Abstract: Systems and methods for formation characterization in a subterranean formation are disclosed. A set of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices may be disposed in a circulating fluid. Each MEMS device in the set may have a machine-scannable designator. A MEMS scanner may be configured to scan the designator of a MEMS device in response to circulation of the circulating fluid in a wellbore surrounded by the formation. A MEMS analysis subsystem communicatively coupled with the MEMS scanner may store the designator of each MEMS device in the set, detect a subset of MEMS device by receiving the designators of MEMS devices from the MEMS scanner, and determine a characteristic of the formation based on the subset of MEMS devices.

Abstract: A location of a fracture can be determined in a wellbore. Micro-electro-mechanical (“MEM”) devices of different sizes and shapes can be included in a sweep and injected into a wellbore. A MEM reader can be positioned within a downhole tool for detecting MEM devices in the wellbore after a sweep returns to the surface of the wellbore. The MEM reader can be disposed in the wellbore for measuring the position of the MEM devices remaining in the wellbore. A location, size, and shape of a fracture in the wellbore can be determined based on the position of the MEM devices in the wellbore.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring micro-electro-mechanical (“MEM”) devices removed from a fluid flow stream from a wellbore by a component of solids control equipment used with a drilling operation. The system can include a first MEM reader. The system can also include a second MEM reader. The first MEM reader can be positionable proximate to the fluid flow stream for detecting MEM devices in the fluid flow stream. The second MEM reader can be positionable proximate to the fluid flow stream and between the fluid flow output and the wellbore for detecting at least a subset of the MEM devices in the fluid flow stream. The system can further include a computing device for determining an amount and types of the MEM devices removed from the fluid flow stream by the component of solids control equipment.

Abstract: A system and process for determining system operational characteristics of a drill string or completed well includes one or more detectors positioned along a fluid flow path in a wellbore. The detectors are operable to detect the presence of one or more transmitters circulated within the fluid flow path and to receive and record data based on detecting the transmitters. The system determines an operational characteristic, such as cutting sample identification information, flow rate, pump efficiency, lag, the presence of a washout, losses, or an equipment malfunction based on the data received and recorded by the detectors.

Abstract: A location of a fracture can be determined in a wellbore. Micro-electro-mechanical (“MEM”) devices of different sizes and shapes can be included in a sweep and injected into a wellbore. A MEM reader can be positioned within a downhole tool for detecting MEM devices in the wellbore after a sweep returns to the surface of the wellbore. The MEM reader can be disposed in the wellbore for measuring the position of the MEM devices remaining in the wellbore. A location, size, and shape of a fracture in the wellbore can be determined based on the position of the MEM devices in the wellbore.

Abstract: Systems and methods for formation characterization in a subterranean formation are disclosed. A set of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices may be disposed in a circulating fluid. Each MEMS device in the set may have a machine-scannable designator. A MEMS scanner may be configured to scan the designator of a MEMS device in response to circulation of the circulating fluid in a wellbore surrounded by the formation. A MEMS analysis subsystem communicatively coupled with the MEMS scanner may store the designator of each MEMS device in the set, detect a subset of MEMS device by receiving the designators of MEMS devices from the MEMS scanner, and determine a characteristic of the formation based on the subset of MEMS devices.

Abstract: Systems and methods for formation characterization in a subterranean formation are disclosed. A set of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices may be disposed in a circulating fluid. Each MEMS device in the set may have a machine-scannable designator. A MEMS scanner may be configured to scan the designator of a MEMS device in response to circulation of the circulating fluid in a wellbore surrounded by the formation. A MEMS analysis subsystem communicatively coupled with the MEMS scanner may store the designator of each MEMS device in the set, detect a subset of MEMS devices by receiving the designators of MEMS devices from the MEMS scanner, and determine a characteristic of the formation based on the subset of MEMS devices.

