Conductive Proppant Electromagnetic Detection in Hydraulic Fracturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods are limited in detecting, locating, and characterizing the placement of proppants within hydraulic fractures at distances far from the wellbore, which is crucial for maintaining the effectiveness of hydraulic fracturing in hydrocarbon reservoirs.
Innovation Solution
The development of electromagnetic methods for detecting and characterizing electrically conductive proppants, involving the use of electrically energizing the earth near the fracture and measuring electric and magnetic field responses, along with the creation of electrically conductive sintered, substantially round and spherical particles for use as proppants, which can be made from conventional materials like ceramic, sand, or glass beads with added conductive materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional non-conductive proppants are used in hydraulic fracturing, then the fracture can be effectively propped open, but the ability to detect and characterize proppant placement at distances far from the wellbore is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining conventional proppant materials (ceramic, sand, or glass beads) with electrically conductive materials to create proppants that possess both mechanical support properties and electromagnetic detectability. This composite structure enables the proppant to maintain its primary function of holding fractures open while simultaneously providing electromagnetic signals for detection and characterization at distances far from the wellbore
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs electromagnetic property changes analogous to color changes in visual detection. By modifying the electromagnetic characteristics of proppants through conductive coatings or compositions, the proppants become detectable via electromagnetic methods, allowing for remote detection and characterization of proppant placement similar to how visual markers enable optical detection
2Measurement precision
If electrically conductive materials are added to proppants, then detection and characterization capability is improved, but the complexity of proppant manufacturing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by incorporating conductive materials into the proppant manufacturing process itself, rather than attempting to modify existing proppants. The conductive materials are mixed with proppant precursors before sintering or formation, ensuring uniform distribution and permanent integration. This preliminary incorporation simplifies the overall process compared to post-manufacturing modifications
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by adjusting manufacturing parameters such as sintering temperature, coating thickness, or mixing ratios to optimize both the mechanical properties and electromagnetic conductivity of the proppants. By controlling these parameters during manufacturing, the patent achieves the desired balance between proppant strength and detectability without requiring overly complex manufacturing processes
3Productivity
If proppant placement is not properly monitored, then the hydraulic fracturing operation can proceed without additional detection equipment, but fracture connectivity and production effectiveness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using electromagnetic detection methods to monitor proppant placement in real-time or near real-time during and after hydraulic fracturing operations. The detected electromagnetic signals from conductive proppants provide information about proppant distribution, fracture geometry, and placement effectiveness, which can be used to adjust ongoing operations or plan subsequent treatments to optimize hydrocarbon production
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 at greater distances, enhancing the effectiveness of hydraulic fracturing by ensuring proper proppant placement and maintaining fracture connectivity, thereby improving hydrocarbon production.
Implementation Method 1
electromagnetic (EM) methods for detecting, locating, and characterizing electrically conductive proppants... involve electrically energizing the earth at or near a fracture at the depth of the fracture and measuring the electric and magnetic field responses
Implementation Method 2
electrically conductive proppants... electrically conductive sintered, substantially round and spherical particles... with added conductive materials
Data Source
AI summary
Electrically conductive proppants and methods for detecting, locating, and characterizing same are provided. The electrically conductive proppant can include a substantially uniform coating of an electrically conductive material having a thickness of at least 500 nm. The method can include injecting a hydraulic fluid into a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation at a rate and pressure sufficient to open a fracture therein, injecting into the fracture a fluid containing the electrically conductive proppant, electrically energizing the earth at or near the fracture, and measuring three dimensional (x, y, and z) components of electric and magnetic field responses at a surface of the earth or in an adjacent wellbore.