Using Tracer-Based Technologies for Production Profiling in a Hydraulic Fracture to Optimise the Hydraulic Fracturing Design

Abstract

The tracer-based surveillance technology can be used in hydraulic fractures to perform production profiling surveillance continuously for several years without the need for expensive and operationally risky interventions. The paper deals with the case of placing tracer coated marked proppant with different signatures in each hydraulic fracturing stage. In particular, it dwells on the experience of placing different signatures of tracer coated marked proppant within one port to evaluate the production dynamics of the far and near zones of a hydraulic fracture. The paper also offers methods for optimizing the hydraulic fracturing design to increase the hydraulic fracture production period and the cumulative production.