Method for determining formation stress field using microseismic focal mechanisms and applications therefor to predict reservoir formation response before during and after hydraulic fracturing
US10451754B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 8, 2017 |
| Grant date | Oct 22, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 18, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V2210/646
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for estimating a fluid pressure required to stimulate a subsurface formation includes using seismic signals detected by a plurality of seismic sensors disposed proximate the subsurface formation. Spatial positions and times of origin (“hypocenters”) of each of a plurality of microseismic events induced by pumping fluid into the subsurface formation are estimated. Magnitudes and directions of principal stresses are estimated from the hypocenters and from amplitude and phase of the detected seismic signals for each of the microseismic events. Shear and normal stresses of induced fractures are from the estimated principal stresses. A fluid pressure required to cause formation failure on each fracture is estimated using the estimated shear and normal stresses.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.