| Entries |
| Document | Title | Date |
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| 20080230220 | Proppant suspension testing devices and methods of use - An apparatus for testing a rheological property of a fluid with a particulate includes: (a) a receptacle having a cylindrical side wall enclosed by a bottom wall defining a cavity for receiving a fluid to be tested; (b) an axial support adapted to be positioned in the cavity of the receptacle, whereby relative rotational motion can be imparted to the receptacle and the axial support; (c) at least one inward projection extending inward from an inside surface of the receptacle; (d) at least one outward projection extending outward from the axial support; and (e) at least one projection for directing fluid flow that has at least one major surface angled or curved upward. A method of testing a rheological property of a fluid with a particulate includes: (a) placing a sample of the fluid and the particulate in the apparatus; (b) imparting relative rotational motion to the receptacle and the axial support; and (c) measuring the torque between the receptacle and the axial support. A method of fracturing a subterranean formation penetrated by a well includes: (a) placing a sample of a fracturing fluid and a particulate in the apparatus; (b) imparting relative rotational motion to the receptacle and the axial support; (c) measuring the torque between the receptacle and the axial support; (d) adjusting the conditions for mixing the fracturing fluid and the particulate in response to the measured torque; and (e) injecting the fluid and particulate into the well at a sufficient rate and pressure to fracture the formation. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20090065198 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INCREASING PRODUCTION OF A RESERVOIR USING LATERAL WELLS - A method for stimulating production in a wellbore associated with a reservoir. The method includes determining a textural complexity of a formation in which the reservoir is located, determining an induced fracture complexity of the formation using the textural complexity, fracturing the formation to create a plurality of fractures, determining an operation to perform within the formation to maintain conductivity of the formation based on the induced fracture complexity and the textural complexity, and performing the operation, wherein the operation comprises drilling a lateral well originating from the wellbore to maintain conductivity of the formation. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090090505 | METHOD AND TOOL FOR DETERMINATION OF FRACTURE GEOMETRY IN SUBTERRANEAN FORMATIONS BASED ON IN-SITU NEUTRON ACTIVATION ANALYSIS - A method for determining fracture geometry of a subterranean formation from radiation emitted from a fracture in the formation, including measuring gamma-radiation emitted from the fracture; subtracting background radiation from the measured gamma-radiation to obtain a peak-energy measurement; comparing the peak-energy measurement with a gamma-ray transport/spectrometer response model; and determining formation fracture geometry of the fracture in accordance with values associated with the response model. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090145599 | Method System and Program Storage Device for Simulating A Multilayer Reservoir and Partially Active Elements In A Hydraulic Fracturing Simulator - A method, practiced by a Hydraulic Fracturing Simulator software, is adapted for simulating a hydraulic fracture in an Earth formation, the formation including a multilayered reservoir, a mesh adapted to overlay the fracture in the formation thereby defining a plurality of elements, the mesh and the fracture defining one or more partially active elements, the method comprising the step of: setting up an Influence Coefficient Matrix, the matrix having a plurality of numbers, the plurality of numbers of the Influence Coefficient Matrix being calculated and determined such that the method, practiced by the Hydraulic Fracturing Simulator software for simulating the hydraulic fracture, models, or take into account an existence of, the multilayered reservoir and the partially active elements. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090166029 | METHOD OF FORMATION FRACTURE DIMENSIONS - The invention is intended to determine the dimensions of the cracks resulting from the formation fracturing. To determine the crack dimensions a numerical model of the fracturing fluid ousting from the crack and filtrate zone with the formation fluid is made for the set formation parameters, fracturing data and supposed crack dimensions, the model is made to calculate the change of the fracturing fluid concentration in the total production during the well post-fracturing commissioning; during the well commissioning, throughout the entire fracturing fluid ousting period samples of the fluid produced are periodically taken from the well mouth and the fracturing fluid concentration in the samples taken is measure, then the measurement results are compared with the model calculations and the crack length is determined based on the best match of the measurement results and the model calculations. If polymer-based fluid is used as fracturing fluid, the numerical model also includes the change of the polymer concentration in the fracturing fluid withdrawn as function of time and in the samples taken additionally the polymer concentration is measured and by comparing the measurement results with the model calculations the crack width is determined. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090166030 | Method to monitor reservoir fracture development and its geometry - Method to monitor reservoir fracture development and its geometry may find its application at oil and gas fields as well as in coal mining industry. The method provides injection of conductive fracturing fluid into the wellbore under pressure enabling to create a fracture in the formation and penetrate into it. At the stage corresponding to the end of the fracturing fluid charging a series of voltage pulses is applied to the fracturing fluid. In the well parameters of the electromagnetic field and/or acoustic signals resulting from applying the voltage pulses to the fracturing fluid are measured, and the fracture tip coordinates are determined. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090194273 | Method and Apparatus for Orchestration of Fracture Placement From a Centralized Well Fluid Treatment Center - A method and apparatus for orchestrating multiple fractures at multiple well locations in a region by flowing well treatment fluid from a centralized well treatment fluid center is disclosed that includes the steps of configuring a well treatment fluid center for fracturing multiple wells, inducing a fracture at a first well location, measuring effects of stress fields from the first fracture, determining a time delay based in part upon the measured stress effects, inducing a second fracture after the time delay at a second location based upon the measured effects, and measuring the stress effects of stress fields from the second fracture. Sensors disposed about the region are adapted to output effects of the stress fields. Location and orientation of subsequent fractures is based on the combined stress effects of the stress fields as a result of the prior fractures which provides for optimal region development. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090218094 | Live Bottom Hole Pressure for Perforation/Fracturing Operations - A method of determining when to stop pumping proppant during hydraulic fracturing in a wellbore is described. By accurately detecting tip screen-out with a bottom hole pressure gauge mounted to a perforating gun, the optimal amount of proppant can be supplied to a fracture while avoiding the risks associated with wellbore screen-out. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090250207 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SAMPLING AND/OR TESTING DOWNHOLE FORMATIONS - Performing a hydraulic fracture test includes conveying a downhole sub in a borehole to a formation, the downhole sub including a first sealing member, a second sealing member, and an extendable member disposed between the first sealing member and the second sealing member. The first sealing member and the second sealing member are actuated to define a first isolated zone within the borehole. A fluid is introduced to the borehole wall via the extendable member to fracture the formation whether extended or not, and a property of the formation is estimated at least in part using an output signal from a downhole transducer. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090255668 | Clean Fluid Systems for Partial Monolayer Fracturing - Provided are methods that include a method comprising: placing a clean fluid comprising proppant particulates into a portion of a fracture in a subterranean formation, and depositing one or more of the proppant particulates into the fracture to form a partial monolayer. In another aspect, the invention provides methods that include placing a degradable fluid loss additive comprising collagen into a subterranean formation. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090277630 | ANALYSIS OF RADAR RANGING DATA FROM A DOWN HOLE RADAR RANGING TOOL FOR DETERMINING WIDTH, HEIGHT, AND LENGTH OF A SUBTERRANEAN FRACTURE - Radar ranging data are collected from a down hole tool at various depths in a fractured well bore, and analyzed to provide a profile of the length of each wing of the fracture as a function of depth. The height of the fracture is determined from the vertical positions where the fracture is just observed or no longer observed as the tool is raised or lowered. For consecutive depths along the fracture (and for selected elevations from each depth for the case of a switchable antenna beam), reflection intensity as a function of range is measured. Simulated radar data are computed from a fracture model having the height of the fracture begin measured. The fracture model is varied and the resulting simulated data are correlated with the survey data until a match of minimal error is determined. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090283258 | CONTINUOUS FIBERS FOR USE IN HYDRAULIC FRACTURING APPLICATIONS - Methods and related systems are described for use with hydraulic fracturing and other oilfield applications. A tool body is positioned in a wellbore at a location near a subterranean rock formation being fractured. The tool body contains a plurality of deployable continuous fibers. At least some of the deployable continuous fibers are deployed into fractures within a subterranean rock formation. Each deployed fiber is continuous from the tool body to the rock formation. The number of deployable continuous fibers provides sufficient redundancy to make at least a target measurement relating to the fracturing process. