Active seismic monitoring of fracturing operations
US9127543B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 2, 2012 |
| Grant date | Sep 8, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 27, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V2210/612
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for managing a fracturing operation. In one implementation, the method may include positioning a seismic source and at least one seismic receiver near a hydrocarbon reservoir; pumping a fracturing fluid into a well bore of the hydrocarbon reservoir such that the fracturing fluid may include an additive that enhances acoustic impedance between the fracturing fluid and subsurface formations in which the hydrocarbon reservoir is located and that produces a foam; performing a seismic survey with the seismic source and the at least one seismic receiver during the fracturing operation; and identifying locations of the fracturing fluid within subsurface formations in which the hydrocarbon reservoir is located.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.