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Method for Assessing the Effectiveness of Modifying Transmissive Networks of Natural Reservoirs

  • US 20130215712A1
  • Filed: 03/15/2013
  • Published: 08/22/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/23/2011
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A method of monitoring or assessing the effectiveness of a fracking operation in a well, comprising:

  • deploying and activating an array of seismic sensors near or around a well that is to be fracked;

    determining at least an initial seismic or acoustic velocity model for a first volume near or around the well that is to be fracked;

    determining a fracking stage transmissive volume by illuminating a permeability field near or in the first volume by pumping gas or fluid into the well at pressures less than Shmin;

    employing near-well imaging TFI methods to process continuously or near-continuously seismic data that have been or are being acquired or recorded near the first volume;

    generating images corresponding to initial transmissive fractures and faults located in the first volume to determine a geometry of a pre-existing first fracture or fault network in, or in the vicinity of, the first volume that is characteristic of an initial permeability field;

    carrying out a first fracking stage in the well and near or in the first volume, where a suitable fluid or gas is pumped into at least the first volume at a pressure exceeding Shmin;

    employing near-well imaging TFI methods to process continuously or near-continuously seismic data that have been or are being acquired or recorded near the at least first volume that is being fractured in the first fracking stage;

    employing near-well imaging TFI methods to generate images representing fractures or faults created by the first fracking stage, anddetermining a second volume and geometry of a second fracture and fault network that has been created by the first fracking stage, and that is characteristic of a resulting new stage permeability field.

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