Proppant Analysis Correction via SEM Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for analyzing proppant samples in hydraulic fracturing are unreliable due to subjective biases and variations in imaging workflows, making it difficult to accurately determine proppant presence and abundance.
Innovation Solution
A process that involves collecting proppant samples, obtaining imaging results, determining a correction factor through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, and applying this factor to adjust imaging results for more accurate proppant data, including normalization based on drilling rates and particle size distribution to minimize well interference and fracture identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If proppant analysis is performed using only imaging workflows, then the analysis process is simple and quick, but the results are unreliable due to subjective biases and variations in cleaning processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines imaging workflow with SEM-based elemental composition analysis to create a hybrid approach. The imaging workflow provides rapid screening while SEM analysis provides reliable validation, merging the speed advantages of imaging with the reliability of elemental analysis to resolve the contradiction between analysis speed and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a correction factor as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between imaging results and actual proppant presence. The correction factor, derived from SEM analysis of representative samples, mediates the unreliable imaging data by providing a calibration reference that adjusts imaging results to match ground truth, thereby improving reliability while maintaining the speed of imaging workflow
2Measurement precision
If multiple particle image attributes are used for classification, then more comprehensive analysis is achieved, but the results become more sensitive to subjective biases in thresholds and cleaning processes
Solution Approach 1:
The correction factor serves as an intermediary that decouples the comprehensive multi-attribute classification from its sensitivity to subjective thresholds. By calibrating the multi-attribute imaging results against SEM-based elemental composition, the correction factor transforms the sensitive classification outputs into reliable proppant presence indicators, maintaining comprehensiveness while achieving consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter basis from purely optical/image attributes to elemental composition attributes for validation. By using SEM-based elemental analysis (detecting proppant-specific elements) as a reference, the system transforms the classification problem from one sensitive to image processing parameters into one based on fundamental material composition, thereby improving reliability
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 provides a more reliable and accurate analysis of proppant presence and abundance, enabling better identification of hydraulic fractures and minimizing well interference, with improved precision in proppant log data and fracture interpretation.
Implementation Method 1
using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in accordance with the subject invention for elemental composition analysis
Data Source
AI summary
A method for processing proppant from a well. A plurality of proppant samples are collected during drilling of a well for imaging analysis. In addition to imaging analysis a further correction factor is determined for the samples using additional analysis on a portion of the samples. Determining and applying the correction factor to the imaging results provides a more accurate proppant log. The additional analysis can be by scanning electron microscopy, such as for differentiating the silicon proppant particles from other elemental particles resulting from the drilling.