Dielectric Proppant Electromagnetic Fracture Geometry Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the geometry of hydraulic fractures in subterranean formations, such as those used in oil and gas production, rely on radioactive tracers which are costly, logistically challenging, and environmentally problematic, and provide limited information on fracture dimensions beyond the wellbore.
Innovation Solution
Introducing target particles or proppants with high dielectric constants into the fracture and using electromagnetic radiation within specific frequency ranges to analyze reflected signals and determine fracture geometry, eliminating the need for radioactive tracers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radioactive tracers are used to determine fracture geometry, then fracture location information can be obtained, but the method is limited to near-wellbore locations and provides little information on fracture dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radioactive tracer methods with electromagnetic radiation methods. Specifically, it uses electromagnetic waves (radar) to detect fracture geometry by measuring the dielectric properties of proppant materials, eliminating the limitations of radioactive tracers regarding measurement range and dimension information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from radioactive detection to electromagnetic wave reflection based on dielectric constant differences. By utilizing the high dielectric constant of proppant materials (greater than 3, preferably greater than 10), the system can detect fracture geometry and dimensions through electromagnetic signal reflections
2Reliability
If radioactive tracers are used to monitor fracture movement, then fracture location can be tracked, but monitoring is limited to short time intervals due to short half-lives
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes radioactive decay-based tracking with electromagnetic wave-based detection. The electromagnetic method allows for continuous or repeated monitoring without time constraints imposed by radioactive half-lives, as the proppant materials remain in the fracture indefinitely and continuously reflect electromagnetic signals
3Measurement precision
If radioactive proppants are used for fracture measurement, then fracture geometry can be determined, but transportation and disposal are expensive and subject to government regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radioactive materials with conventional proppant materials that have high dielectric constants. These conventional proppants can be transported and disposed of without special regulations, eliminating the logistical complexity associated with radioactive material handling while maintaining the ability to determine fracture geometry through electromagnetic detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses conventional, non-radioactive proppant materials that are inexpensive and can be disposed of without special considerations. These materials serve the dual purpose of propping the fracture open and providing electromagnetic reflection for geometry measurement, eliminating the need for expensive radioactive materials
4Volume of moving object
If high viscosity fracturing fluid is used to transport proppant, then fracture width increases and proppant transport improves, but the fluid has greater tendency to leak-off into formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces proppant materials with distinct dielectric properties (high dielectric constant greater than 3) that create strong electromagnetic signal reflections. This allows the proppant to be easily detected and tracked as it distributes through the fracture, providing real-time information on proppant transport efficiency and fracture geometry without requiring high viscosity fluids that would increase leak-off
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement methods (such as pressure transient analysis or direct observation) with electromagnetic detection methods. This substitution allows for non-intrusive monitoring of proppant distribution and fracture geometry, enabling better optimization of fracturing fluid viscosity to balance fracture width creation with leak-off control
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 method effectively measures fracture geometry, including length and height, without radioactive materials, improving fracture optimization and well completion processes while being environmentally friendly and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
the proppant has a dielectric constant of greater than or equal to about 2
Implementation Method 2
transmitting into the fracture electromagnetic radiation having a frequency of about 300 megahertz to about 100 gigahertz; and analyzing a reflected signal
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a method of determining the fracture geometry of a subterranean fracture comprising introducing into the fracture a target particle and/or proppant; transmitting into the fracture electromagnetic radiation having a frequency of about 300 megahertz to about 100 gigahertz; and analyzing a reflected signal from the target particle to determine fracture geometry. Disclosed herein too is a method of determining the fracture geometry of a subterranean fracture comprising introducing into the fracture a target particle and/or proppant; wherein the target particle and/or proppant comprises a high dielectric constant ceramic having a dielectric constant of greater than or equal to about 2; transmitting into the fracture electromagnetic radiation having a frequency of less than or equal to about 3 gigahertz; and analyzing a reflected signal from the target particle and/or proppant to determine fracture geometry.