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090283260 | Methods of Initiating Intersecting Fractures Using Explosive and Cryogenic Means - Methods and systems that utilize explosive and cryogenic means to establish fluid communication to areas away from the well bore walls are disclosed. A first fracture is induced in the subterranean formation. The first fracture is initiated at about a fracturing location and the initiation of the first fracture is characterized by a first orientation line. The first fracture temporarily alters a stress field in the subterranean formation. Explosives are then used to induce a second fracture in the subterranean formation. The second fracture is initiated at about the fracturing location and the initiation of the second fracture is characterized by a second orientation line. The first orientation line and the second orientation line have an angular disposition to each other. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20100147512 | CONTROLLED SOURCE FRACTURE MONITORING - Reservoir fractures are visualized using electrically active proppants to carry electric signals throughout the fracture. The electric signals are easily detected at the surface using RF antennae and a three-dimensional image of the fracture is generated. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100155058 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MONITORING A FRACTURING OPERATION - A method for monitoring a fracturing operation in a target well comprising extending a seismic sensor in a tubing string to a first position in an well offset from the target well. A coolant fluid is circulated through the tubing string for a predetermined time. The tubing string is retracted to a second uphole position such that the cooled seismic sensor is exposed in the offset wellbore. A seismic signal emitted during the fracturing operation of the target well is sensed in the offset well. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100218941 | Determining the Use of Stimulation Treatments Based on High Process Zone Stress - Methods for determining whether to perform a stimulation treatment on a subterranean zone are disclosed. Process zone stress (“PZS”), indicative of a production potential of the subterranean zone, is determined, and a determination is made as to whether the PZS exceeds a preselected value. A PZS exceeding the preselected value may indicate a poor production potential, and a stimulation treatment of the subterranean zone may be avoided. As a result, a substantial cost saving associated with the avoided stimulation treatment may be realized. | 09-02-2010 |
| 20100230095 | Method For Reservoir Fracture and Cross Beds Detection Using Tri-Axial/Multi-Component Resistivity Anisotropy Measurements - The invention is a method for inverting reservoir bi-axial anisotropy and identifying complicated fracture/cross-bedding system ( | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100314104 | METHOD OF USING PRESSURE SIGNATURES TO PREDICT INJECTION WELL ANOMALIES - A method of designing a response to a fracture behavior of a formation during re-injection of cuttings into a formation, the method including obtaining a pressure signature for a time period, interpreting the pressure signature for the time period to determine a fracture behavior of the formation, determining a solution based on the fracture behavior of the formation, and implementing the solution is disclosed. A method of assessing a subsurface risk of a cuttings re-injection operation, the method including obtaining a pressure signature for a time period, interpreting the pressure signature to determine a fracture behavior of the formation, characterizing a risk associated with the determined fracture behavior of the formation, and implementing a solution based on the characterized risk is also disclosed. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100314105 | INJECTION-BACKFLOW TECHNIQUE FOR MEASURING FRACTURE SURFACE AREA ADJACENT TO A WELLBORE - An injection backflow technique for measuring fracture surface area adjacent to a wellbore is disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method comprises measuring an initial temperature profile along the length of a wellbore. A tracer composition is injected into the wellbore at an initial concentration. The tracer composition includes a reactive tracer and a secondary tracer that is less reactive than the reactive tracer. The tracer composition diffuses within subterranean reservoir for a time. A secondary tracer concentration and a reactive tracer concentration are measured as a function of time. A reservoir fracture surface area is calculated using a reservoir fluid flow model. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100314106 | LOW COST RIGLESS INTERVENTION AND PRODUCTION SYSTEM - A downhole system comprises (a) a wellbore deployable container comprising an operational control circuit and a power source operationally in communication with the operational control circuit, each disposed within the container; a wellbore deployable, controllable downhole electronic frac fluid flow control module further comprising a wellbore deployable container receiving seat; and a data handling circuit; (b) a wellbore deployable, data transmission capable gauge deployable near the control module; and (c) a surface system operatively in communication with the operational control circuit and/or the control module. The control module, container, and data gathering gauge may be deployed within the wellbore; the surface system deployed at the wellbore's surface; communications established between the gauge, surface system, and operational circuit; and a data transmission command issued from the surface system to the container to trigger transmitting data from the container to the surface system to control a wellbore fluid process. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20110120702 | GENERATING PROBABILISTIC INFORMATION ON SUBTERRANEAN FRACTURES - Systems, methods, and instructions encoded in a computer-readable medium can perform operations related to generating probabilistic information on characteristics of natural fractures of a subterranean formation. Fitted fracture models are generated based on microseismic event data for a subterranean region. The fitted fracture models represent estimated locations of fractures in the subterranean region. A distribution of fracture parameter values is generated based on the fitted fracture models. The distribution includes fracture parameter values and a probability associated with each fracture parameter value. Generating the fitted fracture models may include, for example, fitting a plane, a line or another type of equation to the measured locations of microseismic events. In some implementations, an injection treatment may be simulated and/or designed based on the probability distribution. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110155369 | Method for optimizing reservoir production analysis - Optimizing reservoir production in a commingled hydraulically fractured reservoir by allocating commingled system production data to each of the individual completed intervals in the system, calculating the reservoir and fracture properties for each completed reservoir layer, and recalibrating the commingled and individual layer production data by accounting for the individual completed interval reservoir and fracture properties. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110209868 | FRACTURING A STRESS-ALTERED SUBTERRANEAN FORMATION - A well bore in a subterranean formation includes a signaling subsystem communicably coupled to injection tools installed in the well bore. Each injection tool controls a flow of fluid into an interval of the formation based on a state of the injection tool. Stresses in the subterranean formation are altered by creating fractures in the formation. Control signals are sent from the well bore surface through the signaling subsystem to the injection tools to modify the states of one or more of the injection tools. Fluid is injected into the stress-altered subterranean formation through the injection tools to create a fracture network in the subterranean formation. In some implementations, the state of each injection tool can be selectively and repeatedly manipulated based on signals transmitted from the well bore surface. In some implementations, stresses are modified and/or the fracture network is created along a substantial portion and/or the entire length of a horizontal well bore. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110272146 | METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR DETERMINATION OF FRACTURE GEOMETRY IN SUBTERRANEAN FORMATIONS - Articles and methods utilizing radiation susceptible materials are provided herein. In one aspect, a proppant, a treatment fluid, or both, may comprise a radiation susceptible material. In another aspect, a method is provided comprising disposing in a formation fracture, a proppant and/or a treatment fluid that comprises a radiation susceptible material, irradiating the radiation susceptible material with neutrons, measuring gamma-radiation emitted from the radiation susceptible material in a single pass, and determining formation fracture height from the measured gamma-radiation. The single-pass may be a continuous process or a periodic process. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110272147 | Active Seismic Monitoring of Fracturing Operations and Determining Characteristics of a Subterranean Body Using Pressure Data and Seismic Data - A method for managing a fracturing operation. In one implementation, the method may include positioning one or more sources and one or more receivers near a hydrocarbon reservoir; pumping a fracturing fluid into a well bore of the hydrocarbon reservoir; performing a survey with the sources and the receivers during the fracturing operation; comparing the baseline survey to the survey performed during the fracturing operation; analyzing one or more differences between the baseline survey and the survey performed during the fracturing operation; and modifying the fracturing operation based on the differences. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110277994 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING THE GEOMETRY OF UNDERGROUND FRACTURES - The present invention refers to a method for detecting the geometry of underground fractures comprising the steps consisting of introducing a filling material ( | 11-17-2011 |
