Traceable MEMS with Neutron Tagging for Wellbore Location

Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining the location of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) in subterranean well operations require a separate trip into the wellbore using an interrogator tool, which is time-consuming and costly.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a thermal neutron absorbing tagging material with MEMS allows for the determination of their location without an interrogator tool, using neutron logging to detect differences in thermal neutron backscatter before and after placement, enabling location identification during logging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an interrogator tool is used to determine MEMS location, then location data can be obtained, but operational time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMEMS location determinationVSAvoidoperational time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the location determination function with the existing neutron logging operation. The tagging material on MEMS interacts with neutrons during routine logging, allowing location determination to be merged into the standard logging process without requiring a separate interrogator tool trip.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The MEMS with tagging material automatically provide location information through their interaction with neutrons during logging. The system serves itself by utilizing the logging neutrons to detect the tagging material and determine MEMS location, eliminating the need for dedicated location determination equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If an interrogator tool is used to determine MEMS location, then location data can be obtained, but operational cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMEMS location determinationVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the location determination function with the existing neutron logging operation. The tagging material on MEMS interacts with neutrons during routine logging, allowing location determination to be merged into the standard logging process without requiring a separate interrogator tool trip.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The MEMS with tagging material automatically provide location information through their interaction with neutrons during logging. The system serves itself by utilizing the logging neutrons to detect the tagging material and determine MEMS location, eliminating the need for dedicated location determination equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If tagging material is incorporated with MEMS, then location determination is simplified, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation determination processVSAvoidMEMS structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by adding tagging material only to specific portions of the MEMS device. This localized addition provides the necessary neutron interaction capability for location determination while minimizing the impact on the overall MEMS structure and function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite materials by combining the MEMS structure with tagging material that has specific neutron interaction properties. This composite approach enables the MEMS to interact with logging neutrons for location determination while maintaining the functional integrity of the original MEMS device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 and efficient location determination of MEMS within the wellbore, reducing operational time and costs by integrating the tagging material with the MEMS, allowing continuous data gathering and monitoring of wellbore conditions over the cement service life.

Implementation Method 1

Incorporating a thermal neutron absorbing tagging material with MEMS allows for the determination of their location without an interrogator tool, using neutron logging to detect differences in thermal neutron backscatter before and after placement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal neutron absorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS11519263B2Traceable micro-electro-mechanical systems for use in subterranean formations

Publication Date: 2022.12.06 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

Use of traceable micro-electro-mechanical systems (“MEMS”) in subterranean formations. A method may comprise introducing a treatment fluid comprising a traceable micro-electro-mechanical system into a wellbore, wherein the traceable micro-electro-mechanical system comprises a micro-electro-mechanical system and a tagging material.