Method of determining material properties in the earth by measurement of deformations due to subsurface pressure changes
US5417103A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 10, 1993 |
| Grant date | May 23, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 10, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B49/008
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
This invention relates to a method of determination of the deformation of the surface or subsurface of the earth resulting from an applied pressure change at a selected point, at a selected depth, in the earth, by measuring at least one physical parameter of the deformation above the point of application of pressure change. The method involves positioning a plurality of tiltmeters on or below the surface of the earth above the point of application of pressure change arranged in a known array, and measuring the change of angle of tilt of earth's surface or subsurface at the point of placement of each sensor while varying the pressure and flow rate of fluid into or out of the earth at the selected point. This invention further teaches how the individual values of incremental tilt at selected points on or below the earth's surface can be processed to determine material properties at selected points in the earth.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.