Taking radioactivity out of fracture monitoring

摘要

A new nonhazardous detectable proppant eliminates need for specialized meters, handling and permits to detect placement in the wellbore. The capacity to precisely measure the propped fracture height and placement and, above all, ensure optimal near-wellbore connectivity is essential for maximum and sustainable production from unconventional reservoirs. Detecting the placement and height of propped fractures and confirming all stages have been thoroughly stimulated required comingling radioactive tracers in the fracture fluid followed by post-treatment gamma ray spectroscopy.