CSEM Subsurface Monitoring for Fracturing Fluid Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for monitoring fluid and proppant movement in subsurface formations during hydraulic fracturing and Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) are inefficient, relying on secondary measurements and modeling, which often result in only 40-50% success rate in producing usable reserves, and lack real-time monitoring of subsurface activity.
Innovation Solution
A Controlled Source Electromagnetic (CSEM) system with a designed transmission waveform and precise timing is used to determine the movement of fluids, gases, and solids within subsurface structures by placing receivers close to the transmitter array, allowing for real-time monitoring of impedance changes and providing detailed imaging of subsurface operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If secondary measurement techniques such as Micro Seismic or modeling are used to determine fluid and proppant movement, then the monitoring can be performed with existing technology, but the accuracy and direct observation of subsurface activity is insufficient, resulting in only 40-50% success rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces secondary mechanical measurement techniques (Micro Seismic) with electromagnetic field-based detection. The CSEM system uses electromagnetic waves to directly image subsurface fluid and proppant movement, substituting indirect mechanical sensing with direct electromagnetic imaging to achieve higher measurement precision and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic waves as an intermediary medium to detect subsurface activity. Rather than relying on mechanical sensors or modeling, the system uses electromagnetic wave propagation and reflection characteristics to directly observe fluid and proppant movement, providing accurate real-time monitoring
2Area of stationary object
If receivers are placed far from the transmitter array, then the system coverage area is increased, but the signal strength and imaging resolution of subsurface operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by transitioning from a single-dimension trade-off to a multi-dimensional solution. It employs both near-field receivers (for high-resolution imaging) and far-field receivers (for broad coverage), and uses computational imaging techniques to synthesize data from multiple distances, achieving both high resolution and wide coverage simultaneously through dimensional expansion of the receiver configuration
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
This approach enables accurate, real-time monitoring of fluid and proppant distribution, reducing operational costs and improving the success rate of fracturing operations by ensuring precise fluid and proppant placement, and allows for adjustments during EOR and long-term reservoir monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
A Controlled Source Electromagnetic (CSEM) system with a designed transmission waveform and precise timing is used to determine the movement of fluids, gases, and solids within subsurface structures
Implementation Method 2
This approach enables accurate, real-time monitoring of fluid and proppant distribution... by placing receivers close to the transmitter array, allowing for real-time monitoring of impedance changes
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method allows determining the movement of subsurface fluids, gases or solids in the subsurface structure of interest. This allows quantitatively determining the results of surface and subsurface equipment and materials changes. These simple observations may result in significant improvements in field efficiency.