Smart Proppant Particles for Hydraulic Fracture Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for mapping hydraulic fracture locations and environmental conditions within wells lack precision and comprehensive data, particularly in determining closure stress and product flow rates, due to limitations in acoustic characterization and data acquisition techniques.
Innovation Solution
The development of composite particles exhibiting acoustic band gap behavior, known as smart proppants, which alter sonic transmission and reflection characteristics, allowing for the use of acoustic metamaterials to localize and map hydraulic fractures by altering sonic transmission and reflection within fractures, and utilizing these particles in conjunction with advanced acoustic interrogation techniques for detailed fracture analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional proppant materials are used in hydraulic fractures, then the proppant can be easily manufactured and deployed, but the ability to detect and map fracture locations and environmental conditions with precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by creating particles with multiple layers: a high-density core (steel or lead) within an elastic layer (silicone or polyurethane) further coated with a lightweight, stiff outer shell (resin or ceramic). This composite structure enables the particles to exhibit acoustic band gap behavior and local resonance at wavelengths much larger than the particle dimensions, thereby improving fracture mapping precision while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by tuning the acoustic properties of particles through modification of their composite structure and material properties. The particles are designed to exhibit stress-dependent acoustic responses and Doppler shifts that change with fracture closure stress and fluid flow conditions, enabling precise detection of environmental parameters within the fracture
2Loss of information
If acoustic interrogation techniques are used to detect particle responses, then detailed fracture analysis data can be obtained, but the complexity of the detection system and data acquisition increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing particles that automatically provide detection signals through their inherent acoustic band gap behavior and stress-dependent responses. The particles themselves generate the contrast needed for detection through their acoustic properties, eliminating the need for embedded sensors or active components within each particle, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining data completeness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes feedback by measuring the acoustic responses of particles (reflection coefficients, frequency shifts, Doppler shifts) and using this information to infer fracture environmental conditions. The detection system receives feedback from the particles' acoustic behavior to map fracture locations, closure stresses, and fluid flow rates, providing comprehensive data without requiring complex direct measurement instruments in the fracture
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 precise mapping of hydraulic fracture locations and environmental conditions by altering sonic transmission and reflection characteristics, providing additional data for improved well management and long-term productivity through stress-dependent acoustic responses and Doppler shifts, complementing microseismic data for enhanced proppant placement evaluation.
Implementation Method 1
metamaterials exhibiting acoustic band gap behavior can be used to alter the sonic transmission and reflection characteristics within a fault or fracture
Implementation Method 2
Multi-layer or composite particles can be produced that exhibit a local resonance at wavelengths much larger than the characteristic dimensions of the particle
Implementation Method 3
The structural mechanics of the particle preclude certain frequencies from being transmitted, exhibiting a negative elastic constant and acting as a total wave reflector within a range of frequencies
Implementation Method 4
Due to the non-linear mechanical behavior of such particles, they exhibit specific acoustic behavior dependent upon the fracture closure stress
Implementation Method 5
Frequency shifts at the reflected frequencies indicate a Doppler shift due to fluid flow
Data Source
AI summary
Acoustic particle metamaterials in Smart Proppants reflect sound waves at distinct frequency ranges when receiving sounds from an above ground or in-ground source. Sound receivers at separated locations receive the reflected sound waves at distinct times, providing information on location of the Smart Proppants, which are mixed with conventional proppants. The Smart Proppants prevent transmission of waves at precise ranges of frequencies and reflect those waves.