Abstract:
A method for obtaining location information about a well as it is being drilled through a subsurface, comprises: providing at least one fiber optic cable deployed in a borehole within acoustic range of the well, the proximal end of the cable being coupled to a light source and a photodetector, the fiber optic cable being acoustically coupled to the subsurface formation so as to allow acoustic signals in the subsurface to affect the physical status of the cable, providing an acoustic source in the well, transmitting at least one light pulse into the cable, receiving at the photodetector a first light signal indicative of the physical status of at least one first section of the cable. The first section is selected so that the first light signal provides information about the position of the acoustic source, and outputting at least the information to a display.
Abstract:
A system (20) for monitoring deformation of a substantially cylindrical casing (14). The system (20) includes at least two strings (22) of interconnected sensors (24) that are wrapped around the casing (14) so as not to intersect one another. At least one of the strings (22) includes a series of at least two segments (S). The series of segments (S) includes a segment (S) arranged at one wrap angle (?) and another segment (S) arranged at a different wrap angle (?).
Abstract:
A string of interconnected strain sensors applied to a cylindrical object for monitoring deformation of the object. The string of interconnected strain sensors is applied in a selected zig-zag pattern. A possibility is to drape a pliable support structure around the object, to which the string of strain sensors has been mechanically coupled in the selected zig-zag pattern.
Abstract:
Method of fracturing an earth formation by pumping a pressurized fracturing fluid into a borehole in an earth formation thereby fracturing the earth formation. At least during the pumping, a strain distribution is monitored in an object that is located in the earth formation and that is mechanically interacting with the earth formation. The borehole system has a plurality of strain sensors for monitoring the strain distribution in the object during fracturing. After terminating the pumping of the pressurized fracturing fluid, mineral hydrocarbon fluids may be allowed to flow from the reservoir into the wellbore or another wellbore, and produced via that wellbore.
Abstract:
A system and a method that are useful for making temperature measurements that are distributed over a distance. In one aspect, the system comprises a plurality of Bragg grating measurement points disposed in an optical fiber with a predetermined spacing between adjacent Bragg grating measurement points. The system also comprises a substrate with the optical fiber disposed thereon, the optical fiber wrapped around the substrate with at least one predetermined wrap angle. The predetermined wrap angle and the predetermined spacing may be selected to allow a temperature measurement signal to be distinguished from a bending measurement signal. The substrate may have a first coefficient of thermal expansion greater than a second coefficient of thermal expansion of the optical fiber and may comprise alternating sections of hollow tube and solid rod.
Abstract:
A process may include providing heat from one or more heaters to at least a portion of a subsurface formation. Heat may transfer from one or more heaters to a part of a formation. In some embodiments, heat from the one or more heat sources may pyrolyze at least some hydrocarbons in a part of a subsurface formation. Hydrocarbons and/or other products may be produced from a subsurface formation. Certain embodiments describe apparatus, methods, and/or processes used in treating a subsurface or hydrocarbon containing formation.
Abstract:
A method for obtaining location information about a well as it is being drilled through a subsurface, comprises: providing at least one fiber optic cable deployed in a borehole within acoustic range of the well, the proximal end of the cable being coupled to a light source and a photodetector, the fiber optic cable being acoustically coupled to the subsurface formation so as to allow acoustic signals in the subsurface to affect the physical status of the cable, providing an acoustic source in the well, transmitting at least one light pulse into the cable, receiving at the photodetector a first light signal indicative of the physical status of at least one first section of the cable. The first section is selected so that the first light signal provides information about the position of the acoustic source, and outputting at least the information to a display.
Abstract:
Method for determining a preferred application of a plurality of strain sensors or sensors to a structure are disclosed for monitoring and imaging deformation of the structure as it is subjected to various forces.
Abstract:
The invention provides a method for treating a subsurface formation. The method includes providing one or more explosives into portions of one or more wellbores selected for the explosion in the formation. The wellbores formed are in one or more zones in the formation. The method also includes controllably exploding the explosives in one or more of the wellbores such that at least some of the formation surrounding the selected wellbores has an increased permeability. The method also includes providing one or more heaters in the one or more wellbores.
Abstract:
A system for use in a wellbore, comprises a length of casing, a structure that is configured to deform with deformation of the casing, said structure being affixed to the length of casing at substantially the same radial position along the length of casing, and a sensing device that is configured to measure deformation of the structure, said device comprising a plurality of sensors that are distributed with respect to at least one of the length of said structure and the periphery of said structure.