RF-Powered Wireless Pressure Micro-Sensor for Fracking Operation Monitoring

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Multi zone fracking is common and becoming the norm in modern oil wells. Sand water and chemicals arepumped at very high pressure into the formation in multiple zones with each zone having valves for pressureisolation. Pressure, temperature, vibration, fluid composition and fluid flow are valuable pieces of informationto collect for each zone in the fracking process as this information can be used to adjust the process for optimalresults. The ideal solution is to put sensors at each zone to monitor the well after fracking. Wires are notfeasible in multiple zone fracks as they add complication in already complicated wells and wiring 40 separatesensors with power, ground and communications would be unwieldy.The objective of this research project is to develop a wireless pressure sensor for monitoring oil wellparameters during and after fracking operations in collaboration with Phase Advanced Sensor Systems Corp.The goal is to build an extremely low-power wireless device, capable of sensing pressure and transmitting datato an external reader, while only powered by harvesting available radio frequency energy.The proposed project can position Canadian companies to succeed with innovative instrumentation technologyfor harsh environments with applications in many industries. Throughout this project, new know-how andexpertise will be developed in the design of instrumentation devices, integrated radio frequency circuits, andenergy harvesting systems.