Conductive Proppant Electromagnetic Detection in Hydraulic Fractures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and characterizing the placement of proppants in hydraulic fractures are limited to short distances from the wellbore, lacking effective means to confirm appropriate placement and monitor proppant distribution in far-field regions of hydraulic fractures.
Innovation Solution
Development of electrically conductive proppants with non-uniform or uniform coatings of conductive material, allowing for electromagnetic detection and characterization of proppant placement through electric and magnetic field measurements, enabling the determination of proppant location and distribution within fractures at greater distances from the wellbore.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional non-conductive proppants are used, then the proppant placement detection is limited to short distances from the wellbore, but the detection capability in far-field regions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electrical conductivity parameter of proppants by coating them with conductive materials (metallic powders, carbon, graphite, conductive polymers). This transformation enables electromagnetic detection methods to effectively detect proppant placement at greater distances from the wellbore, resolving the limitation of traditional non-conductive proppants
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite proppant structures by combining traditional proppant materials (sand, ceramic beads) with electrically conductive coatings. These composite particles maintain the mechanical properties of the original proppant while adding electromagnetic detectability, enabling far-field detection capabilities
2Reliability
If proppants are placed in hydraulic fractures, then the fracture permeability is maintained, but the ability to monitor and characterize proppant distribution in far-field regions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements electromagnetic detection systems that provide feedback information about proppant placement and distribution. By measuring electromagnetic responses from conductive proppants, operators can monitor fracture connectivity and proppant distribution in real-time, preventing information loss about far-field placement
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 accurate detection and characterization of proppant placement in hydraulic fractures beyond traditional limits, enhancing the understanding and effectiveness of hydraulic fracturing operations by providing real-time monitoring of proppant distribution and fracture connectivity.
Implementation Method 1
electromagnetic methods for detecting, locating and characterizing such proppants
Data Source
AI summary
Electrically conductive proppant and methods for energizing and detecting the electrically conductive proppant in a single wellbore are disclosed. The methods can include performing numerical simulations solving Maxwell's equations of electromagnetism for electric and/or magnetic fields to determine temporal characteristics of an optimum input wave form and a recording sensor location to be used in a wellbore that extends into a subterranean formation having a fracture that is at least partially filled with proppant and an electrically conductive material, wherein the numerical simulations are based upon an earth model determined from geophysical logs and/or geological information. The method can also include electrically energizing a casing of the wellbore, measuring three dimensional (x, y, and z) components of electric and/or magnetic field responses in the wellbore, and determining a location of the electrically conductive proppant through comparison of the electric and/or magnetic field responses to the numerical simulations.