US4178506A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for detecting fractures in formations surrounding earth boreholes
Assignee: Western Atlas International Inc
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Filing: 1977-09-06
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Granted: 1979-12-11
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Expires: 1997-09-06
Abstract
Abstract Well is first logged with gamma ray detection system to provide a base log. Fluid containing salt of potassium, uranium or thorium is then injected into the well opposite the interval of interest. When the well head pressure is increased, some of the injected fluid will move into the fracture or other highly permeable localized zones. The gamma ray detection system is then run again one or more times through the well to provide a log which is compared with the base log. The fracture is detected by localized drastically higher readings observed on the repeat run of the gamma ray detection logging system.
Inventors
- 👤 Walter H. Fertl
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 12:01
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01V; G01V5/00; G01V5/04; E; E21; E21B; E21B47/00; E21B47/02; E21B47/10; E21B47/11; G01F; G01F1/00; G01F1/704; G01F1/7042
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
71 words
A method for locating a fracture in earth formations, comprising: traversing an earth borehole with a gamma ray detection system, thereby creating a base log; injecting a fluid containing a salt from the group consisting of potassium, thorium and uranium salts into the formation of interest; and thereafter traversing the said earth borehole with said gamma ray detection system, thereby creating a second log indicative of a profile of said fracture.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
71 words
A method for locating a fracture in earth formations, comprising: traversing an earth borehole with a gamma ray detection system, thereby creating a base log; injecting a fluid containing a salt from the group consisting of potassium, thorium and uranium salts into the formation of interest; and thereafter traversing the said earth borehole with said gamma ray detection system, thereby creating a second log indicative of a profile of said fracture.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein said fluid contains KCl.
Claim 4
Independent Claim
64 words
A method for locating a fracture in earth formations, comprising: traversing an earth borehole with a gamma ray detection system sensitive to potassium, thereby creating a base log; injecting a fluid containing potassium chloride into the formation of interest; and thereafter traversing the said earth borehole with said gamma ray detection system, thereby creating a second log indicative of a profile of said fracture.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
64 words
A method for locating a fracture in earth formations, comprising: traversing an earth borehole with a gamma ray detection system sensitive to potassium, thereby creating a base log; injecting a fluid containing potassium chloride into the formation of interest; and thereafter traversing the said earth borehole with said gamma ray detection system, thereby creating a second log indicative of a profile of said fracture.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
74 words
A method for locating a localized highly permeable zone in earth formations, comprising: traversing an earth borehole with a gamma ray detection system, thereby creating a base log; injecting a fluid containing a salt from the group consisting of potassium, thorium and uranium salts into the formation of interest; and thereafter traversing the said earth borehole with said gamma ray detection system, thereby creating a second log indicative of the said highly permeable zone.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
74 words
A method for locating a localized highly permeable zone in earth formations, comprising: traversing an earth borehole with a gamma ray detection system, thereby creating a base log; injecting a fluid containing a salt from the group consisting of potassium, thorium and uranium salts into the formation of interest; and thereafter traversing the said earth borehole with said gamma ray detection system, thereby creating a second log indicative of the said highly permeable zone.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
11 words
The methood according to claim 4 wherein said fluid contains KCl.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
67 words
A method for locating a localized highly permeable zone in earth formations, comprising: traversing an earth borehole with a gamma ray detection system sensitive to potassium, thereby creating a base log; injecting a fluid containing potassium chloride into the formation of interest; and thereafter traversing the said earth borehole with said gamma ray detection system, thereby creating a second log indicative of the said highly permeable zone.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
67 words
A method for locating a localized highly permeable zone in earth formations, comprising: traversing an earth borehole with a gamma ray detection system sensitive to potassium, thereby creating a base log; injecting a fluid containing potassium chloride into the formation of interest; and thereafter traversing the said earth borehole with said gamma ray detection system, thereby creating a second log indicative of the said highly permeable zone.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-12-10 | 1983-06-11 | 1983-12-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-12-10 | 1987-06-11 | 1987-12-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-12-10 | 1991-06-11 | 1991-12-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |