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US3586105A
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Detecting changes in rock properties in a formation by pulse testing
Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research Co
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Filing: 1969-09-30
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Granted: 1971-06-22
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Expires: 1989-09-30
Abstract
Abstract A method of detecting induced changes in the rock properties of subterranean formations. The preferred use of the method is in determining the presence and orientation of induced fractures in the formation. In this use of this method, the formation is first pulse tested between the well to be fractured and at least one additional well. Preferably the pulse tests are conducted between the well to be fractured and at least three surrounding wells which are in noncollinear directions from the first well. The first well is then fractured and a second series of pulse tests between the fractured well and the other wells is conducted. The presence and orientation of the fracture can be determined by comparison of the pulse tests within the formation before and after fracturing.
Inventors
- 👤 Carlton R Johnson
- 👤 Saul Vela
- 👤 Edward G Woods
- 👤 Aaron E Pierce
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 17:00
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/16; E21B43/17; E21B43/25; E21B43/26; E21B47/00; E21B47/02; E21B49/00; E21B49/008
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
76 words
A method of testing a subterranean formation comprising: a. pulses testing between a plurality of locations within the formation by changing the fluid flow rate at at least one location in the formation and measuring the resultant change in pressure with time at at least one other location in the formation; b. then, changing the rock properties of the formation at one of said locations; and c. then, pulse testing a second time between the locations.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
76 words
A method of testing a subterranean formation comprising: a. pulses testing between a plurality of locations within the formation by changing the fluid flow rate at at least one location in the formation and measuring the resultant change in pressure with time at at least one other location in the formation; b. then, changing the rock properties of the formation at one of said locations; and c. then, pulse testing a second time between the locations.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as defined in claim 1 wherein the locations are horizontally spaced in the formation at a plurality of wells.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method as defined in claim 2 wherein the locations are at a first well and at least three noncollinear wells which are horizontally spaced about the first well.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as defined by claim 3 wherein the rock properties of the formation are changed by hydraulically inducing a fracture at the first well.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method as defined by claim 4 wherein the pulse tests of steps (a) and (c) are in the same direction.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as defined by claim 4 wherein the pulse tests of steps (a) and (c) are in reverse directions.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method as defined by claim 4 further comprising measuring the timelags of the pulse tests of step (a), measuring the timelags of the pulse tests of step (c), and determining the ratios of the timelags of step (a) to the timelags of step (c).
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
39 words
A method as defined by claim 7 further comprising comparing the timelag ratios and orientation of the other wells with respect to the first well to determine the presence and orientation of the induced fracture at the first well.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
148 words
A method of determining the presence and orientation of hydraulically induced fractures within a subterranean formation comprising: a. pulse testing within the formation between a first well to be fractured and at least three surrounding, noncollinear wells by changing the fluid flow rate at least one of said wells and measuring the resultant change in pressure with time at the remaining wells; b. then, hydraulically fracturing the formation at the first well; c. then, repeating step (a); d. measuring the timelags of the pulse tests of step (a), measuring the timelags of the pulse tests of step (c), and determining the ratio of the time lags of step (a) to the time lags of step (c); and e. comparing the timelag ratios and orientation of the surrounding wells with respect to the first well to determine the presence and orientation of the induced fracture at the first well.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
148 words
A method of determining the presence and orientation of hydraulically induced fractures within a subterranean formation comprising: a. pulse testing within the formation between a first well to be fractured and at least three surrounding, noncollinear wells by changing the fluid flow rate at least one of said wells and measuring the resultant change in pressure with time at the remaining wells; b. then, hydraulically fracturing the formation at the first well; c. then, repeating step (a); d. measuring the timelags of the pulse tests of step (a), measuring the timelags of the pulse tests of step (c), and determining the ratio of the time lags of step (a) to the time lags of step (c); and e. comparing the timelag ratios and orientation of the surrounding wells with respect to the first well to determine the presence and orientation of the induced fracture at the first well.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
76 words
A method of testing a subterranean formation comprising: a. pulse testing between a plurality of locations within the formation by changing the Fluid flow rate at least one location in the formation and measuring the resultant change in pressure with time at least one other location in the formation; b. then, changing the rock properties of the formation between at least two of said locations; and c. then, pulse testing a second time between the locations.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
76 words
A method of testing a subterranean formation comprising: a. pulse testing between a plurality of locations within the formation by changing the Fluid flow rate at least one location in the formation and measuring the resultant change in pressure with time at least one other location in the formation; b. then, changing the rock properties of the formation between at least two of said locations; and c. then, pulse testing a second time between the locations.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as defined in claim 10 wherein the locations are vertically spaced within the formation at a well.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-06-21 | 1974-12-21 | 1975-06-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-06-21 | 1978-12-21 | 1979-06-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-06-21 | 1982-12-21 | 1983-06-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |