Fluorescent Tracer Marking for Wellbore Particulate Source Localization

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods fail to effectively identify and localize the source of particulate production in subterranean wells, particularly in multi-zone wells, leading to equipment wear, clogging, and inefficient fracturing operations, with existing techniques being hazardous, complex, and costly due to the use of radioactive tracers.

Innovation Solution

A method involving marking compositions with detectable markers that bind to particulates, allowing for their identification in produced fluids, which are introduced into specific zones or depths of the wellbore, enabling analysis to determine the source of particulate production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If radioactive materials are used for tagging sand or proppant placement, then the source of particulate can be identified, but the technique becomes hazardous to the environment and complex, expensive, and time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesource identification capabilityVSAvoidenvironmental hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses fluorescent tracers that are non-radioactive, safe, and can be removed or degraded, replacing permanent radioactive materials. The tracers complete their function of identifying particulate sources and then can be flushed or decomposed, eliminating long-term environmental hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces radioactive detection systems with fluorescent detection systems. Instead of using radiation detection equipment, the system uses fluorescent tracers that can be detected by optical means, simplifying the technology and eliminating radiation safety protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If radioactive materials are used for tagging sand or proppant placement, then the source of particulate can be identified, but the technique becomes complex, expensive, and time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesource identification capabilityVSAvoidtechnical complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses fluorescent tracers that are non-radioactive, safe, and can be removed or degraded, replacing permanent radioactive materials. The tracers complete their function of identifying particulate sources and then can be flushed or decomposed, eliminating long-term environmental hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces radioactive detection systems with fluorescent detection systems. Instead of using radiation detection equipment, the system uses fluorescent tracers that can be detected by optical means, simplifying the technology and eliminating radiation safety protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If multiple marking compositions with different markers are introduced into different zones, then the source of particulate can be precisely localized, but the process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesource localization precisionVSAvoidmarking composition management

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the wellbore into multiple zones and introduces different fluorescent tracers into each zone. This segmentation allows the system to identify which specific zone is producing the particulate by detecting which tracer is present in the produced sand, enabling precise localization without requiring complex analysis of all possible sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 approach allows for precise localization of particulate sources, reducing equipment wear, improving fracturing efficiency, and enabling targeted remediation actions without the use of hazardous radioactive materials.

Implementation Method 1

providing marking composition comprising at least one marker that: (i) is capable of binding with a particulate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Data Source

PatentUS7516788B2Methods of marking a zone of a wellbore for localizing the source of produced particulate

Publication Date: 2009.04.14 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A method of localizing the source of a particulate produced with a fluid through a wellbore is provided, the method comprising the steps of: (A) providing marking composition comprising at least one marker that: (i) is capable of binding with a particulate; and (ii) has a detectable property distinguishable from the particulate; (B) introducing the marking composition: (i) through a wellbore; and (ii) into contact with at least a portion of a subterranean formation penetrated by the wellbore; (C) obtaining a fluid produced through the wellbore; and (D) analyzing a particulate produced with the produced fluid for the presence of the marker.