Use of PNC tools to determine the depth and relative location of proppant in fractures and the near borehole region
US9038715B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 1, 2012 |
| Grant date | May 26, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 5, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B47/11
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Methods are provided for identifying the location and height of induced subterranean formation fractures and the presence of any associated frac-pack or gravel pack material in the vicinity of the borehole using pulsed neutron capture (PNC) logging tools. The proppant/sand used in the fracturing and packing processes is tagged with a thermal neutron absorbing material. When proppant is present, increases in detected PNC formation and/or borehole component cross-sections, combined with decreases in measured count rates, are used to determine the location of the formation fractures and the presence and percent fill of pack material in the borehole region. Changes in measured formation cross-sections relative to changes in other PNC parameters provide a relative indication of the proppant in fractures compared to that in the borehole region.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.