Monitoring, controlling and enhancing processes while stimulating a fluid-filled borehole
US7819188B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 21, 2007 |
| Grant date | Oct 26, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 3, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V1/44
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Tubewaves are used for detection and monitoring of feature state to enhance stimulation operations and remediate failure conditions. For example, proper sealing of perforations may be confirmed based on lack of a reflection of a tubewave by the perforations. Alternatively, at least one of amplitude, frequency, attenuation, dispersion and travel time associated with a tubewave and reflection may be used to determine feature state. If a sealant fails during treatment then the failure condition is indicated by appearance of a tubewave reflection. Consequently, the stimulation operation can be stopped in a timely manner, and remediation by means, for example, of pumping diversion fluid or dropping of balls, can be reinitiated until the difference between the expected responses and responses measured by the instrument along the segment to be stimulated confirm that sealing has taken place and that stimulation of the intended zone can resume. Further, specific remediation steps may be selected based on response of the borehole system to tubewaves. The efficacy of the selected remediation steps may also be determined by response of the borehole system to tubewaves during or after executio…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.