Fracture characterization using directional electromagnetic resistivity measurements
First Claim
1. A fracturing characterization method comprising:
- positioning an electromagnetic resistivity tool in a borehole proximate to a formation;
obtaining a borehole wall image log;
obtaining three-dimensional (3D) formation resistivity measurements collected, as a function of different depths, azimuths, and radial distances from the borehole, by the tool;
combining information from the borehole wall image log with the 3D resistivity measurements to determine at least one fracture parameter; and
halting fracturing of the formation, by reducing the flow rate of fracturing fluid by a processor, when the at least one fracture parameter satisfies a set of criteria.
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Abstract
A disclosed fracture characterization method includes: collecting three-dimensional resistivity measurements of a volume surrounding an open borehole; analyzing the measurements to determine parameters describing fractures in the volume; and providing a report to a user based at least in part on said parameters. A fluid with a contrasting resistivity is employed to make the fractures detectable by a directional electromagnetic logging tool in the borehole. Illustrative parameters include fracture direction, height, extent, length, and thickness. The resistivity measurements can be augmented using a borehole wall image logging tool. Also disclosed are fracturing methods that include: positioning a directional electromagnetic logging tool proximate to a formation; fracturing the formation; monitoring fracture progression with said tool; and halting the fracturing when measurements by said tool indicate that a predetermined set of criteria have been satisfied.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A fracturing characterization method comprising:
- positioning an electromagnetic resistivity tool in a borehole proximate to a formation;
obtaining a borehole wall image log;
obtaining three-dimensional (3D) formation resistivity measurements collected, as a function of different depths, azimuths, and radial distances from the borehole, by the tool;
combining information from the borehole wall image log with the 3D resistivity measurements to determine at least one fracture parameter; and
halting fracturing of the formation, by reducing the flow rate of fracturing fluid by a processor, when the at least one fracture parameter satisfies a set of criteria. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
- positioning an electromagnetic resistivity tool in a borehole proximate to a formation;
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10. A logging assembly comprising:
- a borehole wall image logging tool comprising an array of borehole wall imaging pads to obtain borehole wall measurements as a function of position and orientation;
an electromagnetic resistivity tool coupled to the borehole wall image logging tool, the electromagnetic resistivity tool comprising at least one tilted antenna to obtain three-dimensional (3D) resistivity measurements as a function of different depths, azimuths, and radial distances from the borehole; and
a processor communicably coupled to the borehole wall image logging tool and the electromagnetic resistivity tool, the processor having software that, when executed, combines the 3D resistivity measurements and the borehole wall measurements to determine at least one fracture parameter and causes reduction of a flow rate of fracturing fluid when the at least one fracture parameter satisfies a set of criteria. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
- a borehole wall image logging tool comprising an array of borehole wall imaging pads to obtain borehole wall measurements as a function of position and orientation;
Specification