Vector Magnetometer Array for Hydraulic Fracture Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for mapping and monitoring hydraulic fractures in the oil and gas industry, such as micro-seismic monitoring and the use of radioactive isotopes, are limited by reduced sensitivity, uncertainty in fracture event timing, and inability to track proppant distribution, leading to incomplete understanding of induced fracture networks.
Innovation Solution
The use of an array of sensors, including magnetometers, to capture magnetic images at various stages of the hydraulic fracturing process, allowing for the subtraction of background signals and the determination of frac fluid and proppant distribution, providing real-time monitoring and adjustment capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If micro-seismic arrays are used to monitor hydraulic fractures, then fracture location can be determined, but measurement precision is reduced due to weak signals and attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetometer as an intermediary device that detects magnetic field changes caused by proppant injection rather than directly detecting weak seismic signals. This mediator converts the measurement problem from detecting attenuated elastic waves to detecting magnetic field perturbations, which are stronger and less prone to attenuation, thereby improving both measurement precision and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical seismic detection system with a magnetic field-based detection system. Instead of using geophones to detect mechanical vibrations from fracture events, the system uses magnetometers to detect magnetic field changes associated with proppant movement, eliminating the limitations of mechanical signal attenuation and improving overall system reliability
2Ease of manufacture
If passive micro-seismic monitoring is used, then no additional substances are introduced, but uncertainty in fracture event timing increases due to lack of controlled energy input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by injecting magnetically-doped proppant into the fracture before monitoring begins. This proactive introduction of the tracer material allows the system to track proppant movement in real-time as it occurs, eliminating the timing uncertainty inherent in passive monitoring where events are detected only after they happen naturally
3Loss of information
If radioactive isotopes are added to fracking fluid, then fracture network can be monitored, but harmful factors increase due to introduction of dangerous substances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of the tracer material from radioactive to magnetic properties. By using magnetically-doped proppant instead of radioactive isotopes, the system maintains the ability to track and monitor fracture network development through magnetic field detection while eliminating the harmful radioactive contamination risks, thus preserving information quality while reducing environmental harm
4Loss of information
If tilt meters are used to measure surface movement, then fracture expansion can be detected, but measurement precision is reduced due to indirect measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetically-doped proppant as an intermediary tracer that directly marks the fracture network and proppant distribution. This intermediary provides direct information about where proppant has traveled and where fractures have formed, eliminating the need for indirect surface movement measurements and significantly improving measurement precision of fracture expansion
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 enhances the accuracy of fracture mapping and monitoring, enabling better control of the fracking process, improved production efficiency, and compliance with environmental regulations by providing detailed insights into proppant placement and fracture networks.
Implementation Method 1
mapping and monitoring of hydraulic fractures using vector magnetometers
Implementation Method 2
A third magnetic image is captured using the array of sensors, after a doped proppant is injected into a stage
Data Source
AI summary
A method for mapping and monitoring of hydraulic fracture includes capturing, using an array of sensors, a first magnetic image of a well pay zone. A second magnetic image is captured using the array of sensors, after a well bore is padded with a fluid. A background is established based on the first and the second magnetic images. A third magnetic image is captured using the array of sensors, after a doped proppant is injected into a stage. The third image is processed to subtract the background and to obtain information regarding distribution of the fluid and the proppant in the stage.