| 20120012308 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RESERVOIR CHARACTERIZATION - A method for determining flow distribution in a formation having a wellbore formed therein includes the steps of positioning a sensor within the wellbore, wherein the sensor generates a feedback signal representing at least one of a temperature and a pressure measured by the sensor, injecting a fluid into the wellbore and into at least a portion of the formation adjacent the sensor, shutting-in the wellbore for a pre-determined shut-in period, generating a simulated model representing at least one of simulated temperature characteristics and simulated pressure characteristics of the formation during the shut-in period, generating a data model representing at least one of actual temperature characteristics and actual pressure characteristics of the formation during the shut-in period, wherein the data model is derived from the feedback signal, comparing the data model to the simulated model, and adjusting parameters of the simulated model to substantially match the data model. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120043077 | METHODS FOR BOREHOLE MEASUREMENTS OF FRACTURING PRESSURES - There is provided a method of testing a subterranean formation for fracture condition, including the steps of creating a side bore into the wall of a well traversing the formation, sealing the wall around the side bore to provide a pressure seal between the side bore and the well, pressurizing the side bore beyond a pressure inducing formation fracture while maintaining the seal and monitoring the pressure to identify the fracture condition. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120043078 | METHODS FOR TESTING STIMULATION FLUIDS - A method of testing the performance of a stimulation fluid by placing a sample of the stimulation fluid or a precursor thereof into the body of a downhole tool, positioning the tool in juxtaposition with a rock face at a downhole location, forming a sealing contact between the rock face and the tool; and injecting the sample into the rock face while monitoring pressure and/or flow rates during the injection of the sample into and/or production of formation fluid from the rock face to derive a measure of the effectiveness of the stimulation fluid in creating openings in the rock face. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120111559 | METHOD FOR FRACTURING AND ANALYZING AN EARTHEN FORMATION SURROUNDING A WELL BORE - A method of micro-fracturing in a well bore to define the stress field and fracture system for the purpose of optimizing subsequent hydraulic fracturing well completion operations. During or subsequent to drilling of the well bore, a down hole imager takes measurements that allow the operator to select appropriate zones of the well bore for optional micro-fracture testing. The micro-fracturing testing is conducted by stopping the flow of drilling mud and expanding one, or preferably two packers incorporated into a micro-fracture module of the drill string. The pressure in the isolated zone between the packers (or below the packer if one packer is used) is pressurized until fracture occurs. The trend in the pressure in the isolated zone of the bore hole is measured during the test to assess information about the fracturing of the bore hole. After micro-fracture testing, or upon completion of the drilling, the same zone of the bore hole is again scanned by the imager and the natural beak-outs or pre- and post-micro-fracture testing images are analyzed to ascertain further information about the formation. Micro-fracture testing is repeated over different zones of the well bore as the drilling proceeds or subsequent to the drilling operation and the information from these tests is used to optimize the major fracturing in the completion phase of the drilling. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120111560 | Fracture Monitoring - This application relates to methods and apparatus for monitoring hydraulic fracturing during oil/gas well formation. A fibre optic cable ( | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120152529 | ELECTRICAL METHODS FRACTURE DETECTION VIA 4D TECHNIQUES - This invention relates to a method for acquiring and evaluating the geometry of a fracture. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120168151 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING A SUBTERRANEAN FORMATION - A system and method for managing a well site having a subterranean formation is provided. The method comprises determining a first spectral attenuation of a first seismic wave measured from a first location, determining a second spectral attenuation of a second seismic wave measured from a second location, determining a reservoir attenuation anisotropy from a comparison of the first spectral attenuation to the second spectral attenuation, and determining at least one fracture parameter of the subterranean formation from a comparison of the first seismic wave to the second seismic wave. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120181020 | Method Of Manufacture And The Use Of A Functional Proppant For Determination Of Subterranean Fracture Geometries - Proppants having added functional properties are provided, as are methods that use the proppants to track and trace the characteristics of a fracture in a geologic formation. Information obtained by the methods can be used to design a fracturing job, to increase conductivity in the fracture, and to enhance oil and gas recovery from the geologic formation. The functionalized proppants can be detected by a variety of methods utilizing, for example, an airborne magnetometer survey, ground penetrating radar, a high resolution accelerometer, a geophone, nuclear magnetic resonance, ultra-sound, impedance measurements, piezoelectric activity, radioactivity, and the like. Methods of mapping a subterranean formation are also provided and use the functionalized proppants to detect characteristics of the formation. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20120273191 | Methods of employing and using a hybrid transponder system for long-Range sensing and 3D localization - Methods of employing and using a hybrid transponder system to determine the size, extent, and orientation of a hydraulic fracture of a reservoir, are provided. An exemplary method can include the steps of inserting a plurality of transponders into a fluid, injecting the fluid carrying the transponders through casing perforations and at least one fracture aperture in a wellbore and into a hydraulic fracture, actuating each of the transponders by a reader to provide an acoustic return signal to the reader, determining a three-dimensional position of each of the transponders, mapping the location of the each of the transponders, and determining characteristics of the hydraulic fracture responsive to the three-dimensional position of each of the plurality of transponders. The method can be implemented utilizing a reader including an RF transmitter and one or more acoustic receivers along with typically a substantial plurality of transponders each containing an RF receiver and an acoustic transmitter. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120273192 | Hybrid Transponder System For Long-Range Sensing and 3D Localization - Systems for determining a size, extent, and orientation of a hydraulic fracture of a reservoir, are provided. An exemplary system can include a plurality of RFID transponders modified to include an acoustic transmitter, and an RFID reader modified to include both an RF transmitter and a pair of acoustic receivers, to be deployed in a wellbore adjacent a hydraulic fracture. The system includes program product configured to receive acoustic return signal data to determine the three-dimensional location of each RFID transponder within the reservoir, to map the location of each RFID transponder, and to responsively determine the size, extent, and orientation can be determined. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120305242 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING GEOMETRIC CHARACTERISTICS OF A HYDRAULIC FRACTURE - Method for determining geometric characteristics of a hydraulic fracture comprises performing a baseline seismic survey for a geological formation. A velocity model is created by combining results of the baseline seismic survey and additional geoscientific information, and seismic properties of the geologic formation are evaluated. At least one strong flat lithological reflector disposed below a planned fracture is identified. A numerical model of elastic wave propagation in the geologic formation with a fracture with given properties is created. Hydraulic fracturing is performed and after fracturing when the fracture is maintained open and pressurized seismic surveys are performed. The fracture's dimensions and shape are determined by comparing the first and the second reflected and refracted seismic signals and solving an inverse problem with the use of the numerical model. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120312531 | Well Treatment Using Electric Submersible Pumping System - A technique provides an electric submersible pumping system to facilitate a well treatment, such as a hydraulic fracturing well treatment. The electric submersible pumping system is positioned downhole and oriented to intake a fluid delivered downhole for use in the well treatment. Once the fluid is delivered downhole, the electric submersible pumping system pumps, pressurizes and discharges this fluid to perform the well treatment, e.g. the hydraulic fracturing treatment. The pumping system reduces the pressure at which the treatment fluid must be delivered downhole. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120318500 | Methods and systems for monitoring and modeling hydraulic fracturing of a reservoir field - The method and system describes monitoring and modeling the hydraulic fracturing of a reservoir. The microseismic events caused by hydraulic fracturing on a reservoir are captured by sensor arrays. The data captured by the sensor arrays are then analyzed to determine the source radius, and seismic moment tensor of microseismic events caused by the hydraulic fracturing. This information is then combined with a seismic velocity model to arrive at a discrete fracture network showing at least the orientation, source radius, and source mechanism of each microseismic event. This discrete fracture network is then used to determine the stimulated surface area, stimulated volume, and point of diminishing returns for the hydraulic fracturing process. Hydraulic fracturing engineers can use the algorithms to monitor the well and/or determine well completion. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120325462 | Method for Determining Spacing of Hydraulic Fractures in a Rock Formation - Methods of the present disclosure include determining an expected trajectory of induced fractures in a rock formation, analyzing net pressure associated with the induced fractures, and determining at least one of spacing of induced fractures and a property of the induced fractures based on the net pressure. Computer-readable medium containing the method are also disclosed. Other related methods are also disclosed. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20130000893 | ACTIVE SEISMIC MONITORING OF FRACTURING OPERATIONS - A method for managing a fracturing operation. In one implementation, the method may include positioning a seismic source and at least one seismic receiver near a hydrocarbon reservoir; pumping a fracturing fluid into a well bore of the hydrocarbon reservoir such that the fracturing fluid may include an additive that enhances acoustic impedance between the fracturing fluid and subsurface formations in which the hydrocarbon reservoir is located and that produces a foam; performing a seismic survey with the seismic source and the at least one seismic receiver during the fracturing operation; and identifying locations of the fracturing fluid within subsurface formations in which the hydrocarbon reservoir is located. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130020075 | Pulsed Neutron Monitoring of Hydraulic Fracturing and Acid Treatment - Hydraulic fracturing, acidizing and polymer injection using coiled tubing are commonly used techniques in wellbore completion. A pulsed neutron tool may be conveyed at the bottom of the coiled tubing to monitor the effectiveness of these operations by measuring the flow velocity of the borehole fluid of the annulus between the pulsed neutron tool and the borehole wall. Gamma rays resulting from Oxygen activation and/or Σ measurements are used for measuring the flow velocity. