METHODS, APPARATUS, AND SENSORS FOR TRACING FRAC FLUIDS IN MINERAL FORMATIONS, PRODUCTION WATERS, AND THE ENVIRONMENT USING MAGNETIC PARTICLES

摘要

In some embodiments, the present invention pertains to methods of detecting a contamination of an environment by a fracture fluid that comprises magnetic particles. In some embodiments, such methods include: (1) collecting a sample from the environment; and (2) measuring a magnetic susceptibility of the sample in order to detect the presence or absence of the magnetic particles. Further embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods of tracing fracture fluids in a mineral formation. In some embodiments, such methods include: (1) associating the fracture fluids with magnetic particles; (2) introducing the fracture fluids into the mineral formation; and (3) measuring a magnetic susceptibility of the fracture fluids. Additional embodiments of the present invention pertain to fracture fluids containing the aforementioned magnetic particles, the actual magnetic particles, and methods of making said magnetic particles.

主权项

1. A method of detecting a contamination of an environment by a fracture fluid,
wherein the fracture fluid comprises magnetic particles, and wherein the method comprises: collecting a sample from the environment; and measuring a magnetic susceptibility of the sample in order to detect the presence or absence of the magnetic particles,
wherein the presence of the magnetic particles indicates the presence of the fracture fluid in the environment.