Understanding Polymerizable Tracers for Quantification of Variable Flows 

Funded by the RESMAN Energy Technology, Research Council of Norway (RCN).

Resman technology focuses on downhole inflow monitoring of oil, water, and gas in production wells using unique chemical tracers embedded in a polymer matrix. Typical information provided is what flows where, when, and how much. One of the key features is that the tracers can monitor petroleum fields without the risk and cost of well intervention.   

Resman’s technology continues to evolve, and the current focus includes improvements in the analytical methodology whereby even lower concentrations of tracers can be detected. Control of tracer release rate from the polymer is vital for determining the lifetime of the system, as tracer levels in the matrix are finite, e.g., release needs to be significant enough to determine water levels/change to water level over time, but slow enough that the installed system has an operating life attractive to the customer. Understanding the mechanisms that will selectively allow tracers to be released depending on the amount of water in contact with the tracer systems. i.e., quantification of water is part of the evolution of this technology.   

This 'polymerizable tracer' methodology has the potential to bring generational enhancement to the Resman water tracer systems by allowing finer control and very low tracer release rates over an enhanced period, even at high water levels. Proof of concept work has been undertaken, showing that polymerizable tracers can be prepared and incorporated into a polymer matrix suitable for Resman use. The work, however, has presented a series of significant, fundamental questions that need to be answered, particularly with respect to successful polymerization of the tracer into the matrix and how the resulting polymer structure affects the tracer release rate. These fundamental questions are very well suited to a PhD project, and secondly, when successfully answered, will allow Resman to proceed with the development of a new generation of polymerizable water tracers with long lifetime under difficult well conditions.