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130032335 | System and Method for Quantifying Stimulated Rock Quality in a Wellbore - A method determines the performance index of subterranean rock. In one embodiment, a performance index method determines a performance index for subterranean rock of an area. The area includes a well. The method includes determining a time period during producing the well. The method also includes determining the performance index from data of the time period from the equation PI=(q/dd)*(cum./GPI). The term PI is the performance index, and the term q is the average daily rate of the well for the time period. The term dd is the average drawdown per day of the well for the time period, and the term cum. is the cumulative production of the well for the time period. The term GPI is the gross perforated interval of the well for the time period. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130032337 | EXPLOSIVE PELLET - An explosive pellet for characterizing a fracture in a subterranean formation is provided. The pellet can include a casing having a detonation material and an explosive material disposed within the casing. The pellet can also include a nonexplosive material moveably disposed within the casing. Movement of the nonexplosive material can generate a predetermined amount of energy in the form of friction-generated heat sufficient to detonate the explosive material. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130056198 | ENHANCED GEOTHERMAL SYSTEMS AND RESERVOIR OPTIMIZATION - Systems and methods for maximizing energy recovery from a subterranean formation are herein disclosed. According to one embodiment, a selected subterranean open-hole interval is isolated and at least one fracture is stimulated in the isolated subterranean open-hole interval. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130062054 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING FRACTURE SPACING AND WELL FRACTURING USING THE METHOD - A method for determining the fracture spacing for a first set of fractures of a wellbore. A first fracture dimension is chosen from the smaller of the length or height of a first fracture and an expected second fracture dimension is chosen from the smaller of the expected length or expected height of a second fracture to be formed. An approximate position of the second fracture is determined from a percentage of the average of the first fracture dimension and the second fracture dimension. An approximate position of a third fracture is determined so that ratio of the distances from the first fracture and the second fracture are about equal to a ratio of the first fracture dimension and the second fracture dimension. The well may then be fractured at the approximate position of the second fracture and may be fractured at the approximate position of the third fracture. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130081805 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MICROSEISMIC ANALYSIS - This invention provides a method for characterizing natural fracture networks or other textural networks in an Earth formation when using microseismic monitoring of a hydraulic fracturing job. The method comprises receiving ( | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130087325 | Method For Real-Time Monitoring and Transmitting Hydraulic Fracture Seismic Events to Surface Using the Pilot Hole of the Treatment Well as the Monitoring Well - Methods for determining hydraulic fracture geometry and/or areal extent of an area of interest in a reservoir, are provided. An exemplary method includes isolating downhole acoustic receiver equipment in a lower portion of a first wellbore from fracturing operations located in a second wellbore connected to the first wellbore. Communications between surface equipment in the downhole acoustic receiver equipment is provided through a communications conduit bypass that permits well operations in the second wellbore without interfering with communications between the surface equipment and the downhole acoustic receiver equipment. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130140020 | METHOD FOR INCREASING FRACTURE AREA - A technique enables improvements in hydraulic fracturing treatments on heterogeneous reservoirs. Based on data obtained for a given reservoir, a fracturing treatment material is used to create complex fractures, which, while interacting with the interfaces and planes of weakness in the reservoir, develop fracture connectors, e.g. step-overs, which often grow for short distances along these planes of weakness. The technique further comprises closing or sealing at least one of the fracture connectors to enable reinitiation of fracturing from the truncated branches, and to subsequently develop additional connectors. As a result, the overall fracturing becomes more complex (more branches and more surface area per unit reservoir volume is created), which leads to an increase in the effective fracture area and improved fluid flow through the reservoir. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130233537 | Fracture Characterisation - This application relates to methods and apparatus for monitoring hydraulic fracturing in well formation and fracture characterisation using distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). The method involves interrogating a optic fibre ( | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130292109 | Use of PNC Tools to Determine the Depth and Relative Location of Proppant in Fractures and the Near Borehole Region - Methods are provided for identifying the location and height of induced subterranean formation fractures and the presence of any associated frac-pack or gravel pack material in the vicinity of the borehole using pulsed neutron capture (PNC) logging tools. The proppant/sand used in the fracturing and packing processes is tagged with a thermal neutron absorbing material. When proppant is present, increases in detected PNC formation and/or borehole component cross-sections, combined with decreases in measured count rates, are used to determine the location of the formation fractures and the presence and percent fill of pack material in the borehole region. Changes in measured formation cross-sections relative to changes in other PNC parameters provide a relative indication of the proppant in fractures compared to that in the borehole region. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130319657 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE TRAJECTORY OF A HYDRAULIC FRACTURE IN STRATA-CONTAINING NATURAL FRACTURES - The method of controlling the parameters of a hydraulic fracture comprises creating a matrix of relationship between initial formation, injection and fracture parameters of and a predicted increment of a hydraulic fracture path. The matrix is used for retrieving and deriving the predicted increment of the fracture path, depending on the actual initial parameters of a fracture being created. The actual increment of the hydraulic fracture path is measured and compared with the predicted increment of the fracture path. In case of a discrepancy between the actual and predicted increments, the actual initial parameters of the fracture are changed. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130333879 | Method for Closed Loop Fracture Detection and Fracturing using Expansion and Sensing Apparatus - An expansion and sensing apparatus used to detect natural and hydraulic fractures. In a closed loop aspect of the invention a microprocessor may be incorporated to process data which identifies natural fractures and optimises the coordinates for setting an isolation device, hydraulically fracturing the formation, identifying the effectiveness of the hydraulic fracture and if required repeat the hydraulic fracture at the same co-ordinates or select further co-ordinates in order to propagate an optimised fracture pathway and maximise production. The apparatus may be used with microseismic, tiltmeters, etc. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20140027112 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEASURING PARAMETERS OF A FORMATION - A method of measuring parameters of a formation along multiple axes is disclosed. A formation tester tool is introduced into a wellbore. The formation tester tool includes a first probe oriented at an angle from a second probe about an axis of the formation tester tool. The first and second probes are positioned against a surface of the wellbore. Fluid is injected via at least one of the first and second probes. Pressure parameters corresponding to the fluid injected into the formation are monitored. Formation stresses about the formation fractures along multiple axes are determined based, at least in part, on the pressure parameters. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140041862 | Use of Magnetic Liquids for Imaging and Mapping Porous Subterranean Formations - Methods and systems for illuminating the pore space or portions thereof of a subterranean formation may use magneto-responsive ionic liquid surfactant. For example, a method may include injecting a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and at least one magneto-responsive ionic liquid surfactant into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation having a pore space; measuring a local geo-electromagnetic field within the subterranean formation at a first time and a second time; and determining a property of the pore space of the subterranean formation based on differences between the local geo-electromagnetic field at the first time and the second time. | 02-13-2014 |
