first stage, elastic deformations accumulate in the crystal lattice of the solid body due to the formation and movement of dislocations.
2.
In the second stage, after a certain number of elastic loading cycles, the deformations in the crystal lattice accumulate and reach critical values, which leads to the formation of sub-microscopic cracks.
3.
In the third stage, sub-microscopic cracks develop into microcracks.
Effective radius of horizontal influence: 300 m
Recorded radius of wave propagation through the formation: 1200 m
Vertical extent of influence: 0.5 m
As a result of treating the rock massif with forceful impulse waves, the formation acquires additional permeability, which persists for a duration sufficient for field development.
While there are numerous technical solutions for influencing the well and its near-wellbore zone, the impulse-wave method is the only option for affecting productive formations and their distant sections.
It has been established that treating rock masses with forceful impulse waves imparts residual induced permeability.
The effect of dilatant loosening is achieved by multi-cycle, low-amplitude impulse waves generated by a generator and transmitted through the well into the formation.
Pneumatic and hydraulic equipment has been developed to implement the model of dilatant loosening of hydrocarbon-bearing horizons.
ADVANTAGES OF DILATANT DECOMPRESSION TECHNOLOGY
Control of filtration characteristics of the formation at depths up to 5000 m.
Impact on both the near-wellbore zone and the productive formation.
Ability to affect not only the near-wellbore zone but also productive formations and their remote sections.
Radial impact.
Effective horizontal action radius – 300 m; recorded wave propagation radius in the formation – 1200 m. This is achievable with an impact frequency of 2000–4000 blows/min and an impact energy of 294 J at the specified frequency.
Targeted selective decompression:
Vertical influence – 0.5 m, allowing bypass of water-bearing layers and treatment of only the necessary oil- and gas-bearing formations.
Applicable where hydraulic fracturing is impossible or impractical.
Environmentally friendly:
The technology does not require chemical reagents, thereby avoiding environmental contamination and minimizing CO₂ emissions.
Speed
The technology does not require significant time or energy expenditures.
Uniqueness
Based on international searches, this technology and equipment with the specified technical characteristics are unique and the only ones of their kind in the world.