Efficient and Economic Hydraulic Fracture Diagnostics using Metamaterials and Edge AI

This project focuses on developing novel technologies for more accurately characterizing the orientation and dimensions of propped hydraulic fractures, supporting efforts to reduce the environmental risks and increasing the efficiency of fracturing in unconventional oil and natural gas wells. Understanding the extent to which fractures may intersect with pathways to shallower water supplies is an essential aspect of unconventional oil and gas resource development risk mitigation. The current categories of diagnostic tools include a variety of methods for near- wellbore fracture diagnostics (e.g., production and temperature logs, tracers, borehole imaging) and a variety of far- field techniques (e.g., microseismic fracture mapping). However, none of these succeed in consistently providing a fully detailed and accurate description of the character of created fractures. This research will build upon a valuable existing portfolio by developing new ways to reduce the cost and enhance the accuracy of existing and under- development technologies and methods for hydraulic fracture diagnostics and by researching entirely new solutions. Specific concepts could include innovative and breakthrough technologies for improved subsurface characterization, visualization, and diagnostics, including near-wellbore fracture diagnostic methods, far-field fracture diagnostic methods, and intelligent proppant systems. Oceanit will leverage over 20 years of in-house metamaterials development and AI experience to execute this project. The company will adopt these techniques for hydraulic fracture diagnostics to improve environmental health, safety, and production efficiency. The proposed Phase I effort's main objective is to develop and demonstrate the feasibility of an acoustic and electromagnetic intelligent proppant that can be used with current industry tools for real-time monitoring capabilities derived from AI hardware. Accurate hydraulic fracturing characterization information directly benefits environmental health and safety by leading to a much effective stimulation, zonal isolation, and production control. Knowledge of proppant distribution and flow directions helps to understand the geomechanical forces and hydraulic fracture behavior efficiently. This enhanced awareness ultimately results in environmentally safer and more economical production techniques, positively contributing to US energy independence.