| 20140048255 | AUTOMATED RELIEF VALVE CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A pressure relief valve system for use in a downhole operation may include a pressure relief valve configured to relieve pressure from high pressure tubing extending between a pump and a wellhead, and may include a sensor operably disposed to detect pressure in the high pressure tubing. The pressure relief valve system also may include a controller having a pressure threshold stored therein. The controller may be configured to receive data from the sensor and compare the detected pressure to the stored pressure threshold. A valve actuation system may be in communication with the pressure relief valve and in communication with the controller. The valve actuation system may be configured to change the state of the pressure relief valve from a closed state to an open state in response to a command signal from the controller. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140076542 | Autonomous Untethered Well Object - A technique includes deploying an untethered object though a passageway of a string in a well; and sensing a property of an environment of the string, an electromagnetic coupling or a pressure as the object is being communicated through the passageway. The technique includes selectively autonomously operating the untethered object in response to the sensing. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140076543 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING MICROSEISMIC FRACTURE OPERATIONS - A system and method of performing a microseismic fracture operation for a wellsite having a subterranean formation with a complex fracture network therein are provided. The method involves describing a relationship between microseismic events to determine the complex fracture network of the subterranean formation, generating a fault volume by extracting faults from the fracture network based on the relationship between the microseismic events, generating a discrete fracture network comprising discrete fractures from the complex fracture network by extracting fracture planes from the obtained fault volume, and simulating fracture geometry and proppant placement. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140083681 | SEISMIC MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD - In one embodiment, the invention utilizes computer models to calculate predicted spectral estimates that may be encountered during a hydraulic fracturing operation. Seismic events generated by hydraulic fracturing are mapped and displayed upon a graphic user interface. Spectral attributes of selected seismic wave field data from the fracture operation are derived and compared to predicted spectral estimates that match one or more characteristics of the formation. The comparison may be utilized to generate a predicted hydrocarbon content for the fracture zone of the formation and to adjust or alter the hydraulic fracturing operation in order to maximize hydrocarbon recovery. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140083687 | PRODUCTION IN FRACTURED SYSTEMS - A method can include providing data for a field that includes fractures and a well; analyzing at least a portion of the data for times less than an interaction time; and outputting one or more values for a parameter that characterizes storage of a fluid in the field and one or more values for a parameter that characterizes transfer of the fluid in the field. Various other methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140144622 | METHOD OF DETERMINING A VALUE INDICATIVE OF FRACTURE QUALITY - Determining a value indicative of fracture quality. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods including: obtaining or measuring gas saturation of a formation to create a value indicative of pre-fracture gas saturation; and after a fracturing process measuring gas saturation of the formation to create a value indicative of post-fracture gas saturation; and creating a value indicative of fracture quality based on the value indicative of pre-fracture gas saturation and the value indicative of post-fracture gas saturation. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140144623 | METHOD FOR INCREASING PRODUCT RECOVERY IN FRACTURES PROXIMATE FRACTURE TREATED WELLBORES - A method of recovering product from a fracture below a surface, said method including:
| 05-29-2014 |
| 20140158345 | DUAL-PUMP FORMATION FRACTURING - Methods comprising conveying a downhole tool within a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, wherein the downhole tool comprises a first pump and a second pump, and wherein at least one operational capability of the first and second pumps is substantially different. A fracture is initiated in the subterranean formation by pumping fluid into the formation using the first pump. The fracture is propagated in the subterranean formation by pumping fluid into the formation using the second pump. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140202687 | DETERMINING FRACTURE LENGTH VIA RESONANCE - A system and method to determine a length of a fracture induced from a borehole are described. The method includes isolating a portion of the borehole, the portion of the borehole including an end of the fracture at the borehole wall, increasing fluid pressure in the portion of the borehole, deploying a low-frequency source in the portion of the borehole, and varying a frequency of the low-frequency source to generate resonance oscillations at a resonance frequency in the fracture. The method also includes determining the length of the fracture based on the resonance frequency. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140202688 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING FRACTURE PLANE ORIENTATION USING PASSIVE SEISMIC SIGNALS - A method for determining fracture plane orientation from seismic signals detected above a subsurface formation of interest includes detecting seismic signals using an array of seismic sensors deployed above the subsurface formation during pumping of a hydraulic fracture treatment of the subsurface formation. A time of origin and a spatial position of origin (hypocenter) of microseismic events resulting from the hydraulic fracture treatment are determined. Time consecutively occurring ones of the hypocenters falling within a selected temporal sampling window are selected. A best fit line through the selected hypocenters using a preselected linear regression coefficient is determined. The selecting hypocenters and determining best fit lines is repeated for a selected number of windows. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140216729 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING FRACTURE NETWORK VOLUME USING PASSIVE SEISMIC SIGNALS - A method for determining a volume of a fracture network includes detecting seismic signals deployed over an area of the subsurface during pumping of fracturing fluid into at least one wellbore drilled through the area. A hypocenter of each fracture induced by the pumping is determined using the seismic signals. A facture network and associated fracture volume is determined using the determined hypocenters and seismic moments determined from the detected seismic signals. A maximum value of a scaling factor is determined based on a subset of the hypocenters having a highest cumulative seismic moments. The scaling factor is determined by relating a pumped volume of the fracturing fluid with respect to the determined fracture volume. Dimensions of each fracture are scaled using the maximum value of the scaling factor. The fracture volumes are recalculated using the scaled dimensions. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140216730 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING SEISMIC PULSES TO MAP SUBTERRANEAN FRACTURES - The methods described are for determining distribution, orientation and dimensions of networks of hydraulically-induced fractures within a subterranean formation containing fluids. Micro-seismic events are generated, after cessation of fracturing and establishment of fracture networks, by particles introduced into the fractures which are capable of explosive or chemical reaction. In one method, attachment site particles are positioned within the formation during fracturing and additional reactive particles are later introduced. The reactive particles attach to the attachment sites and, upon a triggering event, react to produce micro-seismic events. The waves generated by the micro-seismic events are used to provide mapping of the effective fracture space. Additionally, time-lapse mapping is provided with use of “species” of attachment sites and reactive particles. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140231072 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF PLANNING AND/OR DRILLING WELLBORES - Planning and/or drilling wellbores. At least some of the various embodiments are methods including: receiving data indicative of position of a first wellbore; reading data indicative of position of an offset wellbore; reading data indicative of a fracture diameter for the offset wellbore; calculating a first positional uncertainty of the first wellbore; calculating a second positional uncertainly of the offset wellbore taking into account the data indicative of position and the data indicative of fracture diameter; and generating a value indicative of proximity of the positional uncertainties. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140262232 | Controlling Net Treating Pressure in a Subterranean Region - In some aspects, an injection treatment of a subterranean region is controlled based on a target net treating pressure. A measure of fluid pressure acting on a subterranean region during an injection treatment is received. The measure of fluid pressure is compared against a target net treating pressure for fluid acting on the subterranean region during the injection treatment. The target net treating pressure is associated with a target fracture growth orientation. The injection treatment is modified based on a result of the comparison. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140284049 | Method of Determination of Fracture Extent - A pressure pulse is initiated from the wellbore into the fractured formation where the frac fluid brings into the fractures a material that is responsive to the pressure pulse alone. Alternatively, or with a combination with a wellbore pressure pulse, well conditions such as time exposure and temperature can initiate local pressure pulses within the fracture with the result being signal generation of an electromagnetic signal that is measured with multiple sensors to allow triangulation of the location of the fracture extremities. The material can be a piezoelectric material that responds to the pressure pulse or ferromagnetic materials that similarly respond to the pulse to create the measured signals. The material can be delivered initially with the frac fluid or at different points in time during the fracture operation. Different materials with unique signal generating characteristics can be used to get a clearer picture of the extent of the fracture. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140290936 | HYDRAULIC FRACTURE MONITORING USING ACTIVE SEISMIC SOURCES WITH RECEIVERS IN THE TREATMENT WELL - A method for obtaining information about a hydraulic fracturing operation in a fracture zone in a well, comprises a) providing at least one acoustic sensor in the well and at least one acoustic source, b) injecting fracturing fluid into the well so as to cause fractures in a fracture zone in the surrounding formation, c) using the acoustic source to send an acoustic signal and using the acoustic receiver to receive the signal, d) repeating step c) at least once, and e) processing the received signals using a microprocessor so as to obtain information about the fractures. The source may be at the earth's surface or in a second well. Step e) may comprise measuring first-arriving acoustic waves or measuring reflected or diffracted acoustic waves. The information gained in step e) may be used to control the injection of fracturing fluid or detect out-of-zone water injection. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140290937 | SHALE FRACTURE FLOW SIMULATION APPARATUS - An apparatus having conduits, flattened tubing or pipes of varying widths, heights and/or lengths may simulate a network of fractures that may be used to experimentally evaluate the flow of treatment fluids (e.g. fracturing fluids) within narrow, shale-type fractures. The tubing or pipes each have an interior space with a height and a width, and in one non-limiting embodiment the ratio of height/width is at least 10. The conduits may be constructed of flattened tubing or constructed from components designed and engineered to have the correct height/width ratio. The apparatus may be used to empirically develop diversion principles, more precise numeric models and the parameter relationships that control fluid diversion, secondary fracture initiation and the development of complex fracture networks. