Fracture Mapping Has Become a Viable Technology

摘要

Sandia Laboratories has continued the development of massive hydraulic fracture mapping techniques and has participated in several experiments where all the existing technology was applied. The development of the surface electrical potential system has been completed and tested at several locations. Because of the complexity of the potential array, the electrical system will probably be replaced in the future with borehole mapping measurement systems. A wall-clamped geophone system has been tested on several experiments and did detect seismic signals related to the fracture. By knowing the orientation of the seismic detonators, the orientation of the fracture can be ascertained. Nevada Test Site fracturing experiments are being used to study close in seismic signals and enhancing the interpretation of the borehole received signals. An array of hydrophones is being built into a borehole tool for detecting the seismic signals. This will be a means for determining fracture heights away from the wellbore. This data will greatly increase the understanding of the properties that are required for fracture containment. (ERA citation 04:045927)