Apparatus for measuring streaming potentials and determining earth formation characteristics
US8302687B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 10, 2009 |
| Grant date | Nov 6, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 29, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V3/265
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Earth formations are characterized by using an array of electrodes which can measure streaming potentials in the formation, and by interpreting the data obtained by the electrodes. The electrodes are placed on a wireline tool, a LWD tool, or in a fixed manner about a completed wellbore. The measured streaming potentials are generated by drilling with an overbearing pressure, slitting the mudcake in a borehole, acid injection, or any of various other manners which causes fluid movement. The data obtained is interpreted to locate fractures, measure formation permeability, estimate formation pressure, monitor drilling fluid loss, detect abnormal pressure, etc. Particularly, a streaming potential voltage transient having a double peak profile signifies the presence of a formation fracture.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.