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140299315 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING STIMULATION OPERATIONS - A system and method is provided for performing stimulation operations at a wellsite having a subterranean formation with a reservoir therein. The method involves acquiring integrated wellsite data (e.g., geomechanical, geological, and/or geophysical properties of the formation, and/or geometrical properties of the mechanical discontinuities in the formation). The method also involves generating a mechanical earth model using the integrated wellsite data, and identifying a crossing behavior between an induced hydraulic fracture and at least one discontinuity in the formation. The method also involves optimizing a stimulation plan to achieve an optimized crossing behavior. The stimulation plan includes at least one of fluid viscosity, rate of injection of the fracturing fluid, and concentration of a fluid loss additive. The optimization may further include adjusting the stimulation plan to achieve the optimized crossing behavior between the induced hydraulic fracture and the discontinuity in the formation. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140305638 | MODELING OF INTERACTION OF HYDRAULIC FRACTURES IN COMPLEX FRACTURE NETWORKS - Methods of performing a fracture operation at a wellsite with a fracture network are provided. The methods involve obtaining wellsite data and a mechanical earth model, and generating a hydraulic fracture growth pattern for the fracture network over time. The generating involves extending hydraulic fractures from a wellbore and into the fracture network of a subterranean formation to form a hydraulic fracture network, determining hydraulic fracture parameters after the extending, determining transport parameters for proppant passing through the hydraulic fracture network, and determining fracture dimensions of the hydraulic fractures from the hydraulic fracture parameters, the transport parameters and the mechanical earth model. The methods also involve performing stress shadowing on the hydraulic fractures to determine stress interference between fractures and repeating the generating based on the determined stress interference. The methods may also involve determining crossing behavior. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140352949 | INTEGRATING ROCK DUCTILITY WITH FRACTURE PROPAGATION MECHANICS FOR HYDRAULIC FRACTURE DESIGN - The invention relates to the calculation of parameters to inform hydraulic stimulation of non-conventional hydrocarbon-bearing rock formations, such as shales. Unlike conventional formations, non-conventional formations tend to display elastic-plastic behavior and have stress-strain characteristics which with substantial non-linear regions. A parameter which has been termed Elastic Index (EI) is proposed, together with a demonstration of how this parameter, when coupled with principles of fracture mechanics, may be used to extract meaningful calculated or estimated values for e.g.; total required volume of fracturing fluid; treating pressure; fracturing fluid viscosity; proppant size; and proppant concentration. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20150013969 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING RESERVOIR FLUID RECOVERY FROM FRACTURED SUBTERRANEAN FORMATIONS - Systems and methods for improving reservoir fluid recovery from fractured subterranean formations. The methods may include injecting a pressurizing fluid into an injection fracture that extends within a subterranean formation and producing a produced fluid from a production fracture that extends within the subterranean formation. The production fracture is spaced apart from the injection fracture and is in indirect fluid communication with the injection fracture via a portion of the subterranean formation that extends therebetween and the pressurizing fluid injection provides a motive force for the production of the produced fluid. The methods further include injecting a foaming agent into the production fracture to limit production of the pressurizing fluid from the production fracture. The systems may include hydrocarbon production systems that may be utilized to perform the methods and/or that may be created while performing the methods. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150027692 | Multi-Interval Wellbore Treatment Method - A method of servicing a subterranean formation comprising providing a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation and having a casing string disposed therein, the casing string comprising a plurality of points of entry, wherein each of the plurality of points of entry provides a route a fluid communication from the casing string to the subterranean formation, introducing a treatment fluid into the subterranean formation via a first flowpath, and diverting the treatment fluid from the first flowpath into the formation to a second flowpath into the formation. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150041120 | MODELING AND ANALYSIS OF HYDRAULIC FRACTURE PROPAGATION TO SURFACE FROM A CASING SHOE - A method of designing a well control operation includes obtaining sub-surface data related to a formation surrounding a well, building a geomechanical model of the formation based on the sub-surface data, obtaining operational data related to the well control operation, performing, on a processor, a hydraulic fracture simulation of the formation, wherein the simulation is based on the operational data and the geomechanical model, and determining an estimated volume of fluid required for a fracture to breach an upper surface of the formation. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150060053 | METHOD FOR ADAPTIVE OPTIMIZING OF HETEROGENEOUS PROPPANT PLACEMENT UNDER UNCERTAINTY - Apparatus and methods for delivering and placing proppant to a subterranean formation fracture including identifying control variables and uncertain parameters of the proppant delivery and placement, optimizing a performance metric of the proppant delivery and placement under uncertainty, calculating sensitivity indices and ranking parameters according to a relative contribution in total variance for an optimized control variable, and updating a probability distribution for parameters, repeating optimizing comprising the probability distribution, and evaluating a risk profile of the optimized performance metric using a processor. Some embodiments may deliver proppant to the fracture using updated optimized values of control variables. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150075777 | Injection Testing a Subterranean Region - In some aspects, an injection rate of an injection test applied to a subterranean region is controlled. The injection test includes a series of injection periods and shut-in intervals. Each of the injection periods is followed by a respective one of the shut-in intervals. The subterranean region is monitored during the injection test. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150075778 | Controlling an Injection Treatment of a Subterranean Region Based on Stride Test Data - In some aspects, response data from an injection test of a subterranean region are received during an injection treatment of the subterranean region. The injection treatment is modified based on the response data. In some instances, the response data are acquired during a series of injection periods and shut-in intervals of the injection test. Each of the injection periods is followed by a respective one of the shut-in intervals. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150075779 | Designing an Injection Treatment for a Subterranean Region Based on Stride Test Data - In some aspects, response data from an injection test of a subterranean region are accessed. An injection treatment is designed based on the response data. The response data are acquired during a series of injection periods and shut-in intervals of the injection test. Each of the injection periods is followed by a respective one of the shut-in intervals. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150075780 | MULTI-ZONE COMPLETION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A completion system is disclosed that includes an outer completion string having at least one sand screen arranged thereabout, one or more control lines extending externally along the outer completion string and having one or more gauges operatively coupled thereto and arranged adjacent the at least one sand screen, the one or more gauges being configured for real-time monitoring and reporting of well environment parameters, a service tool arranged within the outer completion string and having an inner tubing that defines a valve conduit, and a valve arranged within the service tool and being movable between a first position, where fracturing fluid is allowed to circulate through the at least one sand screen and the valve and into the valve conduit, and a second position, where the valve prevents the fracturing fluid from entering the valve conduit. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150075782 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR TREATING SUBSURFACE FORMATIONS CONTAINING FRACTURES - Methods of treating hydrocarbon containing formations are described herein. A method for treating a mudstone formation includes providing a substantially horizontal or inclined wellbore to mudstone formation; providing acid to the portion of mudstone formation such that a size of the fractures is increased; and allowing hydrocarbons to flow through the fractures. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150075784 | PHASED STIMULATION METHODS - A method of stimulating a subterranean formation is provided. The method includes determining a final fracture spacing. The method includes creating a first set of fractures at a first fracture spacing, the first fracture spacing being larger than the final fracture spacing. The method includes allowing production of fluids from the formation through the well bore via the first set of fractures for a period of time. The method includes, after the period of time, creating a second set of fractures. The final fracture spacing is less than or equal to an average fracture spacing between the first set of fractures and the second set of fractures. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150083404 | DETERMINING PROPPANT AND FLUID DISTRIBUTION - A method may include modeling a bulk electromagnetic (EM) characteristic of a composite material including a fracturing fluid, a proppant, and a sensing additive. The method may further include generating a modeled propped fracture pattern for a subterranean formation having the composite material injected therein, and generating a three dimensional (3D) arrangement of cells based upon the bulk EM characteristic and the modeled propped fracture pattern using an effective medium theory (EMT) model, with each cell having a modeled localized EM characteristic associated therewith. The method may also include injecting the composite material into the subterranean formation to cause an actual propped fracture pattern, collecting EM data based upon the sensing additive within the actual propped fracture pattern, and determining a respective actual EM characteristic for each cell based upon the modeled localized EM characteristics and the collected EM data. