FRACTURE DIAGNOSIS USING ELECTROMAGNETIC METHODS

摘要

Disclosed herein is a method for fracture diagnostics by the use of electromagnetic transmitters and receivers in or near the borehole and an electrically conductive proppant. Injecting an electrically conductive proppant into a hydraulic fracture transforms it into highly conductive fractured volume in a rock medium of relatively low electrical conductivity. The highly conductive fracture can be easily separated from the background rock matrix due to the large electrical conductivity difference. The fracture can be excited through electromagnetic radiation by use of (a) transmitting antenna(s) in, above or immediately outside the borehole and will then be able to communicate with (a) receiver antenna(s) in, above or immediately outside the borehole. Using the principles of electromagnetism to analyze the simulated communication patterns between the fractured antenna transmitters and receivers, the length, height and orientation of the hydraulic fracture may be determined.