Dissolvable Perf Ball Tracer Matrix for Wellbore Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic fracturing operations lack effective methods to monitor and analyze the wellbore conditions and fluid types surrounding perf balls, which are crucial for optimizing fracturing processes and resource extraction.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a dissolvable perf ball with a matrix of tracer particles and electronic tracers that release upon dissolution, providing information on fluid type, location, and environmental parameters, allowing for real-time monitoring and analysis of wellbore conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional perf balls are used without tracers, then the structure remains simple and manufacturing is easier, but the ability to monitor wellbore conditions and identify fluid types is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple tracer types (chemical tracers, electronic tracers, RFID tags) within a single perf ball structure, merging information gathering functions that would otherwise require separate devices. This integration enables comprehensive wellbore monitoring while maintaining a unified deployable unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The perf ball is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides mechanical plugging, chemical tracing through dissolvable components, electronic tracking via embedded devices, and fluid identification through selective dissolution. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate monitoring devices.
2Measurement precision
If a dissolvable perf ball with tracer matrix is used, then fluid type identification and dissolution tracking are enabled, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The perf ball incorporates a matrix of tracer particles with different dissolution characteristics distributed throughout the structure. Different regions contain tracers that dissolve at different rates or under different conditions, enabling precise fluid type identification through pattern recognition of dissolution sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The perf ball uses composite construction combining dissolvable materials (for the matrix and shell) with non-dissolvable electronic components (RFID tags, sensors). This composite approach enables both the dissolvable tracer function and the durable electronic tracking function within a single structure.
3Reliability
If electronic tracers with protective packaging are included, then location tracking and environmental monitoring are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Electronic tracers are nested within protective non-dissolvable packaging that is itself embedded within the dissolvable perf ball matrix. This nested structure provides multiple levels of protection and integration, with the electronic components protected from direct exposure while remaining contained within the overall perf ball system.
4Ease of operation
If tracer particles are made buoyant in fracturing fluid, then surface detection and retrieval are facilitated, but the selection of tracer materials becomes more restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The tracer particles are designed with adjustable buoyancy parameters, allowing them to float in fracturing fluids while maintaining other required properties. This parameter optimization enables material selection that balances buoyancy requirements with dissolution characteristics and detection capabilities.
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
Enables accurate tracking of perf ball dissolution and fluid type identification, facilitating improved fracturing fluid distribution and resource extraction efficiency by providing real-time data on wellbore conditions and fluid composition.
Implementation Method 1
a first dissolvable component that is dissolvable in a wellbore environment and a matrix of tracer particles, wherein the matrix of tracer particles are releasable from the perf ball upon dissolution of the first dissolvable component
Implementation Method 2
some in the matrix of tracer particles produced to the surface upon dissolution are detected by a detector to provide information, such as the rate of dissolution of the perf ball or identification of the fluid type surrounding the perf ball as oil, aqueous medium or a mixture of both
Implementation Method 3
at least some in the matrix of tracer particles are buoyant in a fracturing fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A perf ball includes a first dissolvable component, an electronic racer and/or a matrix of tracer particles in a wellbore environment. The electronic tracer and at least some tracer particles in the matrix of tracer particles are releasable from the perf ball upon dissolution of the first dissolvable component in a wellbore environment. Some tracer particles in the matrix of tracer particles are dissolvable in oil. Some tracer particles in the matrix of tracer particles are dissolvable in aqueous medium. The electronic tracer can include a sensor and memory for recording properties of the wellbore environment, including any of pressure, temperature, fluid composition, or other environmental, physical, or chemical parameters.