Acoustic Sensor Proppant for Fracture Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining the locations of propped induced fractures during hydraulic fracturing in wellbore operations is difficult, which hinders the optimization of fracture network creation and hydrocarbon fluid extraction.
Innovation Solution
A proppant mixture with sensors and repeaters that communicate using acoustic signals, allowing for real-time fracture mapping through a distributed acoustic sensing system, enabling the determination of sensor locations and fracture characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional hydraulic fracturing methods are used, then the fracture network can be created, but the location and characteristics of the fractures cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary devices embedded within the proppant mixture. These sensors act as mediators between the fracturing operation and the monitoring system, transmitting acoustic signals that enable precise fracture location determination without complicating the core fracturing process. The sensors are carried by the proppant into the fracture, where they autonomously provide location data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or visual fracture detection methods with an acoustic signal-based system. Instead of using complex mechanical surveying equipment or direct observation, the system uses acoustic signals transmitted by sensors and detected by a distributed acoustic sensing system, substituting mechanical complexity with acoustic field-based measurement.
2Loss of information
If sensors are added to the proppant mixture, then real-time fracture mapping is enabled, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the proppant mixture multi-functional by embedding sensors within it. The proppant continues to serve its primary function of propping open the fracture while simultaneously serving as a carrier for sensors that provide location and characterization data. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate monitoring equipment, reducing overall system complexity despite adding sensing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensors embedded in the proppant mixture are self-contained and autonomously transmit acoustic signals that represent their location. The proppant-carried sensors self-service the monitoring function without requiring external intervention or complex control systems, simplifying the overall monitoring architecture while enabling comprehensive fracture characterization.
3Speed
If acoustic signals are used for communication, then real-time location data can be transmitted, but signal interference and noise may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The distributed acoustic sensing system provides continuous feedback by detecting acoustic signals from multiple sensors simultaneously. The system processes acoustic information from the entire sensor array, allowing real-time location determination while the feedback mechanism enables continuous monitoring and verification of signal quality, maintaining reliability despite potential interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the monitoring function across multiple segmented sensors distributed throughout the proppant mixture. Each sensor independently transmits acoustic signals, and the system processes information from each segment separately. This segmentation provides redundancy, where multiple sensors can compensate for individual signal interference, maintaining overall system reliability while enabling fast data transmission from numerous distributed points.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables real-time characterization of fracture length and complexity, optimizing fracture operations to enhance hydrocarbon fluid output and informing future well operations through precise fracture network modeling.
Implementation Method 1
sensors positioned in a fracture of a well can communicate with a distributed acoustic sensing system using an acoustic signal generator
Data Source
AI summary
A fracture network mapping system can include a sensor, a repeater, an acoustic signal generator, and a distributed acoustic sensing system. The sensor and the repeater can be positioned in a fracture of a well. The acoustic signal generator can be positioned in a wellbore of the well. The distributed acoustic sensing system can communicate location data of the sensor from the repeater and the acoustic signal generator to a processing device for mapping the fracture.