Enhanced interventional CT imaging of cracks in rocks during hydraulic testing
US10234407B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 2, 2018 |
| Grant date | Mar 19, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 2, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2291/048
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention improves the precision in observing cracks in rocks during a hydraulic fracturing test, improving a scientific understanding of the regular pattern of development cracks in of hydraulically fractured rocks. The technical solution includes: hydraulically fracturing the rock with aqueous solutions containing an interventional contrast-enhanced agent, forming hydraulically fractured cracks, wherein the difference in a mass attenuation coefficient μ/ρ of x-rays between the cracks and the rock is improved by the interventional contrast-enhanced agent in the cracks, moreover, the difference in mass energy absorption coefficient μen/ρ of x-rays between the cracks and the rock is improved, then the linear attenuation coefficient of the reception of the detector is changed, improving the imaging resolution for hydraulically fractured cracks in the rock.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.