Fracture detection and localization using acoustic reflections
US10295692B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 30, 2016 |
| Grant date | May 21, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 30, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V2210/646
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An acoustic array includes an acoustic transmitter and acoustic receivers radially or longitudinally offset from the acoustic transmitter. The acoustic array is disposed in a wellbore penetrating a subsurface formation. An acoustic signal is broadcast using the transmitter and a portion of the emitted signal is reflected by a reflector and received by the receivers. The presence or absence of fractures in the subsurface formation is inferred based on the received acoustic signal. Inferences are based on travel times and/or coherency of the received signals. Images can be made and fracture orientations determined. Frequencies in the sonic or ultrasonic range may be used. Measurements may be made while-drilling or while performing post-drilling operations. Processing may be done in real-time or post-processing may be performed on recorded data.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.