Wireless Identification Tags for Wellbore Fluid Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for tracking fluids in wellbores, such as noise logs and temperature logs, are imprecise and face regulatory challenges due to the use of radioactive tracers.
Innovation Solution
Entraining wireless identification (WID) tags, including RFID and long wavelength identification (LW) tags, within fluids to enable precise tracking within wellbores by detecting their location using readers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radioactive isotopes are used as tracers to track fluid location, then tracking capability is achieved, but safety and regulatory compliance deteriorate due to OSHA and environmental regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the radioactive tracer system with an electronic tracking device system. Instead of using radioactive isotopes that emit radiation detectable by Geiger counters, the invention uses electronic devices with antennas that transmit electromagnetic signals detectable by receivers. This substitution eliminates the harmful radiation while maintaining the fluid tracking capability through signal detection rather than radiation detection.
2Measurement precision
If noise logs or temperature logs are used to identify fluid loss zones, then tracking is attempted, but measurement precision deteriorates making the methods imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electronic tracking devices as intermediaries between the fluid and the detection system. These devices are entrained in the fluid and actively transmit their location information to receivers. This intermediary approach provides direct location data from the fluid itself, rather than inferring fluid loss zones indirectly through noise or temperature measurements, thereby significantly improving measurement precision and reliability.
3Measurement precision
If wireless identification tags are entrained in fluid to enable tracking, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases due to additional electronic components
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic tracking devices serve multiple functions: they act as tracers in the fluid, transmit location information via electromagnetic signals, and can potentially provide additional data about fluid conditions. This multi-functionality justifies the added device complexity by providing comprehensive tracking capabilities that simpler systems cannot achieve.
4Measurement precision
If readers are disposed in the wellbore to detect tag locations, then tracking precision improves, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic tracking devices are self-contained units that autonomously transmit their location information without requiring external power or control. They self-service by generating and broadcasting their own electromagnetic signals, which passive receivers can detect. This reduces the operational complexity compared to systems requiring active control or complex installation infrastructure.
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
The method provides accurate and safe tracking of fluids, allowing for the detection of fluid loss zones and voids, and can be used in various fluid compositions, including drilling mud, fracturing fluids, and cement, enhancing operational efficiency and compliance with safety regulations.
Implementation Method 1
A wireless tag can be entrained in a fluid to allow tracking of the fluid within a wellbore. In one embodiment, a method of tracking a fluid, which can be in a wellbore, can include entraining at least one electronic tracking device in the fluid; and tracking the electronic tracking device with at least one receiver.
Data Source
AI summary
Wireless tag fluid tracking system. A fluid can be tracked in a wellbore utilizing at least one WID tag, such as an LW tag or an RFID tag, entrained in the fluid. A WID tag reader can be disposed and/or displaced in the wellbore, for example, on a drill string or a casing string. A reader can be utilized to locate the at least one WID tag in the wellbore. A reader can be housed in a drill string sub. A fluid entrained with at least one WID tag can be utilized as a tracer fluid. A WID tag can be entrained in cement or a drilling or fracture fluid.