DNA Tracer Encapsulation for Fracturing Fluid Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic fracturing techniques face challenges in accurately tracing and removing hydraulic fracturing liquids from geologic formations due to limited availability of discrete tracers, cost constraints, and harsh environmental conditions, which hinders detailed monitoring and efficient production of oil and gas.
Innovation Solution
The use of plural unique DNA sequences bonded to magnetic core particles and encapsulated in silica shells, allowing for precise tracing of fracking liquid volumes across multiple fracture zones by analyzing fluid samples for concentration ratios, enabling detailed monitoring and efficient recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional discrete tracers are used in hydraulic fracturing liquids, then the tracing capability is limited by the availability of discrete tracers and cost constraints, but the system can operate with simpler tracer identification methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the tracing system into discrete DNA segments, where each fracture stage receives a unique DNA sequence. This segmentation allows multiple fracture zones to be traced simultaneously using different DNA markers, greatly enhancing adaptability without requiring complex identification systems since standard DNA sequencing methods can be used
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses DNA replication and sequencing technology to create identical copies of unique DNA sequences for each fracture stage. These DNA copies can be amplified and detected using standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing methods, providing high versatility with relatively simple identification procedures
2Loss of information
If multiple discrete tracers are used to monitor complex fracking jobs in detail, then the tracing detail improves, but the cost and complexity of tracer deployment increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal DNA sequencing technology that can identify multiple unique DNA sequences using the same methodology. A single sequencing run can detect all DNA tracers deployed across multiple fracture stages, providing comprehensive tracing detail without increasing deployment complexity since the same laboratory equipment and protocols are used for all stages
3Reliability
If traditional tracing methods are used in harsh well environments, then the system can operate with existing infrastructure, but the tracer reliability and detectability are compromised by extreme pressure and temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical form of the tracer from free-floating molecules to encapsulated particles. DNA sequences are embedded within magnetic particles that are coated with silica shells, creating a protective structure that maintains DNA integrity under extreme pressure and temperature while adding magnetic properties for enhanced detectability and recovery
4Reliability
If silica encapsulation is applied to protect DNA tracers, then the tracer stability in harsh environments improves, but the manufacturing process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical encapsulation processes with chemical self-assembly methods. Silica shells form around magnetic particles containing DNA through sol-gel chemistry and electrostatic interactions, occurring under mild conditions without requiring high-energy processing or complex equipment, thus improving DNA stability while maintaining ease of manufacture
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 provides greater flexibility, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness in tracing hydraulic fracturing liquids, allowing for detailed monitoring of each fracture zone's performance and recovery, thereby enhancing the efficiency of oil and gas production.
Implementation Method 1
gathering the silica encapsulated unique DNA sequences using magnetic attraction with the magnetic core particles
Implementation Method 2
depositing a silica shell about the magnetic core particles, and thereby encapsulating the unique DNA sequence in silica
Implementation Method 3
analyzing the concentration of the unique DNA sequences in each of the plural fluid samples
Data Source
AI summary
Tracing fracking liquid in oil and gas wells using unique DNA sequences. For each of the DNA sequences, bonding to magnetic core particles, and encapsulating them with silica. Pumping the volumes of fracking liquid, each marked with one of the unique DNA sequences, into the well. Pumping fluids out of the well while taking fluid samples. For each of the plural fluid samples, gathering the silica encapsulated DNA using magnetic attraction with the magnetic core particles, dissolving away the silica shells, thereby separating the plural unique DNA sequences form the magnetic core particles, and analyzing the concentration of the unique DNA sequences in each of the plural fluid samples. Then, calculating the ratio of each of the volumes of fracking liquid recovered for each of the fluid samples, and thereby establishing the quantity of the volumes of fracking liquids removed from the fracture zones.