Tracer Material Spatial Distribution Detection via Electromagnetic Phase Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods face difficulties in accurately determining the spatial distribution of injected tracer materials within subterranean formations due to insufficient contrast in physical properties between the tracer materials and the formation, making it challenging to monitor their location and quantity effectively.
Innovation Solution
The method involves flowing a tracer material with distinct electrical capacitance into the subterranean formation, followed by the application of an electromagnetic signal to interact with the tracer material, generating an output signal that differs from the native formation, allowing for the determination of the tracer material's spatial distribution based on the phase shift and frequency analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional detection methodologies are used to monitor changes in physical properties, then the detection process is simple, but the contrast between injected materials and subterranean formation is insufficient, making accurate detection difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter used for detection from conventional electrical resistivity to electromagnetic signal response characteristics (phase shift, frequency). By injecting tracer materials with distinct electromagnetic properties and analyzing the phase shift and frequency of reflected electromagnetic signals, the method achieves superior contrast between tracer materials and formation, resolving the detection accuracy limitation of conventional methodologies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs tracer materials that are composite in nature, combining specific electromagnetic contrast agents with carrier fluids or particulate materials. These composite tracer materials exhibit enhanced electromagnetic properties that create significant contrast with the subterranean formation, enabling accurate detection while maintaining operational simplicity
2Measurement precision
If tracer materials with distinct physical properties are injected, then the contrast for detection is improved, but the selection and injection process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes commercially available materials with inherently distinct electromagnetic properties (such as metal particles, carbon-based materials, or saline solutions) rather than requiring synthesis of specialized composite tracers. This approach maintains ease of material preparation while achieving the necessary electromagnetic contrast for accurate detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs electromagnetic signals as an intermediary to detect the presence and distribution of tracer materials. Rather than directly measuring physical or chemical properties of the tracers, the method uses electromagnetic wave interaction (reflection, phase shift) as a mediator, simplifying both tracer preparation and detection processes while enhancing measurement precision
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 enhanced accuracy in tracing the spatial distribution of injected materials by creating significant electromagnetic contrast, enabling precise characterization and quantification of the tracer material's presence within the formation.
Implementation Method 1
providing an input electromagnetic signal to the region of the subterranean formation. Responsive to the providing, the methods further include receiving an output electromagnetic signal from the subterranean formation
Implementation Method 2
the tracer material includes a tracer electrical capacitance that differs from a formation electrical capacitance of a region of the subterranean formation
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of determining a spatial distribution of an injected tracer material within a subterranean formation are disclosed, including flowing the tracer material, which includes a tracer electrical capacitance that differs from a formation electrical capacitance of a region of the subterranean formation, into the region of the subterranean formation via a wellbore. Subsequent to the flowing, the methods also include providing an input electromagnetic signal to the region of the subterranean formation. Responsive to the providing, the methods further include receiving an output electromagnetic signal from the subterranean formation. The methods further include determining the spatial distribution of the tracer material within the subterranean formation based, at least in part, on the output electromagnetic signal.