Abstract: Systems, computer readable medium, program code, and methods are provided for monitoring micro-electro-mechanical (“MEM”) devices removed from a wellbore by a fluid flow stream. The system can include a first MEM reader and a second MEM reader. The first MEM reader can be positionable near the fluid flow stream for detecting MEM devices entering the wellbore in a fluid flow stream. The second MEM reader can be positionable near the fluid flow stream for detecting MEM devices exiting the wellbore in the fluid flow stream. The second MEM reader can detect MEM devices exiting the wellbore in a subsequent fluid flow stream. The system can further include a computing device for determining an amount and types of MEM devices remaining in the wellbore from the first fluid flow stream and an amount and types of MEM devices removed from the well-bore by the subsequent fluid flow stream.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for monitoring micro-electro-mechanical (“MEM”) devices removed from a fluid flow stream from a wellbore by a component of solids control equipment used with a drilling operation. The system can include a first MEM reader. The system can also include a second MEM reader. The first MEM reader can be positionable proximate to the fluid flow stream for detecting MEM devices in the fluid flow stream. The second MEM reader can be positionable proximate to the fluid flow stream and between the fluid flow output and the wellbore for detecting at least a subset of the MEM devices in the fluid flow stream. The system can further include a computing device for determining an amount and types of the MEM devices removed from the fluid flow stream by the component of solids control equipment.

Abstract: Systems, computer readable medium, program code, and methods are provided for monitoring micro-electro-mechanical (“MEM”) devices removed from a wellbore by a fluid flow stream. The system can include a first MEM reader and a second MEM reader. The first MEM reader can be positionable near the fluid flow stream for detecting MEM devices entering the wellbore in a fluid flow stream. The second MEM reader can be positionable near the fluid flow stream for detecting MEM devices exiting the wellbore in the fluid flow stream. The second MEM reader can detect MEM devices exiting the wellbore in a subsequent fluid flow stream. The system can further include a computing device for determining an amount and types of MEM devices remaining in the wellbore from the first fluid flow stream and an amount and types of MEM devices removed from the well-bore by the subsequent fluid flow stream.

Abstract: Micro-electro-mechanical systems lost circulation materials (MEMS-LCMs) of various sizes, shapes, and specific gravities may be used in a drilling fluid to determine the preferred LCMs for use in wellbore strengthening of the wellbore. For example, a method may include drilling at least a portion of a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation with a drilling fluid that comprises a base fluid, a plurality of MEMS-LCMs, and a plurality of LCMs, wherein the MEMS-LCMs and the LCMs are substantially similar in size, shape, and specific gravity; measuring a first concentration of the MEMS-LCMs in the drilling fluid before circulating the drilling fluid through the wellbore; measuring a second concentration of the MEMS-LCMs in the drilling fluid after circulating the drilling fluid through the wellbore; performing a comparison of the first and second concentrations of the MEMS-LCMs; and changing a composition of the drilling fluid based on the comparison.

Abstract: Micro-electro-mechanical systems lost circulation materials (MEMS-LCMs) of various sizes, shapes, and specific gravities may be used in a drilling fluid to determine the preferred LCMs for use in wellbore strengthening of the wellbore. For example, a method may include drilling at least a portion of a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation with a drilling fluid that comprises a base fluid, a plurality of MEMS-LCMs, and a plurality of LCMs, wherein the MEMS-LCMs and the LCMs are substantially similar in size, shape, and specific gravity; measuring a first concentration of the MEMS-LCMs in the drilling fluid before circulating the drilling fluid through the wellbore; measuring a second concentration of the MEMS-LCMs in the drilling fluid after circulating the drilling fluid through the wellbore; performing a comparison of the first and second concentrations of the MEMS-LCMs; and changing a composition of the drilling fluid based on the comparison.

Abstract: A system and process for determining system operational characteristics of a drill string or completed well includes one or more detectors positioned along a fluid flow path in a wellbore. The detectors are operable to detect the presence of one or more transmitters circulated within the fluid flow path and to receive and record data based on detecting the transmitters. The system determines an operational characteristic, such as cutting sample identification information, flow rate, pump efficiency, lag, the presence of a washout, losses, or an equipment malfunction based on the data received and recorded by the detectors.