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150083405 | METHOD OF CONDUCTING DIAGNOSTICS ON A SUBTERRANEAN FORMATION - A method including providing sensors in injection and observation wells; increasing pressure within the injection well until a fracture extends from an initiation location through a portion of a subterranean formation to an intersection location in the observation well, wherein increasing pressure within the injection well comprises introducing fluid into the injection well; obtaining a measurement indicative of fracture initiation from the first sensor; determining a height of the fracture at the injection well; obtaining a measurement indicative of fracture intersection from the second sensor; determining a volume of fluid introduced between the fracture initiation and the fracture intersection; determining a distance between the initiation location and the intersection location; determining a time lapse between the fracture initiation and the fracture intersection; and using the determined values, calculating a hydraulic fracturing characteristic. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150107825 | DOWNHOLE DEVICE FOR DATA ACQUISITION DURING HYDRAULIC FRACTURING OPERATION AND METHOD THEREOF - A downhole system including a downhole device for data acquisition during fracing operations is disclosed. It includes a bypass device ( | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150129203 | HIGH POWER LASER HYDRAULIC FRACTURING, STIMULATION, TOOLS SYSTEMS AND METHODS - There are provided high power laser perforation, hydraulic fracturing systems, tools and methods for the stimulation and recovery of energy sources, such as hydrocarbons, from a formation. These systems, tools and methods provide predetermined laser beam energy patterns, to provide for the down hole volumetric removal of custom geometries of materials, sealing of perforations, reperorations, refractures and other downhole actives. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150136388 | IN-SITU ROCK TESTING TOOL - A shear tester for in-situ determination of rock formation geomechanical properties is provided. The tester has a radially expandable cylindrical membrane, a metal sheath covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the membrane, at least one stud fixed on the sheath, at least one cone fixed on each of the at least one stud, and a piston operable to apply an upward axial force on the metal sheath. A device for the same use comprises the shear tester and a pressuremeter. A method of using the shear tester comprises applying a normal force to the formation by expanding the membrane until at least one of the at least one cone penetrates the rock formation and applying an upward axial force to the at least one of the at least one cone by operating the piston until at least a portion of the rock formation shears. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150330212 | SELF-POWERED MICROSENSORS FOR IN-SITU SPATIAL AND TEMPORAL MEASUREMENTS AND METHODS OF USING SAME IN HYDRAULIC FRACTURING - A delayed-activation sensor system includes at least one microsensor. The microsensor may include at least one sensor module for sensing a condition in an environment and a dissolvable coating encapsulating at least a portion of the at least one sensor module such that the dissolvable coating prevents the at least one sensor module from sensing the condition in the environment. The dissolvable coating may be dissolvable in a fluid in the environment such that the sensor module is activated after being located in the environment for a period of time. The microsensor may also include at least one energy harvester module to generate electrical power for the microsensor from the environment. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150354337 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GENERATING SEISMIC PULSES TO MAP SUBTERRANEAN FRACTURES - The methods described are for determining distribution, orientation and dimensions of networks of hydraulically-induced fractures within a subterranean formation containing fluids. Micro-seismic events are generated by particles introduced into the fractures which are capable of explosive or chemical reaction. Specially designed particles with specific functionalities are positioned in the fracture. The particles include encapsulated capacitive devices or nano-rfid devices for triggering reaction of reactive particle materials. The resulting energetic reactions cause micro-seismic events detected by sensors positioned at the surface, in local observation wells, or in the wellbore from which the particles are released. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20160003017 | Producing Hydrocarbons from a Formation - The present disclosure provides a method of producing hydrocarbons from a formation. The method may include drilling a wellbore in the formation, wherein the wellbore is approximately horizontal; forming two or more fractures in the formation from the wellbore; receiving fracture performance data about the two or more fractures; analyzing the fracture performance data; selecting one or more fractures for injection and selecting one or more fractures for production based on the analysis of the fracture performance data; and completing the wellbore such that injection into the one or more fractures selected for injection and production from the one or more fractures selected for production may occur simultaneously. | 01-07-2016 |
| 20160003020 | METHODS FOR TIME-DELAYED FRACTURING IN HYDROCARBON FORMATIONS - Methods of fracturing a hydrocarbon formation are described herein. A method may include propagating one or more first fractures from a first wellbore in the hydrocarbon formation, allowing a selected period of time to elapse so that at least a portion of the first fractures close, and propagating at least one second fracture in the wellbore or a second wellbore after the elapsed selected period of time. | 01-07-2016 |
| 20160010443 | METHOD FOR PERFORMING WELLBORE FRACTURE OPERATIONS USING FLUID TEMPERATURE PREDICTIONS | 01-14-2016 |
| 20160024909 | IDENTIFICATION OF PROPPANT IN SUBTERRANEAN FRACTURE ZONES USING A RATIO OF CAPTURE TO INELASTIC GAMMA RAYS - Methods are provided for determining the location and height of a fracture in a subterranean formation using pulsed neutron capture (PNC) logging tools. The methods include obtaining a pre-fracture data set, hydraulically fracturing the formation with a slurry that includes a liquid and a proppant in which at least a portion of the proppant is tagged with a thermal neutron absorbing material, obtaining a post-fracture data set, comparing the pre-fracture data set and the post-fracture data set to determine the location of the proppant, and correlating the location of the proppant to a depth measurement of the borehole to determine the location and height of the propped fracture. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160025945 | Methods and Cables for Use in Fracturing Zones in a Well - A cable having a cable core for use in fracturing zones in a well, wherein the cable core includes an optical fiber conductor. The optical fiber conductor has a pair of half-shell conductors. An insulated optical fiber located between the pair of half-shell conductors. The insulated optical fiber is coupled with the pair of half-shell conductors. An optical fiber conductor jacket is disposed about the pair of half-shell conductors. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160047215 | Real Time and Playback Interpretation of Fracturing Pressure Data - The invention provides methods for performing the appropriate manipulation of pressure-time data during a hydraulic fracturing treatment or test to determine the condition of the created fracture. The mode of growth, dilation, or intersection with one or more natural fractures may be determined accurately and quickly. The methods include the steps of acquiring fracturing data, assessing the fracturing index based on a moving reference point, and establishing the mode of fracture propagation using the fracturing index. The methods provide for the determination of the time of intersection of a hydraulic fractures with one or more natural fractures. The methods also provide for an early warning of sand-out possibility. The data analysis may be performed in real time during the progress of the treatment or test or in a playback mode after the completion of the treatment or test. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160047222 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOVAL OF ELECTROMAGNETIC DISPERSION AND ATTENUATION FOR IMAGING OF PROPPANT IN AN INDUCED FRACTURE - Systems and methods for generating a three-dimensional image of a proppant-filled hydraulically-induced fracture in a geologic formation are provided. The image may be generated by capturing electromagnetic fields generated or scattered by the proppant-filled fracture, removing dispersion and/or an attenuation effects from the captured electromagnetic fields, and generating the image based on the dispersion and/or attenuation corrected fields. Removing the dispersion and/or attenuation effects may include back propagating the captured electromagnetic fields in the time domain to a source location. The image may be generated based on locations at which the back propagated fields constructively interfere or may be generated based on a model of the fracture defined using the back propagated fields. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160053597 | HYDRAULIC FRACTURING WHILE DRILLING AND/OR TRIPPING - Methods and apparatuses for hydraulically fracturing a subterranean wellbore while drilling and/or tripping are disclosed. A method for hydraulically fracturing a subterranean formation may include rotating a drill string to drill the wellbore and hydraulically fracturing the subterranean formation at a plurality of axially spaced locations along the wellbore while tripping the drill string out of the wellbore. The drill string may include a hydraulic fracturing assembly. The hydraulic fracturing operation may include translating the drill string in an uphole direction so that a set of frac ports in the hydraulic fracturing assembly is adjacent a region of the formation selected for fracturing, expanding at least one pair of packers to seal an annular region of the wellbore exterior to the frac ports, and pumping fracturing fluid downhole through the frac ports to hydraulically fracture the subterranean formation. