Continuous reservoir monitoring for fluid pathways using microseismic data
US8041510B2 · kind B2 · utility
22Cited by
24References
18Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 2, 2006 |
| Grant date | Oct 18, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 2, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V2210/1234
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A system and method monitor a hydrocarbon reservoir for drainage in volumetric three dimensions. Monitoring between wells is imperative for optimum reservoir management and is achieved by mapping the hydrocarbon fluid pathways in a producing reservoir. Unlike conventional 4D or time-lapse reflection seismic imaging systems that use a controlled active seismic source and records reflected seismic energy at receivers, the system and method exploit the minute vibrations, or micro-earthquakes generated in the reservoir layers that are induced by fluid movement. These microseisms are detected as the fluids move in the reservoir.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.