METHOD TO MEASURE FRACTURE WIDTH
The present invention explains methods for measuring the width of a fracture created in a subterranean zone and the completion that houses the width measurement device. This equipment is intended to be used in a geomechanical energy storage system which will be used to produce electricity.
1 . (canceled)
2 . A method of measuring a width of a fracture in a subterranean zone, the method consisting of:
selecting a first point along said fracture;
selecting a second point along said fracture whereby said second point is on an opposite side of said fracture than said first point;
installing a measuring device within said zone;
filling said zone with a fluid to be stored; and
measuring a distance between said first and said second point.
3 . (canceled)
4 . (canceled)
5 . The method as defined in claim 2 wherein one of said points is a section of casing.
6 . The method as defined in claim 2 wherein one of said points is a section of open hole rock.
7 . The method as defined in claim 2 wherein one of said points is a plug.
8 . The method as defined in claim 2 wherein one of said points is a packer.
9 . The method as defined in claim 2 wherein said device is a LVDT.
10 . The method as defined in claim 2 wherein said device is an interferometer.
11 . The method as defined in claim 2 whereby said measuring occurs during fracturing of said zone.
12 . The method as defined in claim 2 whereby said measuring occurs during operating of said zone.
13 . The method as defined in claim 2 whereby said distance is used to predict a fracture size.
14 . The method as defined in claim 2 whereby said distance is used to predict a fracture growth direction.
15 . The method as defined in claim 2 further consisting of calculating a total zone fluid capacity from at least said distance.
16 . The method as defined in claim 2 further consisting of calculating a zone fluid loss from at least said distance.
17 . The method as defined in claim 2 further consisting of calculating an amount of stored energy in said zone from at least said distance.
18 . The method as defined in claim 2 further consisting of calculating an amount of energy available in said zone to perform useful work.