Dual-Function Oil Field Tracer for Enhanced Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current oil field tracers face challenges such as high usage amounts, high costs, complex detection methods, and low sensitivity, particularly with fluorescent tracers that have short validity, high adsorption on formation surfaces, and difficulty in enrichment during sampling.
Innovation Solution
Development of an oil field tracer with dual magnetism and fluorescence properties, utilizing magnetic materials like superparamagnetic or ferromagnetic metals and fluorescent materials like quantum dots, which can be enriched using magnetic fields for improved detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluorescent dyes are used as tracers, then fluorescence detection sensitivity is improved, but the tracer has short validity period and high adsorption on formation surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines fluorescent dyes with polymer materials to create composite tracer particles. The polymer matrix protects the fluorescent dye from degradation and adsorption, extending the tracer's validity period while maintaining its fluorescence detection sensitivity. This composite structure allows the tracer to withstand harsh reservoir conditions for longer durations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs polymer encapsulation or coating layers around fluorescent tracer particles. These protective shells prevent the fluorescent dye from direct contact with formation surfaces, reducing adsorption losses and extending the tracer's operational life in the reservoir while preserving its optical properties.
2Adaptability or versatility
If chemical tracers are used, then detection range is improved, but usage amount and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes fluorescent tracers that exhibit specific optical properties and fluorescence emissions at different wavelengths. By selecting tracers with distinct fluorescence characteristics, the system can detect multiple tracer types simultaneously, expanding the detection range while requiring minimal tracer quantities due to the high sensitivity of fluorescence detection.
3Measurement precision
If isotope tracers are used, then detection accuracy is improved, but detection equipment complexity and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex isotope detection equipment with simpler fluorescence detection instruments. Fluorescence spectroscopy uses readily available excitation light sources and detectors, eliminating the need for specialized radiation detection equipment, trained personnel, and safety infrastructure required for isotope tracer analysis.
4Measurement precision
If fluorescent tracers are used, then detection sensitivity is improved, but enrichment during sampling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates tracer particles with heterogeneous structures, where fluorescent dyes are concentrated in specific regions or phases within the composite particle. This localized concentration of fluorescent material enhances the detection signal per unit mass, improving sensitivity while reducing the total tracer quantity needed, thereby facilitating easier enrichment during sampling operations.
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 dual-function tracer significantly reduces detection errors by enabling magnetic enrichment and provides stable, high-sensitivity fluorescence signals, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of oil field tracing processes.
Implementation Method 1
the magnetic material includes: a metal and a metal oxide having superparamagnetism, paramagnetism or ferromagnetism
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic material includes: a metal and a metal oxide having superparamagnetism, paramagnetism or ferromagnetism
Implementation Method 3
The fluorescence signals can be detected quickly, simply and with high sensitivity by a fluorescence spectrophotometer
Implementation Method 4
Fluorescence detection technology has the advantages of high detection sensitivity, simple operation, low cost and adjustable detection range, etc.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are an oil field tracer, a method for oil field tracing, and a proppant composition. An oil field tracer having both magnetic and fluorescent functions is used, and can be enriched with a magnetic field when a producing well is sampled for testing.