Method and apparatus for seismically surveying an earth formation in relation to a borehole

US6601671B1 · kind B1 · utility

Assignee

• Weatherford/Lamb, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Xiaomin Zhao · Sugar Land, US
• Francis X. Bostick, III · Houston, US
• Jian-Qun Wu · Kingwood, US
• Daniel L. Gysling · Glastonbury, US
• Peter C. Ogle · Charlestown, US
• Allen R. Davis · Falls Church, US
• Alan D. Kersey · Burke, US
• Bob A. Hardage · Austin, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 10, 2000
• Grant date: Aug 5, 2003
• Expiry date: Jul 10, 2020

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01V1/52
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The present invention provides a new and unique method, sensor, and apparatus for performing a seismic survey of an earth formation in relation to a borehole. The method includes arranging at least one strain seismic sensor in conjunction with a borehole structure, and mechanically coupling the borehole structure to the borehole to allow seismic data to be accurately transferred to the sensor. The sensor is preferably a fiber optic sensor, including a Fiber Bragg Grating which may be coupled to a relevant borehole structure in a number of ways.