Seismic Profiling System for Real-Time Fracture Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic imaging technologies face challenges in providing high-resolution, real-time analysis of subterranean fracture treatments, particularly in accurately mapping fracture networks and reservoir properties, which hinders efficient resource extraction and production optimization.
Innovation Solution
A seismic profiling system that utilizes an array of seismic sources and sensors deployed within and around wellbores to generate and detect seismic waves, constructing time-sequence data for dynamic fracture mapping and reservoir characterization, enabling real-time monitoring and optimization of fracture treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional seismic imaging technologies are used, then geological information can be obtained, but high-resolution real-time analysis of subterranean fracture treatments cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the seismic imaging process into multiple components: deploying seismic sources and sensors within wellbores, acquiring seismic data at multiple time points during fracture treatment, processing individual seismic datasets, and integrating results to construct time-sequence images. This segmentation enables high-resolution real-time analysis by processing discrete temporal snapshots rather than requiring complete dataset processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-deploying seismic sources and sensors within wellbores before fracture treatment begins, establishing a ready-to-acquire monitoring system. This preliminary setup enables immediate real-time data collection when fracture treatment starts, achieving both high resolution and real-time capability without delaying the actual treatment process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If seismic sources and sensors are deployed within wellbores, then dynamic fracture mapping capability is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by using wellbores that serve dual purposes: as conduits for fracture treatment fluid injection and as housings for seismic sources and sensors. This universal use of existing well infrastructure enables dynamic fracture mapping without adding separate dedicated monitoring wells, thereby reducing overall system complexity while achieving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the wellbore structure itself to provide housing and positioning for seismic equipment, eliminating the need for separate surface deployment systems. The wellbore naturally provides the necessary containment and spatial organization for sources and sensors, allowing the system to leverage existing infrastructure rather than requiring additional complex deployment mechanisms.
3Reliability
If time-sequence seismic data is collected, then fracture growth monitoring is improved, but data processing time and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by collecting seismic data at discrete time points during fracture treatment rather than continuous monitoring. This periodic sampling captures essential fracture growth stages while minimizing total data volume, enabling accurate fracture growth monitoring through selective temporal snapshots that reduce processing requirements compared to continuous data streams.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential seismic data needed for fracture growth monitoring by selecting specific time points during treatment. This extraction approach removes unnecessary redundant data while retaining critical information about fracture initiation, propagation, and completion, thereby maintaining monitoring accuracy while significantly reducing computational processing requirements.
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 provides high-resolution, real-time imaging of fracture growth and reservoir properties, enhancing the efficiency of fracture treatments, reducing costs, and optimizing resource extraction by allowing for precise control and monitoring of fracture propagation.
Implementation Method 1
seismic waves are generated by an artificial seismic source at the ground surface, and reflected seismic waves are recorded by geophones
Implementation Method 2
reflected seismic waves are recorded by geophones
Data Source
AI summary
Some aspects of what is described here relate to seismic profiling techniques. In some implementations, a time-sequence of seismic excitations are generated at seismic source locations in a first directional wellbore section in a subterranean region. Each seismic excitation is generated at a respective time and at a respective subset of the seismic source locations. A time-sequence of seismic responses are detected at one or more seismic sensor locations in a second directional wellbore section in the subterranean region. The time-sequence of seismic responses is associated with the time-sequence of seismic excitations. A fracture treatment of the subterranean region is analyzed based on the time-sequence of seismic responses.