Microhydraulic fracturing with downhole acoustic measurement
US9477002B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 28, 2009 |
| Grant date | Oct 25, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 29, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B47/107
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Methods and related systems are described for measuring acoustic signals in a borehole during a fracturing operation. The system includes a downhole toolstring designed and adapted for deployment in a borehole formed within a subterranean rock formation. A downhole rock fracturing tool opens and propagates a fracture in the subterranean rock formation. Dipole and/or quadrupole acoustic sources transmit acoustic energy into the subterranean rock formation. A receiver array measures acoustic energy traveling through the subterranean rock formation before, during and after the fracture induction. Geophones mounted on extendable arms can be used to measure shear wave acoustic energy travelling in the rock formation. The toolstring can be constructed such that the sources and receivers straddle the fracture zone during the fracturing. Alternatively, the sources or the receivers can co-located axially with the fracture zone, or the toolstring can be repositioned following fracturing such that the fracture zone is between the acoustic sources and receivers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.