Methods for monitoring fluids within or produced from a subterranean formation during fracturing operations using opticoanalytical devices
US8960294B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 5, 2011 |
| Grant date | Feb 24, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 10, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2201/1296
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In or near real-time monitoring of fluids can take place using an opticoanalytical device that is configured for monitoring the fluid. Fluids can be monitored prior to or during their introduction into a subterranean formation using the opticoanalytical devices. Produced fluids from a subterranean formation can be monitored in a like manner. The methods can comprise providing a fracturing fluid comprising a base fluid and at least one fracturing fluid component; introducing the fracturing fluid into a subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one fracture therein, thereby performing a fracturing operation in the subterranean formation; and monitoring a characteristic of the fracturing fluid or a formation fluid using at least a first opticoanalytical device within the subterranean formation, during a flow back of the fracturing fluid produced from the subterranean formation, or both.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.