Patent ID: 7334486
Filing Date: 2008-02-26
Classification: E21B,G01F

Abstract:
1. A method of estimating simultaneously the magnitude and direction of cumulative and time-average fluid flux and dissolved solute mass flux in both monitoring wells containing single and multiple screened intervals as well as in unscreened boreholes, where in the latter case parameters such as fracture locations, separations, inclinations, orientations of inclination and apertures can be estimated, comprising, in combination, the steps of, a) providing at least one sampling device comprising at least one sorbent layer attached to a continuous or segmented impermeable flexible liner (“IFL”), wherein each sorbent layer contains at least one insoluble sorbent matrix and at least one resident tracer with a known mass sorbed on the sorbent; b) locating a flow system having fluid flux containing contaminants; c) introducing the sampling device into the flow system; d) allowing the fluid flux to contact the sorbent layer; e) recording the time that the sorbent layer is in contact with the fluid flux; f) removing the sampling device from the flow system; g) removing the sorbent layer from the IFL for visual and laboratory analysis; and h) analyzing the sorbent layer to quantify the cumulative fluid flux from the mass of resident tracer remaining on the sorbent layer, to identify contaminants and to determine contaminant concentrations and fluxes, as well as fracture parameters from visual inspection of the resident tracer marks.