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Use of deuterium oxide-depleted water as a tracer in downhole and core analysis applications

a technology of deuterium oxide and core analysis, applied in the field of tracer, can solve the problems of low tracer efficiency, low tracer efficiency, and relatively high price of deuterium oxide, and achieve the effect of effective us

Inactive Publication Date: 2007-09-20
CORE LAB LP
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] An object of the invention is to provide a tracer material which may be effectively used in subterranean applications.

Problems solved by technology

Both deuterium oxide and tritium are effective for tagging purposes, but each suffers from some drawback.
For example, deuterium oxide is relatively expensive because of the ratio of water required to form the desired product (about 10 tons water to prepare 1 kg deuterium oxide).
Furthermore, while deuterium oxide can be purchased in relatively pure form, it is subject to very strict import and / or export restrictions.
However, tritium is still more expensive than many other tracers and may be undesirable or less desirable for certain applications.

Method used

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Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

example 1

Hypothetical

[0023] An amount of commercially purchased deuterium oxide-depleted water (2-3 ppm deuterium) as a tracer is introduced, as a component of a drilling mud, into a subterranean formation via a well-bore. A sponge core sample is then taken from the subterranean formation adjacent to the well-bore using conventional sponge coring techniques and equipment. This sample is taken at an appropriate point in time after introduction of the deuterium oxide-depleted water, such that at least a portion of the deuterium oxide-depleted water would likely have had time to migrate to the region of the core sample, assuming such migration is possible. The sponge core is then extracted to the surface, and the sponge liners appropriately preserved to ensure retention of any fluids absorbed therein. The fluids are then removed from the sponge liners corresponding to one specific core location by means of a Dean and Stark apparatus. The fluids are analyzed for the presence of deuterium using ...

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PUM

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Abstract

A method of ascertaining or measuring subterranean events includes use of deuterium oxide-depleted water as a tracer. The presence of deuterium oxide-depleted water may be measured at a subterranean location by means such as core sampling, for any purpose for which tracers are known to be useful. For example, the presence or absence, and level, of deuterium oxide-depleted water in a core sample may be used to determine fluids saturation levels, porosity and permeability, as well as other subterranean formation and / or reservoir characteristics important to the oil and gas production industry.

Description

BACKGROUND [0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] This invention relates to the field of tracers used in a variety of applications, and in particular to methods of ascertaining or measuring subterranean events wherein tracer migration may occur. [0003] 2. Background Art [0004] The use of so-called “tracers” in a variety of applications is well known. “Tracers” represent a variety of chemical compounds that, under the conditions of use, act or react in a predictable way such that their presence, absence or activity in a particular location may be detected. This detection is useful in ascertaining and / or measuring events occurring at that location, i.e., in obtaining information about a particular microcosm such as, for example, a particular downhole or formation region of a drilling site. [0005] Tracers that have traditionally been used in oil and gas drilling applications include, for example, salts of various types, such as potassium chloride, in solution; inert gases, such as kry...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): E21B44/00E21B47/00
CPCE21B47/1015E21B25/00E21B47/11
Inventor ANDERSON, KING
Owner CORE LAB LP