System and Method for Microseismic Data Acquisition Using Sensor Patches

摘要

Disclosed herein are various embodiments of methods and systems for optimizing the analysis of the source locations of microseismic sources, comprising recording microseismic data using patches of sensors. Each patch contains multiple sensors, arranged as a grid or a line segment. This approach uses fewer sensors and can cove r a larger area than previous techniques for acquiring microseismic data. The data recorded in this way can be filtered using directional filters, such that each patch may be targeted at a specific point in the subsurface. The microseismic source-scanning algorithm benefits from having data filtered to include directional signals only from pairs of patch locations and subsurface locations. This produces an improved estimate of the locations of microseismic events. The patches may be disposed about a horizontal well bore, and aligned such that directional filtering enhances data from hydraulic fracturing operations in the wellbore.

主权项

1. A system for acquiring microseismic data using sensor patches comprising:
a microseismic event generator disposed in the subsurface of the earth along a first axis; a plurality of sensors capable of sensing microseismic data; a plurality of distinct patches of sensors disposed upon the surface, each distinct patch of sensors comprising multiple sensors, the patches of sensors being configured to sample data and noise and an analyzer having at least one processor, the analyzer being capable of recording and processing microseismic data from the plurality of sensors at a sampling interval of between 0.25 and 16 milliseconds over a predetermined time window in the range of one minute to several days.