Downhole water detection system and method

Abstract

A downhole water detection system configured to detect presence of water in an underground location. The system includes a chemical sensor disposable within a tubular in a borehole; and a first water detection body including a first detectable chemical element surrounded by water soluble glass. Wherein the first water detection body is locatable within a fractured formation wherein the chemical sensor is arranged to sense the first detectable chemical element when formation water dissolves the water soluble glass. Also included is a method of detecting water in a formation.

1 . A downhole water detection system configured to detect presence of water in an underground location, the system comprising:
 a chemical sensor disposable within a tubular in a borehole; and   a first water detection body including a first detectable chemical element surrounded by water soluble glass, wherein the first water detection body is locatable within a fractured formation;   wherein the chemical sensor is arranged to sense the first detectable chemical element when formation water dissolves the water soluble glass.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a second water detection body including a second detectable chemical element surrounded by water soluble glass, the second detectable chemical element different than the first detectable chemical element. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the chemical sensor is a first chemical sensor, and further comprising a second chemical sensor disposable within the tubular and configured to sense the second detectable chemical element when formation water dissolves the water soluble glass of the second water detection body. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3  wherein the first chemical sensor is longitudinally distanced from the second chemical sensor. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the chemical sensor determines a location of formation water based on which detectable chemical element is sensed. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising the tubular, wherein the tubular includes at least one opening configured to receive the first detectable chemical element there through if the water soluble glass of the first water detection body is dissolved by water. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first water detection body is seated within a fractured formation until the water soluble glass dissolves and the first detectable chemical element enters the tubular. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a communication signal sent by the chemical sensor upon sensing of the first detectable chemical element, the communication signal indicating presence of formation water. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the first detectable chemical element is a curing chemical. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1  wherein the chemical sensor includes a circuit which closes upon detection of the first detectable chemical element to power an actuation mechanism. 
     
     
         11 . A method of detecting water in a formation, the method comprising:
 directing a first water detection body including a first detectable chemical element embedded within water soluble glass to an underground location of a formation.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising conducting one of a fracturing and stimulating operation prior to directing the first water detection body to the location. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11  further comprising reacting to presence of water, subsequent dissolution of the water soluble glass and release of the first detectable chemical element, by sensing the first detectable chemical element. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising disposing a sensor within a casing, the sensor reactive to the first detectable chemical element. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein reacting to the presence of water further includes, subsequent sensing the first detectable chemical element, triggering an actuating device to close a wellbore. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein reacting to the presence of water further includes, subsequent sensing the first detectable chemical element, triggering an actuating device to close a sleeve. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 11 , further comprising directing a second water detection body including a second detectable chemical element different than the first detectable chemical element within a second body of water soluble glass, to a different underground location or different fractured formation than the first water detection body. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17 , further comprising determining a location of formation water by sensing one of the first and second detectable chemical elements released from dissolved water soluble glass. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18 , further comprising, subsequent determining a location of formation water, closing a sleeve at the location of formation water. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 16 , further comprising disposing first and second chemical sensors at longitudinally displaced locations within a tubular, the first and second chemical sensors reactive to the first and second detectable chemical elements, respectively.