Abstract: Autonomous wireless sensors in subsurface environments can be charged while present in the subsurface environment to allow the sensors to measure and wirelessly transmit measurements. The sensors rely upon a contrast agent to provide a power flow path to the sensors.

Abstract: Sensor systems for performing in-wellbore and/or in-fracture measurements of physical and/or chemical properties are injected into a wellbore (such as within a subterranean formation) or pipeline. The sensor systems each contain one or more sensors, which include a capability to communicate results of the measurements to an external device. Different sensor systems are injected into different isolated zones within the wellbore or pipeline to obtain measurements of the particular physical and/or chemical properties within each zone.

Abstract: Hydraulic fracturing of a geological formation is performed by injection of a proppant mixture into the geological formation to form fractures in the geological formation. The proppant mixture includes at least a liquid, proppant, and proppant additive particles. The hydraulic fracturing results in a presence of the proppant additive particles within the formed fractures, wherein the proppant additive particles are configured with a first complex conductivity that is measurably different than a second complex conductivity exhibited by materials comprising the geological formation. The formed fractures can then be imaged and mapped in the geological formation with electromagnetic energy at one or more frequencies in a manner so that the proppant additive particles function as a contrast agent due to the first complex conductivity of the proppant additive particles being measurably different from the second complex conductivity.

Abstract: Contrast agents and methods for use in geological applications are provided. Contrast agents can be a nanopolymorph material, such as titania nanotubes, and have a low-frequency dielectric permittivity. Methods of identifying one or more subterranean features during geological exploration are provided. Methods of identifying a ganglion of bypassed oil are provided. Methods of illuminating subterranean fractures in hydraulic fracturing are provided.

Abstract: Hydraulic fracturing of a geological formation is performed by injection of a proppant mixture into the geological formation to form fractures in the geological formation. The proppant mixture includes at least a liquid, proppant, and proppant additive particles. The hydraulic fracturing results in a presence of the proppant additive particles within the formed fractures, wherein the proppant additive particles are configured with a first complex conductivity that is measurably different than a second complex conductivity exhibited by materials comprising the geological formation. The formed fractures can then be imaged and mapped in the geological formation with electromagnetic energy at one or more frequencies in a manner so that the proppant additive particles function as a contrast agent due to the first complex conductivity of the proppant additive particles being measurably different from the second complex conductivity.

Abstract: A multi-physics and multi-scale system and process to simulate imaging of hydrocarbon reservoirs using electromagnetic particles and electromagnetic tomography. Embodiments are applicable towards flood-front mapping and hydraulic fracture imaging. With respect to flood-front mapping, coated nanoparticles (or their software representation) may be injected. In case of fracture imaging, the contrast agents (or their software representation) may either be injected as proppants, fibers, or nanoparticles suspended in the solution.

Abstract: Contrast agents and methods for use in geological applications are provided. Contrast agents can be a nanopolymorph material, such as titania nanotubes, and have a low-frequency dielectric permittivity. Methods of identifying one or more subterranean features during geological exploration are provided. Methods of identifying a ganglion of bypassed oil are provided. Methods of illuminating subterranean fractures in hydraulic fracturing are provided.