Borehole Sonic Fracture Attribute Determination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems have limitations in determining fracture attributes in hydrocarbon-bearing formations, such as whether fractures are filled with fluid or soft sediments, which affects the accuracy of fracture characterization and optimization of hydrocarbon production.
Innovation Solution
A system and methodology that generates broadband acoustic waves using an array of receivers and acoustic sources to record and process sonic signatures, allowing for the determination of fracture attributes like fracture orientation, height, length, and whether fractures are open or closed, by analyzing borehole sonic data before and after fracturing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If broadband acoustic waves are generated and analyzed to determine fracture attributes, then measurement precision of fracture characteristics is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple acoustic sources and receivers
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the formation into discrete fracture zones and uses multiple acoustic sources positioned at different depths to independently characterize each fracture segment. This segmentation allows precise measurement of fracture attributes (orientation, height, length, fill status) in each zone while managing overall system complexity through modular deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional single-point acoustic measurements to three-dimensional characterization by deploying arrays of acoustic sources and receivers in multiple spatial dimensions. This enables determination of fracture orientation, height, and length by analyzing acoustic wave propagation from multiple angles and depths, achieving comprehensive fracture mapping
2Loss of information
If borehole sonic data is collected before and after fracturing operations, then information completeness about fracture networks is improved, but loss of time increases due to multiple measurement phases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs baseline acoustic measurements before the fracturing operation to establish the initial formation state. This preliminary data collection captures pre-fracture formation characteristics, enabling later comparison with post-fracture data to accurately determine fracture attributes without requiring extended measurement periods
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the comparison between pre- and post-fracturing acoustic data as feedback to identify fracture-induced changes in formation properties. By analyzing differences in acoustic wave propagation characteristics before and after fracturing, the system efficiently determines fracture attributes and validates fracture creation without requiring continuous extended monitoring
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables accurate characterization of fracture attributes, improving the understanding of fracture networks and enhancing hydrocarbon production by identifying filled or open fractures, thereby optimizing completion designs for higher productivity.
Implementation Method 1
acoustic sources may be used to generate headwaves which travel through the formation and are reflected back to an array of receivers
Implementation Method 2
headwaves which travel through the formation and are reflected back to an array of receivers
Data Source
AI summary
A technique facilitates determination of fracture attributes through the recording and analyzing of borehole sonic data before and after a fracturing operation. The technique comprises generating broadband acoustic waves at an array of receivers based on output from a plurality of acoustic sources. The waveforms of the broadband acoustic waves are recorded and processed to estimate sonic signatures. The sonic signatures are then used to determine fracture attributes. In some applications, the data may be used to determine whether the fractures in the formation are filled with fluid or soft sediments. Information on the fracture attributes is output to a suitable system, e.g. a computer display.