Method of predicting natural fractures and damage in a subsurface region
US8494827B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 21, 2010 |
| Grant date | Jul 23, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 23, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F30/23
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for predicting localized damage and naturally occurring fractures in a subsurface region is provided. This invention uses a hybrid FEM-DEM (i.e. finite-discrete element) framework combined with a fracture risking analysis and fracture initiation and propagation criteria, to model the transition of rock from a state of continuum to discontinuum. The risking analysis combines results from other natural fracture prediction tools (e.g. displacement discontinuity method, restoration analysis, curvature analysis, analytical solutions, continuum analysis) to augment FEM-DEM solutions, such as by providing remote and local boundary conditions and identifying potential regions of anticipated damage and fracturing. Natural fractures and damage information is extracted from the modeling results and may be used directly for predictions or used as input into other fracture analysis tools or techniques. The FEM-DEM and risking techniques can be incorporated into a variety of numerical simulation software packages that use a finite-discrete method solver.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.