Degradable Polymer Tracers for Distinct Gas Flow Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for tracing gas flow in hydrocarbon reservoirs are costly and face challenges due to signal overlap with other chemicals, especially after acidizing or fracturing, making simultaneous surveillance difficult.
Innovation Solution
Introduce a tracer composition comprising a degradable polymer and a detectable component, such as a colorant or fluorescent dye, into the reservoir, allowing for hydrolysis to create a degraded tracer that can be detected at a second location, providing unique detection profiles for gas flow analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tools are used for monitoring gas production, then monitoring capability is provided, but cost increases and signal overlap with other chemicals occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by incorporating detectable components (colorants or fluorescent dyes) into tracer compositions that change or emit detectable signals. These unique detection profiles allow differentiation from other chemicals in the reservoir, resolving the signal overlap problem while maintaining monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses tracer compositions as intermediary substances injected into the reservoir. These tracers act as mediators between the injection source and production wells, carrying unique detectable signatures that enable tracking of gas flow without interference from reservoir chemicals
2Loss of information
If production logging tools are used, then gas flow information is obtained, but operations are interrupted and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by injecting tracer compositions into the reservoir before production occurs. The tracers are carried along with the gas flow, allowing continuous monitoring without interruption. This eliminates the need for stoppage required by traditional production logging tools
Solution Approach 2:
The tracer compositions perform self-service by automatically tracking themselves through the reservoir system. Once injected, they are carried by the gas flow itself and can be detected at production wells, enabling continuous monitoring without requiring external intervention or operational interruption
3Measurement precision
If tracer compositions with unique detection profiles are used, then tracing precision improves, but composition complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining degradable polymers with detectable components (colorants or fluorescent dyes) to create tracer compositions. This composite structure provides both the functional polymer matrix and the detection capability, achieving unique detection profiles without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by selecting detectable components with specific optical properties (color, fluorescence). These parameter-based detection methods provide unique identification profiles that improve tracing precision while maintaining relatively simple composition structures
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
The method offers cost-effective and customizable tracing of gas flow patterns in hydrocarbon reservoirs, suitable for multiple stimulation stages, without interrupting regular operations.
Implementation Method 1
contacting the tracer composition with the reservoir to hydrolyze the degradable polymer
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to tracing gas flow in a hydrocarbon reservoir with compositions including a degradable polymer and a detectable component. An exemplary method includes introducing a tracer composition at a first location in the reservoir, contacting the tracer composition with the reservoir to hydrolyze the degradable polymer, and detecting a degraded tracer composition including the hydrolyzed polymer and the detectable component in a gas sample collected at a second location in the reservoir.