Halogenated Benzoic Acid Tracers for Reservoir Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tracer compounds used in hydrocarbon reservoir tracing campaigns lack diversity, limiting detailed analysis of reservoir characteristics and leading to inefficiencies in hydrocarbon recovery, as they are not sufficiently inert or stable to provide comprehensive data over successive tracing campaigns.
Innovation Solution
The use of halogenated derivatives of benzoic acid, specifically compounds like 2-chloro-4-fluorobenzoic acid and 2-fluoro-3-(trifluoromethyl)benzoic acid, as tracing compounds, which are injected into hydrocarbon reservoirs and detected using advanced analytical techniques such as ultra-high liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry, allowing for detailed characterization and monitoring of reservoir flow and hydrocarbon volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional tracer compounds (naphthalene sulfonic acids and fluorinated benzoic acid derivatives) are used, then tracing campaigns can be conducted, but the variety of compounds is insufficient and memory effects occur during successive campaigns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new class of tracer compounds with modified chemical parameters - halogenated benzoic acids with specific substitution patterns (R1 and R2 independently being F, Cl, Br, or CF3). This parameter change in molecular structure provides chemical diversity while maintaining the desired inertness and stability properties, thereby increasing compound variety and eliminating memory effects in successive tracing campaigns.
2Loss of information
If more tracer compounds are injected for detailed analysis, then reservoir characteristics can be better characterized, but the complexity of analysis and detection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex multi-technique analytical systems with a simplified detection approach based on mass spectrometry. The specific mass-to-charge ratios of the halogenated benzoic acid tracers (ranging from m/z 156 to 289) provide unique fingerprints that can be detected and quantified using straightforward mass spectrometric methods, eliminating the need for complex chromatographic separations or multiple detection techniques while still enabling detailed reservoir characterization through simultaneous injection of multiple tracers.
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
These compounds are stable, inert, and resistant to bacterial degradation, enabling easy and efficient qualitative and quantitative detection, reducing the need for sample preparation and providing rapid analysis, thus enhancing the understanding of reservoir dynamics and optimizing hydrocarbon production.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid moves through the reservoir. The tracers are produced with the fluid produced (water, gas).
Implementation Method 2
detection by liquid chromatographic analysis, optionally coupled with mass spectrometry analysis or tandem mass spectrometry analysis
Implementation Method 3
detection by liquid chromatographic analysis, optionally coupled with mass spectrometry analysis or tandem mass spectrometry analysis
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a process for inspecting a subterranean formation containing hydrocarbons, comprising: injecting at least one tracing compound into the subterranean formation; recovering a fluid from the subterranean formation; detecting said tracing compound in the fluid; in which the tracing compound is a compound of formula: (I) in which R1 and R2 represent two groups which are different from one another, chosen from F, Cl, Br and CF3.