Dual-Function Nano Particles for Fines Migration and Zone Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fines migration in subterranean formations during hydrocarbon recovery operations causes well productivity issues, and identifying failed zones in multi-zone wells is challenging due to the complexity of fines movement and lack of effective stabilization methods.
Innovation Solution
The use of nano-sized particles with a mean size of 1000 nm or less, composed of alkaline earth metal oxides, transition metal oxides, and piezoelectric crystals, which are tagged with distinguishable materials to both reduce fines migration and identify the origin of carrier particles in multi-zone wells, allowing for zone differentiation and remediation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional stabilization methods are used to prevent fines migration, then fines migration is reduced, but the ability to identify failed zones in multi-zone wells is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by incorporating distinguishable taggants (such as fluorescent, phosphorescent, or radiometric materials) into the nano-sized particles. These taggants cause the particles to be detectable through specific signals (fluorescence, phosphorescence, or radiation) that allow identification of which zone a carrier particle originated from, thus resolving the contradiction between stabilizing fines and maintaining zone identification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses taggants as intermediary substances that do not interfere with the fines stabilization function of the nano-sized particles. The taggants serve as mediators between the particles and the detection system, allowing indirect identification of zone origin through signal detection while the particles continue to perform their primary function of fixing fines
2Reliability
If nano-sized particles are used to fixate fines, then fines migration is reduced, but the complexity of analyzing produced particles to identify zones increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent simplifies analysis by using optical or radiometric signals from taggants (fluorescence, phosphorescence, or radiation) that can be detected through standard analytical equipment. The taggants provide distinct signals for different zones, making the identification process more straightforward rather than more complex
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical or chemical analysis methods with detection methods based on physical signals (optical, radiometric) from the taggants. This substitution simplifies the analysis process by using inherently detectable properties of the taggant materials rather than requiring complex instrumentation to distinguish particle compositions
3Productivity
If carrier particles are introduced into multiple zones, then hydrocarbon production is enhanced, but the difficulty of determining which zone failed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each zone's carrier particles have unique identifying characteristics through zone-specific taggants. This allows differentiation between zones based on the distinct signals emitted by particles from each zone, enabling identification of which zone failed while maintaining the ability to introduce particles into multiple zones for enhanced production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses distinguishable taggants with different optical or radiometric properties (different colors, fluorescence characteristics, or radiation signatures) for different zones. When carrier particles are produced, their zone origin can be determined by detecting which taggant signal is present, thus solving the zone identification problem in multi-zone wells
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 nano-sized particles effectively fixate fines, reducing migration and enabling the identification of failed zones by analyzing the unique composition of particles in produced proppant or carrier fluids, thus minimizing damage and enhancing hydrocarbon production.
Implementation Method 1
The nano-sized particles are effective to reduce fines migration in a subterranean formation
Implementation Method 2
The nano-sized particles effectively fixate fines
Implementation Method 3
a primary component selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth metal oxides, alkaline earth metal hydroxides, transition metal oxides, transition metal hydroxides, post-transition metal oxides, post-transition metal hydroxides, piezoelectric crystals, pyroelectric crystals
Data Source
AI summary
Dual-function nano-sized particles or nanoparticles may be effective at fixating or reducing fines migration and they may facilitate identification of a particular zone in a well having more than one zone. In some embodiments the dual-function nanoparticles are tagged with a detectable material that is distinguishable from the composition of the primary nanoparticle component. In these embodiments, the taggant material rather than the primary component of the nanoparticles may be used to enable identification of a particular zone. The nanoparticles (with or without taggant) may be added to a treatment fluid containing carrier particles such as proppant. The treatment fluid is pumped downhole to one of the zones; each zone receiving its own unique or uniquely-tagged nanoparticles. Should one of the zones fail, the composition of the nanoparticles (or its taggant) produced on the carrier particles may be correlated to the zone from which it was received, and hence produced.