Industrial Consultancy & Sponsored Research (IC&SR) , IIT Madras

Unified Versa Fracking Device For Enhanced Recovery From Conventional Reservoirs, Hydrates and Shales

Categories for this Invention

Energy, Energy Storage & Renewable Energy | Chemistry & Chemical Analysis

Industry: Energy, Oil & Gas Extraction, Oil and Gas Extraction Technology

Applications: Enhanced oil & gas recovery from depleted wells, Oil and gas exploration and production companies seeking improved extraction methods for depleted reserves

Market: The global Enhanced Oil Recovery Market was valued at USD 15.77 Bn in 2019, it is expected to reach USD 20.06 Bn by 2027, Exhibiting 7.5% CAGR in forecast period.

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Problem Statement

  • Conventional fracking methods may not effectively maximize the recovery of oil & gas from depleted wells, limiting the efficiency of the extraction process.
  • Existing techniques might struggle to sufficiently elongate perforations or create new cracks within the well bore, restricting the productivity potential of the well.
  • The inability to access & release the remaining trapped oil and gas from reservoirs, hydrates, or shales using current fracking methods poses a significant challenge in maximizing resource extraction.
  • Hence, present invention is needed to optimize and enhance the recovery of oil and gas from depleted or low-producing well bores.

Technology

  • The instant patented technology discloses a system designed to generate shock waves in a well bore, primarily for enhancing oil and gas recovery.
  • This technology innovatively uses a dual-layer diaphragm design and controlled explosions to generate focused shock waves, effectively enhancing oil and gas recovery in well bores while ensuring safety and cost-effectiveness.

Components:

  • Versa Fracking Gun: Cartridge, Gas-Filled Cylinder, Explosive Pods and Charges, Detonator, Valves
  • Coupler: Connects the versa fracking gun to an external unit via a wire line. Isolates the wire line to protect it during explosive operations.

Innovative Features:

  • Dual-Layer High-Stress Concentration:
  • The cartridge and gas-filled cylinder have specific regions designed for high stress concentration.
  • Overlapping these regions creates a dual-layer diaphragm for focused and unidirectional shock wave generation.
  • Explosion and Shock Wave Generation:
  • Controlled explosions within the gas-filled cylinder result in immediate pressure differences between the cylinder and the well bore.
  • Rupturing the dual-layer diaphragm generates shock waves directed towards existing perforations or to create new fractures, followed by negative blast waves.
  • Wire Line Isolation and Safety: The coupler prevents damage to the wire line during explosions by isolating it from the fracking gun.

Key Features / Value Proposition

User perspective:

  • Improved recovery rates from depleted wells, potentially increasing overall oil & gas yields.
  • Enhanced extraction without the need for drilling new wells, reducing operational costs.

Industrial perspective:

  • Maximized extraction from existing wells, boosting overall production output.
  • Optimized resource utilization and prolonged lifespan of existing wells, reducing the need for new investments.

Technology perspective:

  • Unique shock wave technology for targeted fracture creation, optimizing reservoir access.
  • Coupler design ensuring wire line isolation, enhancing safety and control during operations.

Questions about this Technology?

Contact For Licensing

sm-marketing@imail.iitm.ac.in
ipoffice2@iitm.ac.in

Research Lab

Prof. Rajesh R Nair

Department of Ocean Engineering 

Intellectual Property

  • IITM IDF No.: 1462

  •  IP No.: 457966 (Granted)

Technology Readiness Level

TRL-4

Validated in Laboratory

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