Method of determining pore pressure and fracture gradient profiles using seismic transit times
US5615115A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 15, 1994 |
| Grant date | Mar 25, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 15, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B49/006
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method of generating a two-dimensional pore pressure gradient and fracture gradient cross section from seismic survey data is disclosed. In general, the method includes generation of a two-dimensional overburden gradient cross section and a two-dimensional normal compaction trend line cross section. The two-dimensional overburden gradient and normal compaction trend line cross sections are preferably generated by extrapolating the overburden gradient and normal compaction trend lines at an existing offset well, after correlating seismic interval transit times to the density and well log data at the offset well location. Once the two-dimensional overburden gradient cross section and two-dimensional normal compaction trend line cross section are generated, the Eaton method is applied at each of the common depth points of interest to produce a two-dimensional pore pressure gradient cross section, at least at certain common depth points of interest. Poisson's ratio for rocks can also be applied to the pore pressure gradients, to produce a two-dimensional fracture gradient cross section. Accurate pore pressure and fracture gradient information at locations away from existing offset we…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.