Fluid flow location identification positioning system, method of detecting flow in a tubular and method of treating a formation

Abstract

A fluid flow location identification positioning system includes, at least one component that is attachable within a tubular at any user selectable location within the tubular, and an identifier in operable communication with the at least one component configured to be eroded by fluid that flows therepast, at least trace amounts of the identifier are releasable into fluid that erodes the identifier

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A fluid flow location identification positioning system, comprising:
 at least one component being attachable within a tubular at any user selectable location within the tubular; and   an identifier in operable communication with the at least one component configured to be eroded by fluid that flows therepast, at least trace amounts of the identifier being releasable into fluid that erodes the identifier.   
     
     
         2 . The fluid flow location identification positioning system of  claim 1 , further comprising at least one second component being attachable within the tubular at any user selectable location within the tubular, and a second identifier in operable communication with the at least one second component configured to be eroded by fluid that flows therepast, trace amounts of the second identifier being releasable into fluid that erodes the second identifier. 
     
     
         3 . The fluid flow location identification positioning system of  claim 2 , wherein the identifier is different than the second identifier. 
     
     
         4 . The fluid flow location identification positioning system of  claim 1 , wherein the identifier is detectable in fluid downstream from the at least one component. 
     
     
         5 . The fluid flow location identification positioning system of  claim 1 , wherein concentrations of the identifier within fluid are measurable. 
     
     
         6 . The fluid flow location identification positioning system of  claim 5 , wherein the measured concentrations are proportional to a fluid flow rate of fluid past the at least one component. 
     
     
         7 . The fluid flow location identification positioning system of  claim 5 , wherein a fluid flow rate past the at least one component is determinable by the measured concentrations of the identifier. 
     
     
         8 . The fluid flow location identification positioning system of  claim 7 , wherein a second identifier attached at a second location within the tubular allows determination of fluid flow rates therepast. 
     
     
         9 . The fluid flow location identification positioning system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one component is part of a frac plug or bridge plug. 
     
     
         10 . The fluid flow location identification positioning system of  claim 9 , wherein the frac plug or bridge plug has a flow through area configured to produce fluid therethrough. 
     
     
         11 . The fluid flow location identification positioning system of  claim 1 , wherein the identifier is retained in a groove, opening or cavity in the at least one component. 
     
     
         12 . The fluid flow location identification positioning system of  claim 1 , wherein the identifier is incorporated into the at least one component. 
     
     
         13 . A method of detecting flow in a tubular, comprising:
 positioning an identifier at any location within a tubular;   flowing fluid through the tubular past the identifier;   eroding the identifier; and   detecting at least trace amounts of the identifier in fluid downstream of the location.   
     
     
         14 . The method of detecting flow in a tubular of  claim 13 , further comprising concluding that fluid is flowing past the identifier by detecting the at least trace amounts of the identifier in fluid downstream of the location. 
     
     
         15 . The method of detecting flow in a tubular of  claim 13 , further comprising measuring concentration of the identifier in fluid. 
     
     
         16 . The method of detecting flow in a tubular of  claim 15 , further comprising determining a flow rate of fluid past the identifier at the location based on the measured concentrations of the identifier. 
     
     
         17 . The method of detecting flow in a tubular of  claim 13 , further comprising producing fluid through the tubular past the identifier. 
     
     
         18 . The method of detecting flow in a tubular of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 positioning a second identifier at any second location within the tubular;   flowing fluid through the tubular past the second identifier;   eroding the second identifier; and   detecting at least trace amounts of the second identifier in fluid downstream of the second location.   
     
     
         19 . The method of detecting flow in a tubular of  claim 18 , further comprising determining a flow rate of fluid past the identifier separately from determining flow rate of fluid flow past the second identifier. 
     
     
         20 . The method of detecting flow in a tubular of  claim 18 , further comprising positioning the identifier within a groove, opening or cavity of a component of a frac plug or bridge plug. 
     
     
         21 . A method of treating a formation, comprising:
 setting a frac plug or bridge plug within a tubular;   plugging the frac plug or bridge plug with a plug;   treating a formation upstream of the plugged frac plug or bridge plug;   removing the plug;   producing fluid through the frac plug or bridge plug;   eroding an identifier positioned at the frac plug or bridge plug with fluid flowing therepast; and   detecting at least trace amounts of the identifier in fluid downstream of the frac plug or bridge plug.   
     
     
         22 . The method of treating a formation or  claim 21 , further comprising measuring concentrations of the identifier in fluid. 
     
     
         23 . The method of treating a formation or  claim 21 , further comprising determining fluid flow rates past the frac plug or bridge plug with the measured concentrations.