University of Utah Research Foundation

Peter E Rose

Daniel L Bour

Michael H Bartl

Colloidal-crystal quantum dots as tracers are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method comprises injecting a solution of quantum dots into a subterranean formation, and monitoring a flow of the quantum dots from the subterranean formation to determine a property of the subterranean formation.

Colloidal-crystal quantum dots as tracers in underground formations

Downhole deployable tools for measuring tracer concentrations are disclosed. According to one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a support cable configured to allow the apparatus to be lowered into and raised from a wellbore. A housing is attached to the support cable. The housing includes a detector window on the exterior of the housing. A detector system within the housing includes a detector that measures tracer concentrations. The detector is operably connected to the detector window to direct energy or particles from the detector window to the detector.

Downhole deployable tools for measuring tracer concentrations

Methods and systems relating to in situ decomposition of carbonyls at high temperature for fixing incomplete and failed well seals, are described. According to one embodiment, a method, comprises injecting a sealing agent into a subterranean well having sealing channels or voids in well casings. An alkaline-earth carbonate precipitate is formed from the decomposition of a carbonyl compound. The sealing agent includes the carbonyl compound and an alkaline-earth halide salt.

In situ decomposition of carbonyls at high temperature for fixing incomplete and failed well seals

A method of selectively blocking fractures in a subterranean formation by injecting a diversion agent into the well is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the method comprises injecting a diversion agent into a subterranean formation to form an alkaline-earth carbonate precipitate from decomposition of a carbonyl compound, wherein the diversion agent includes the carbonyl compound and an alkaline-earth halide salt.

Geothermal well diversion agent formed from in situ decomposition of carbonyls at high temperature

An injection backflow method for measuring fracture surface area adjacent to a wellbore measures an initial temperature profile along the length of a wellbore. A tracer composition is injected into the wellbore at an initial concentration. The tracer composition includes a reactive tracer and a secondary tracer that is less reactive than the reactive tracer. The tracer composition diffuses within subterranean reservoir for a time. A secondary tracer concentration and a reactive tracer concentration are measured as a function of time. A reservoir fracture surface area is calculated using a reservoir fluid flow model.

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Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America

Peter E Rose