Electromagnetic Fracture Permeability Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic fracture analysis methods, such as micro-earthquake surveys and discrete fracture models, face challenges in accurately predicting the extent and permeability of fractures created by hydraulic fracturing, leading to uncertain stimulated reservoir volume estimates and optimal well placement.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting electromagnetic signals to subsurface hydraulic fracture locations, capturing measurements, and using computer modeling to determine effective permeability and geometric characteristics of fracture zones, incorporating electromagnetic signal measurements and inversion software to associate with hydraulic flow data, thereby estimating fracture zone volumes and permeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If micro-earthquake surveys and discrete fracture models are used to predict fracture extent and permeability, then fracture location can be identified, but measurement precision and reliability of permeability estimates deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/seismic measurement systems (micro-earthquake surveys) with electromagnetic measurement systems. The electromagnetic system uses sources and receivers to measure electromagnetic field responses that are directly related to fluid conductivity and proppant distribution, providing more reliable permeability estimates without depending on velocity models.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic field measurements as an intermediary between fracture characterization and permeability estimation. The electromagnetic responses serve as a mediator that directly senses fluid and proppant distribution, bridging the gap between fracture location and permeability prediction more reliably than direct seismic methods.
2Area of stationary object
If electromagnetic methods are used to improve fracture models, then spatial coverage can be increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electromagnetic measurement system into separate source and receiver components that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the system to achieve extensive spatial coverage by distributing multiple source-receiver pairs across the survey area, while each individual component remains relatively simple in design.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic measurement system is designed with universal components that can perform multiple functions. The same source and receiver architecture can be used for different fracture characterization tasks, and the system can operate in various configurations (different source-receiver arrangements) to address different measurement needs, reducing overall system complexity.
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
This approach enhances the accuracy of fracture modeling by sensing the distribution of conductive fluids and proppant, providing increased spatial coverage and determining the effectiveness of hydraulic fracturing, thus improving the reliability of stimulated reservoir volume estimates.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting electromagnetic signals from an electromagnetic source toward a subsurface hydraulic fracture location, capturing electromagnetic signal measurements on the surface above a subsurface hydraulic fracture location at a plurality of electromagnetic receivers
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for characterizing subsurface hydraulic fractures, specifically the effective permeability thereof, are disclosed. One method includes transmitting electromagnetic signals from an electromagnetic source toward a subsurface hydraulic fracture location, capturing electromagnetic signal measurements of a subsurface hydraulic fracture on the Earth's surface above the subsurface hydraulic fracture location at a plurality of electromagnetic receivers, and associating characteristic hydraulic flow parameters with the electromagnetic signal measurements to determine one or more fracture zones. The method further includes determining an effective permeability of the one or more fracture zones, thereby determining an effectiveness of hydraulic fracturing in the subsurface hydraulic fracture location.