METHODS FOR TRACING FLUID MIGRATION

摘要

The disclosure relates to application of a signature elemental tracer referred to herein as a signature). It comprises a selection of a small amount of a unique combination of a non-radioactive isotope or variant of a particular element or elements with stable isotopes, different from the natural-occurring combination of the elements in question. In particular, there are 54 such stable multi-isotopic elements and 17 rare-earth elements available for the creation of signature. The signature can be chosen based on samples of traced material and the environment it is to be used in, over time based on detectability, duration, and robustness in that environment. By utilizing isotope combinations as a signature, one can readily determine with a mass spectrometer, whether the traced material in question was or was not in a particular sample of contamination, plant tissue, animal tissue, or associated with some event of interest.

主权项

1. A method of tracing gas, fluid, or solid movement, comprising:
providing a signature elemental tracer in an amount of traced material, the signature elemental tracer being an single or multiple isotope combination of an element or elements selected from the periodic elements; wherein selection is based on a baseline characteristic analysis of the fluid to be traced and of a field environment the signature elemental tracer is to be used in; after movement of the traced material in the field environment, obtaining a sample of the traced material; and analyzing the sample for the presence of the signature elemental tracer.