Particulate Tracer Placement for Accurate Wellbore Flow Profiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for using particulate tracers in hydraulic fracturing operations are costly, require large quantities, and lack accuracy in determining flow profiles due to tracer dispersion and non-proportional release rates, making it difficult to quantify flow contributions from individual stages.
Innovation Solution
Pumping unique particulate tracers only in a fraction of each stage, specifically placing them in the near wellbore region of the subterranean formation, allowing for focused analysis and reduced tracer usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If particulate tracers are pumped throughout entire stages during hydraulic fracturing, then tracer coverage is maximized, but tracer quantity required increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides each hydraulic fracturing stage into multiple segments or zones along the wellbore. Tracers are injected into specific segments rather than the entire stage, allowing flow measurement in targeted regions while reducing overall tracer consumption. This segmentation enables selective monitoring of near-wellbore regions where flow contributions are most critical for production optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies tracer injection with varying concentrations and quantities at different locations along the wellbore. Higher tracer concentrations are used in near-wellbore regions where flow measurement is most valuable, while lower or zero concentrations are used in distant regions. This local quality approach optimizes measurement precision in critical areas while minimizing tracer usage overall.
2Measurement precision
If particulate tracers are distributed throughout entire stages, then tracer dispersion occurs reducing measurement accuracy, but stage-wide coverage is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the injection process and limiting tracer placement to specific zones within stages, the patent prevents excessive tracer dispersion that would occur with stage-wide injection. This segmentation maintains higher local tracer concentrations in measurement zones, preserving signal strength and measurement accuracy while avoiding dilution effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by injecting tracers into only a fraction (e.g., 10-30%) of each stage volume rather than the entire stage. This partial injection creates concentrated tracer plumes in specific regions, ensuring sufficient signal strength for accurate flow measurement without the dispersion and dilution problems associated with comprehensive stage-wide distribution.
3Measurement precision
If chemical tracers are used, then flow tracking is achieved, but tracer release rates are non-proportional causing measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses particulate tracers that physically copy or mimic the behavior of the fracturing fluid itself, rather than using chemical compounds with different release characteristics. The particulate tracers are suspended in the fracturing fluid and follow the same flow paths and rates, providing reliable proportional release that accurately reflects actual fluid flow without the non-proportional release issues of chemical tracers.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with some embodiments, a method of determining a flow profile for a wellbore using unique particulate tracers is disclosed. The unique particulate tracers are pumped only in a fraction of each stage such that a substantial portion of the unique particulate tracers are placed in a near wellbore region of the subterranean formation proximate to the wellbore.