Fracture characterization using directional electromagnetic resistivity measurements
US9909414B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 11, 2015 |
| Grant date | Mar 6, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 11, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01V3/20
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A disclosed fracture characterization method includes: collecting three-dimensional resistivity measurements of a volume surrounding an open borehole; analyzing the measurements to determine parameters describing fractures in the volume; and providing a report to a user based at least in part on said parameters. A fluid with a contrasting resistivity is employed to make the fractures detectable by a directional electromagnetic logging tool in the borehole. Illustrative parameters include fracture direction, height, extent, length, and thickness. The resistivity measurements can be augmented using a borehole wall image logging tool. Also disclosed are fracturing methods that include: positioning a directional electromagnetic logging tool proximate to a formation; fracturing the formation; monitoring fracture progression with said tool; and halting the fracturing when measurements by said tool indicate that a predetermined set of criteria have been satisfied.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.