Method for determining fracture proppant spatial distribution using passive seismic signals
US9880304B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 27, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jan 30, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 8, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V2210/65
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for determining spatial distribution of proppant incudes using signals detected by seismic sensors disposed proximate a formation treated by pumping fracturing fluid containing the proppant. Origin time and spatial position of seismic events induced by pumping the fracturing fluid are determined. Volume and orientation of at least one fracture in the subsurface formation associated with each induced seismic event are determined. Spatial distribution of a volume of the pumped fracturing fluid is determined using the volume and orientation of each fracture. A length of ellipsoidal axes is selected using a surface defined by a selected fractional amount of the total volume of frac fluid pumped into the formation. Spatial distribution of the proppant is determined using proppant mass, specific gravity and expected proppant porosity in the fractures, and spatially distributing a volume of the fractures within an ellipsoid defined by the ellipsoidal axes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.