IP Library › Granted Patent US 9,133,699
Granted Patent B2
US 9,133,699 · App. 13/323,416 · Granted Sep 15, 2015

Electrical methods fracture detection via 4D techniques

Inventors: Peter M. Eick (Houston, TX); Joel D. Brewer (Houston, TX); Frank D. Janiszewski (Richmond, TX)
Assignee: ConocoPhillips Company
E21B43/267C09K8/80E21B47/00E21B49/006
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,133,699
App. No.
13/323,416
Granted
Sep 15, 2015
Kind
B2
Abstract

Method for acquiring and evaluating geometry of a well includes deploying at least one grid of geophysical sensors, wherein the at least one grid of the sensors is deployed in a 2D or 3D configuration; acquiring an initial geophysical survey of geophysical parameters of the well; fracturing the well creating a fracture while simultaneously; injecting an electrically active proppant into the fracture, wherein the electrically active proppant is injected into the fracture during fracturing, after fracturing or during and after fracturing; continuously acquiring a geophysical survey of geophysical parameters of the well during the fracturing; and acquiring a final geophysical survey of geophysical parameters of the fracture upon completion of the fracturing.

Claims (12)

1. A method for acquiring and evaluating geometry of a well comprising:

a. deploying at least one grid of geophysical sensors, wherein the at least one grid of the sensors is deployed in a 2D or 3D configuration;

b. acquiring a baseline geophysical survey of geophysical parameters of the well;

c. fracturing the well to create a fracture;

d. injecting an electrically active proppant into the fracture, wherein the electrically active proppant is characterized by self-potential upon contact with an activating subterranean fluid;

e. introducing an activating subterranean fluid into the fracture to activate the self-potential of the electrically active proppant;

f. continuously acquiring a geophysical survey of the self-potential of the electrically active proppant during the fracturing; and

g. acquiring a final geophysical survey of geophysical parameters of the fracture upon completion of the fracturing.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one grid of sensors is connected to seismic survey equipment.

3. The method according to claim 2 , wherein the seismic survey equipment includes a seismic interface box and a seismic data recorder.

4. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the electrically active proppant is a suitable proppant for stimulating data desired to be collected.

5. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the proppant material injected has particular geophysical parameters to be measured that includes electric, electromagnetic properties, resistivity, or gravitimetric magnetic properties.

Assignments (1)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Dec 12, 2011
From: EICK, PETER M.; BREWER, JOEL D.; JANISZEWSKI, FRANK D.
To: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANY
Reel/Frame 027368/0326 →
Continuity (2)
Provisional Application 61423425 · Dec 15, 2010
Related Publication 20120152529A1 · Jun 21, 2012