Abstract: The present invention is a method to determine where fractures are created within a wellbore during a formation fracturing operation, the method comprising the steps of: providing at least one sensor within a carrier capable of measuring and recording a pressure difference across the carrier as a function of time; releasing the sensor into fracturing fluids; injecting fracturing fluids into a wellbore during a fracturing operation; after at least one fracture has formed, permitting fluids to flow back from the fractured formation into the wellbore and to a surface facility; capturing at least one sensor from the fluids which flowed back from the fractured formation; reading recorded data from the captured sensor; and determining the relative size of at least two different fractures based on the recorded data.

Abstract: The present invention is a method to determine where fractures are created within a wellbore during a formation fracturing operation, the method comprising the steps of: providing at least one sensor within a carrier capable of measuring and recording a pressure difference across the carrier as a function of time; releasing the sensor into fracturing fluids; injecting fracturing fluids into a wellbore during a fracturing operation; after at least one fracture has formed, permitting fluids to flow back from the fractured formation into the wellbore and to a surface facility; capturing at least one sensor from the fluids which flowed back from the fractured formation; reading recorded data from the captured sensor; and determining the relative size of at least two different fractures based on the recorded data.

Abstract: An apparatus may include a tubular, a first isolator connected to the tubular and configured to engage an interior surface of the wellbore, a first pressure gauge connected to the tubular and configured to take multiple pressure readings over a period of time, and a first perforation gun connected to the tubular without compromising the communication of fluid through an inner flow channel of the tubular. A method may include placing the apparatus in a wellbore, and actuating the isolator to provide isolation of a first zone in a formation. The method may include activating the perforation gun to provide fluid communication between an annulus of the wellbore and the zone in the formation. The method may include allowing the pressure gauge to take a plurality of pressure readings over a period of time. Based on the pressure readings, the method may include determining a formation characteristic.