Patent · US Active

Generating probabilistic information on subterranean fractures

US8437962B2 · kind B2 · utility

17Cited by
17References
47Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJul 16, 2010
Grant dateMay 7, 2013
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 15, 2031

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE21B43/2607
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

Systems, methods, and instructions encoded in a computer-readable medium can perform operations related to generating probabilistic information on characteristics of natural fractures of a subterranean formation. Fitted fracture models are generated based on microseismic event data for a subterranean region. The fitted fracture models represent estimated locations of fractures in the subterranean region. A distribution of fracture parameter values is generated based on the fitted fracture models. The distribution includes fracture parameter values and a probability associated with each fracture parameter value. Generating the fitted fracture models may include, for example, fitting a plane, a line or another type of equation to the measured locations of microseismic events. In some implementations, an injection treatment may be simulated and/or designed based on the probability distribution.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.