Stable Nanoparticle Tracers for Hydraulic Fracturing Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic fracturing techniques face limitations in using tracers due to degradation at high temperatures and pressures, and the inability to provide a large number of unique tracers that can withstand varying salinity and pH conditions in well formations.
Innovation Solution
The use of proppant compositions containing nanoparticles with dopants from the lanthanide, actinide, transition metal, or p-block metal series, which are designed to remain stable and separate from the proppant within fractures, allowing for diagnostic evaluation by returning to the surface with formation fluids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radioactive particles and liquid chemicals are used as tracers in hydraulic fracturing, then diagnostic information about fracture location and orientation can be obtained, but the tracers are subject to degradation at high temperatures and pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the tracer material by using solid particulate tracers with specific size ranges (0.1-10 micrometers) and chemical compositions (oxides, sulfides, or carbides of metals with atomic number greater than 26) that are stable under downhole conditions of high temperature and pressure, unlike previous radioactive or liquid chemical tracers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite tracer system by combining solid particulate tracer materials with magnetic properties with the fracturing fluid slurry, enabling the tracer to withstand harsh downhole environments while maintaining detectability through magnetic detection methods
2Measurement precision
If proprietary liquid chemical tracers are used in hydraulic fracturing, then diagnostic information can be obtained, but the tracers cannot withstand varying salinity and pH conditions in well formations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the tracer from liquid chemical compounds to solid particulate materials composed of metal oxides, sulfides, or carbides with atomic number greater than 26, which are chemically inert and resistant to varying salinity and pH conditions in different well formations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses solid particulate tracers that are chemically stable and do not degrade under downhole conditions, replacing the need for proprietary liquid chemicals that require careful management of salinity and pH compatibility
3Measurement precision
If tracers are used to track fracture propagation, then diagnostic information about fracture location can be obtained, but the tracers must separate from proppant within the fracture after a period of time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving the tracer particles specific magnetic properties that differ from the proppant material, enabling spatial separation based on magnetic responsiveness while maintaining the mechanical function of proppant in holding the fracture open
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical separation methods with magnetic field-based separation, where magnetically responsive tracer particles can be detected and tracked through the fracture using magnetic detection tools, eliminating the need for complex mechanical separation mechanisms
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 solution enables effective diagnostic evaluation of hydraulic fracturing by providing stable, long-term tracer separation and identification, optimizing the performance and effectiveness of hydraulic fracturing operations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one particulate of the plurality of proppant particulates can contain at least one tracer, wherein the at least one tracer can separate from the at least one particulate located inside a fracture of a subterranean formation after a period of time
Data Source
AI summary
Proppant compositions for use in hydraulic fracturing and methods of using same are disclosed herein. The proppant compositions include a plurality of proppant particulates and at least one particulate of the plurality of proppant particulates containing at least one tracer, wherein the at least one tracer separates from the at least one particulate located inside a fracture of a subterranean formation after a period of time.