Silica-encapsulated DNA tracers for fracturing fluid flowback analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62813/see.2025.01.03Keywords:
Fracturing fluid flowback analysis, Silica-encapsulated DNA tracers, Thermal stability, Column flow experimentAbstract
Hydraulic fracturing is important for hydrocarbon production from unconventional reservoirs. However, evaluating individual fracture stages by flowback analysis is challenging. DNA tracers with advantages of unlimited variants via gene coding, environmental friendliness, biological nontoxicity, low background levels, and high detection sensitivity, could be a solution. Yet, applying DNA tracers in fracturing monitoring faces challenges like thermal instability, salt tolerance, adsorption loss, and compatibility with fracturing fluids. To explore their applicability in hydraulic fracturing monitoring, DNA tracers were encapsulated in silica nanoparticles for harsh fracturing conditions. Thermal stability at reservoir temperature and impact on fracturing fluid viscosity were examined to assess compatibility. Additionally, salt tolerance and shale adsorption were verified. Column flow tests confirmed that silica-encapsulated DNA tracers can assess individual fracture contributions in multistage fracturing monitoring.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Zhiqiang Ouyang, Qingyu Zhang, Na Li, Xinfeng Zhang
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