Electrolocation Wellbore Mapping Hydraulic Fractures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for mapping hydraulic fracture geometry in subterranean wells are limited, often measuring only one dimension, requiring costly offset wells or environmentally damaging radioactive materials, and lack comprehensive visualization of underground features.
Innovation Solution
An electrolocation system is employed, using spaced-apart electric current transmitting and sensing electrodes within a well bore to create and detect electric field perturbations, allowing for the approximation of hydraulic fracture dimensions without the need for an offset well or radioactive materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If micro-seismic fracture mapping or tilt-meter fracture mapping techniques are used, then fracture geometry can be visualized, but only one dimension of fracture geometry can be represented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-dimensional measurement techniques (micro-seismic, tilt-meter) to a multi-dimensional electrolocation system that measures fracture length, height, width, and azimuth simultaneously. The electrolocation apparatus uses multiple electrodes positioned at different locations to capture electric field perturbations from multiple angles, enabling comprehensive 3D+azimuthal characterization of hydraulic fractures.
2Measurement precision
If offset wells are used for fracture mapping, then comprehensive fracture geometry data can be obtained, but costs are dramatically increased
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolocation system performs multiple measurement functions using a single wellbore deployment. The same electrode array can measure fracture length, height, width, and azimuth, as well as characterize proppant distribution and formation properties, eliminating the need for separate offset well operations and reducing overall measurement costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates an electrical 'copy' or model of the fracture geometry by mapping electric field perturbations. Instead of physically accessing the fracture from multiple locations via offset wells, the electrolocation system reconstructs the fracture's electrical signature and uses inversion algorithms to create a detailed geometric model from the electrical measurements.
3Measurement precision
If radioactive materials are used for fracture mapping, then fracture geometry can be determined, but environmental damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radioactive tracing methods with an electrolocation system that uses electrical fields instead of ionizing radiation. The electrolocation apparatus measures electrical conductivity variations caused by the fracture geometry and proppant distribution, providing the same diagnostic information without the environmental hazards of radioactive materials.
4Measurement precision
If current electrolocation techniques are used, then some fracture dimensions can be measured, but comprehensive mapping of all dimensions (length, width, height, azimuth) is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The electrolocation system divides the fracture characterization into multiple measurement segments: length measurement using electrodes spaced along the wellbore, height measurement using electrodes at different depths, width measurement using closely spaced electrode pairs, and azimuth measurement using directional electrode configurations. Each segment contributes to the complete geometric picture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds azimuthal information to the traditional three-dimensional fracture characterization. By measuring electric field perturbations from multiple angular orientations around the wellbore, the electrolocation system determines the strike and dip angles of the fracture, providing complete 4D geometric information (length, height, width, azimuth).
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 comprehensive mapping of hydraulic fracture dimensions, including length, width, height, and azimuth, providing detailed geometry without increasing costs or environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
At least two spaced-apart electric current transmitting electrodes are disposed in the well bore and configured to create an electric field between and proximate to them in the zone of interest of the earthen formation
Implementation Method 2
At least two spaced-apart sensing electrodes are disposed in the well bore and configured to detect a difference therebetween in electric potential measured in volts caused by the target object(s)
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, apparatus useful for determining at least one dimension of at least one geological feature of an earthen formation from a subterranean well bore includes at least two electric current transmitting electrodes and at least two sensing electrodes disposed in the well bore. The electric current transmitting electrodes are configured to create an electric field and the sensing electrodes are configured to detect perturbations in the electric field created by at least one target object.