Sand control system and methodology employing a tracer

Abstract

A technique facilitates detection of specific constituents in a well fluid as it is produced from a reservoir. The technique employs a screen assembly having a base pipe and a filter media coupled with the base pipe. An access opening is provided in the screen assembly for insertion of a tracer into a region between the base pipe and the filter media. The tracer is then secured in the region between the base pipe and the filter media. The technique enables selection and application of specific, interchangeable tracers while in the field, e.g. at a well site.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for use in a wellbore, comprising:
 a screen assembly having:
 a base pipe with at least one port extending between an exterior and an interior of the base pipe to enable a flow of fluid through the at least one port to the interior; 
 a filter media disposed about the base pipe in a position to filter the flow of fluid as it flows to the at least one port for entry into the interior; 
 an access opening extending to a region between the base pipe and the filter media; and 
 a tracer sized for insertion through the access opening to the region between the base pipe and the filter media after assembly of the filter media to the base pipe. 
   
     
     
         2 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the screen assembly further comprises a removable cover which is securable over the access opening. 
     
     
         3 . The system as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the removable cover comprises openings sized to provide sand control. 
     
     
         4 . The system as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the screen assembly comprises a housing coupling the filter media to the base pipe, the removable cover being selectively securable to the end housing. 
     
     
         5 . The system as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the removable cover comprises a plug which is selectively insertable into the access opening. 
     
     
         6 . The system as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the removable cover comprises a removable ring assembly. 
     
     
         7 . The system as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the removable cover comprises a removable ring assembly working in cooperation with an end ring coupled between the filter media and the base pipe. 
     
     
         8 . The system as recited in  claim 2 , wherein the removable cover comprises a removable ring assembly held in position by a lock member. 
     
     
         9 . The system as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the tracer comprises an elongate member having a chemical released in the presence of a specific fluid. 
     
     
         10 . A method, comprising:
 providing a screen assembly with a base pipe and a filter media;   inserting a tracer through an access opening and into a region between the base pipe and the filter media while the filter media is coupled to the base pipe; and   securing the tracer in the region between the base pipe and the filter media.   
     
     
         11 . The method as recited in  claim 10 , wherein securing comprises attaching a cover over the access opening. 
     
     
         12 . The method as recited in  claim 10 , further comprising coupling the screen assembly into a well string and delivering the screen assembly downhole into a wellbore. 
     
     
         13 . The method as recited in  claim 12 , further comprising producing a well fluid which flows through the filter media, into contact with the tracer, and through the base pipe to an interior of the base pipe. 
     
     
         14 . The method as recited in  claim 13 , further comprising monitoring the well fluid after the well fluid flows along the interior of the base pipe for the presence of elements from the tracer indicative of a specific constituent in the well fluid. 
     
     
         15 . The method as recited in  claim 14 , wherein monitoring comprises monitoring for elements from the tracer indicative of water in the well fluid. 
     
     
         16 . The method as recited in  claim 11 , wherein attaching comprises attaching a removable end ring which engages the base pipe and the filter media. 
     
     
         17 . The method as recited in  claim 10 , wherein inserting comprises inserting the tracer longitudinally along the region and between standoffs separating the filter media from the base pipe. 
     
     
         18 . The method as recited in  claim 10 , wherein inserting comprises inserting the tracer through the base pipe from an interior of the base pipe. 
     
     
         19 . A system, comprising:
 a screen assembly having:
 a base pipe with an interior passage and a flow port in communication with the interior passage; 
 a filter media coupled to the base pipe to form a region between the filter media and the base pipe; and 
 a housing coupled between the base pipe and the filter media, the housing being configured to provide an access opening to the region to enable insertion of a tracer element. 
   
     
     
         20 . The system as recited in  claim 19 , further comprising the tracer element inserted into the region through the access opening, the tracer element being an elongate element positioned between standoffs maintaining the region between the filter media and the base pipe.