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160053606 | DETERMINING STIMULATED RESERVOIR VOLUME FROM PASSIVE SEISMIC MONITORING - A method for determining a stimulated rock volume includes determining a position of a plurality of seismic events from seismic signals recorded in response to pumping fracturing fluid into a formation penetrated by a wellbore. The signals generated by recording output of a plurality of seismic receivers disposed proximate a volume of the Earth's subsurface to be evaluated. A source mechanism of each seismic event is determined and is used to determine a fracture volume and orientation of a fracture associated with each seismic event. A volume of each fracture, beginning with fractures closest to a wellbore in which the fracturing fluid was pumped is subtracted from a total volume of proppant pumped with the fracture fluid until all proppant volume is associated with fractures. A stimulated rock volume is determined from the total volume of fractures associated with the volume of proppant pumped. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160053611 | System and Method for Using Pressure Pulses for Fracture Stimulation Performance Enhancement and Evaluation - A system and method of applying periodic energy pulses to a portion of a wellbore, fracture(s), and/or near wellbore to interrogate and/or stimulate at least a portion of the wellbore, fracture(s), and/or near wellbore. The system includes a downhole device that is configured to deliver periodic energy pulses to a portion of the wellbore. The downhole device may deliver various energy pulses such as pressure waves, seismic waves, and/or acoustic waves. Sensors may determine properties of a portion of the wellbore and/or fracture based on energy pulses detected within the wellbore. The sensors may be connected to the downhole tool, may be positioned within the wellbore, and/or may be positioned at the surface. The magnitude and/or frequency of the periodic energy pulses may be varied to change the stimulation and/or interrogation of the wellbore. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160069174 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING SUBTERRANEAN FRACTURE CLOSURE - Methods and systems for determining subterranean fracture closure are disclosed herein. The methods can include electrically energizing a casing of a wellbore that extends from a surface of the earth into a subterranean formation having a fracture that is at least partially filled with an electrically conductive proppant and measuring a first electric field response at the surface or in an adjacent wellbore at a first time interval to provide a first field measurement. The methods can also include measuring a second electric field response at the surface or in the adjacent wellbore at a second time interval to provide a second field measurement and determining an increase in closure pressure on the electrically conductive proppant from a difference between the first and second field measurements. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160075937 | PROPPANT COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS OF USE - Proppant compositions for use in hydraulic fracturing and methods of using same are disclosed herein. The proppant compositions include a plurality of proppant particulates and at least one particulate of the plurality of proppant particulates containing at least one tracer, wherein the at least one tracer separates from the at least one particulate located inside a fracture of a subterranean formation after a period of time. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160084054 | Method of gas, oil and mineral production using a clean processing system and method - The invention provides a system and process for providing a clean, non-contaminating process, for producing fracturing of shale, limestone, sands and other geological and mining formations to release natural gas, oil and minerals within a formation. A system used in the process produces on site the energy required to induce fracturing, removing natural gas and oil, and to recycle fluids used in fracturing for additional use. Removable storage provides the necessary materials to provide fracturing, removal and processing of the fracturing liquids for addition use at one or more sites, and to provide processing, storage and transportation of the resulting natural gas and oil. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160084078 | Method and System for Hydraulic Fracture Diagnosis with the use of a Coiled Tubing Dual Isolation Service Tool - A hydraulic fracture diagnostic system for reservoir evaluation of a high angle wellbore includes coiled tubing that extends from the surface to a wellbore location. The system includes a sensor and a pump connected to the coiled tubing and a pump and sensor connected to an annulus between the coiled tubing and the wellbore casing. A tool having at least two packing elements and a port positioned between the packing elements is connected to the coiled tubing and is positioned adjacent a fracture. The packing elements isolate the fracture and the port is configured to provide communication with the isolated portion of the wellbore. A diagnostic method includes pumping a volume of fluid into the isolated portion of a wellbore and monitoring the pressure within the annulus via the coiled tubing. The tool may also be used in an openhole portion of a wellbore to diagnose the formation. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160090829 | Fluid Diversion Through Selective Fracture Extension - A system and method that uses fluid diversion to selectively re-fracture a location of a multizone horizontal wellbore. A tubing string is extended from the surface to a location within the wellbore that is to be re-fractured. The annulus between the tubing string and the wellbore contains a first fluid and a second fluid is contained within the tubing string. The annulus may be sealed off at or near the surface and the second fluid is pumped out of the tubing string to initiate the re-fracture of the first location. The annulus seal may then be unset and the first fluid may be pumped down the annulus simultaneous to pumping a third fluid down the tubing string to re-fracture the first location. After re-fracturing the first location, the first location may be hydraulically isolated from the wellbore to permit a second location to be re-fractured. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160108705 | METHOD OF CALIBRATING FRACTURE GEOMETRY TO MICROSEISMIC EVENTS - A method of performing a fracture operation is provided at a wellsite. The wellsite is positioned about a subterranean formation having a wellbore therethrough and a complex fracture network therein. The complex fracture network includes natural fractures, and the wellsite stimulated by injection of an injection fluid with proppant into the complex fracture network. The method involves generating wellsite data comprising measurements of microseismic events of the subterranean formation, modeling a hydraulic fracture network and a discrete fracture network of the complex fracture network based on the wellsite data, and performing a seismic moment operation. The method involves determining an actual seismic moment density based on the wellsite data and a predicted seismic moment density based on shear and tensile components of the simulated hydraulic fracture network, and calibrating the discrete fracture network based on a comparison of the predicted moment density and the actual moment density. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160124098 | PROCESSING OF SEISMIC DATA - A method for processing seismic data is provided, in the method a new attribute indicating rock fabric properties of a subterranean section of the earth is processed from reflection seismic data obtained from the subterranean section of the earth. The processed rock fabric attribute may be used to determine properties of and/or generate an image of the subterranean section of the earth. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160145976 | RESERVOIR SIMULATOR, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT TO DETERMINE PROPPANT DAMAGE EFFECTS ON WELL PRODUCTION - A reservoir simulator system models the effect of proppant damage on reservoir production through calculation of a fracture closure stress versus fracture permeability relationship, which is mathematically transformed into a pore pressure versus fracture permeability relationship. Based upon the pore pressure relationship, the system models reservoir production while taking into account the permeability reduction in the fractures brought about due to proppant damage. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160146957 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DISTRIBUTED SEISMIC RECORDING AND ANALYSIS - The present disclosure includes a data acquisition method for seismic exploration and monitoring including generating a time reference for an acquisition unit. The time reference defines a time window in the future. The method further includes transmitting the time reference to the acquisition unit. After the time window has elapsed, receiving a record of a seismic event measured during the time window. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160146962 | Monitoring of Hydraulic Fracturing Operations - There are disclosed methods and apparatus for monitoring hydraulic fracturing operations, using a distributed optical fibre sensor to detect relevant acoustic signatures, such as acoustic signatures of cement washout and of events involving a valve drive component. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160146963 | GENERATING SEISMIC PULSES BY COMPRESSIVE FORCE TO MAP FRACTURES - The methods described are for determining distribution, orientation and dimensions of networks of hydraulically-induced fractures within a subterranean formation containing fluids. Detectable signals are generated by particles introduced into the fractures. In an exemplary method proppant-like particles are positioned in the formation during fracturing and allowed to generate a signal during or after fracturing activity. The detectable signals generated by the proppant-like particles are used to map fracture space. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160177698 | ENERGETIC COCRYSTALS FOR TREATMENT OF A SUBTERRANEAN FORMATION | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160251958 | FRACTURE CHARACTERISATION | 09-01-2016 |
| 20170234999 | Reducing Microseismic Monitoring Uncertainty | 08-17-2017 |
| 20190145225 | TIME-DEPENDENT SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION OF AT LEAST ONE FLOW PARAMETER IN A NETWORK OF FRACTURES | 05-16-2019 |
| 20190145250 | RESTIMULATION PROCESS USING COILED TUBING AND FIBER OPTICS | 05-16-2019 |
| 20190145251 | Hydraulic Fracturing | 05-16-2019 |
| 20220136383 | DETERMINING A CHARACTERISTIC ASSOCIATED WITH A RESERVOIR - Techniques for determining a reservoir characteristic include determining, with an analytical solution, a change to at least one control point of a boundary of a control volume defined in a subterranean formation, the change to the at least one control point caused by a hydraulic fracture formed in or adjacent the subterranean formation; determining, with a numerical solution, a fluid pressure change of the control volume based on the change to the at least one control point; and determining, with a mechanical model based on the analytical solution and the numerical solution, at least one reservoir characteristic based at least in part on the determined fluid pressure change of the control volume. | 05-05-2022 |
