Apparatus and methods for providing information about one or more subterranean feature

摘要

A method of approximating or determining at least one dimension or other characteristic of at least one underground geological feature in a zone of interest proximate to a well bore includes generating an electric field in the zone of interest. At least two sensing electrodes are provided in the well bore and configured to detect differences therebetween in electric potential caused by at least one target object in the zone of interest. Proppant containing signal generating devices (SGD) is delivered into the geological feature(s). The SGD generate a detectable signal in response to at least one downhole condition or property. At least one receiver receives the detectable signals and provides data relating thereto. At least one dimension or other characteristic of the geological feature is approximated or determined based at least partially upon data provided by the sensing electrodes and receiver(s).

主权项

1. A method of approximating or determining at least one dimension or other characteristic of at least one fracture in an earthen formation, the at least one fracture being at least partially located within a zone of interest in the earthen formation proximate to a subterranean well bore, the method comprising:
while the well bore and at least one fracture at least partially contain conductive fluid,
generating an electric field in the zone of interest,at least one target object in the zone of interest having an electrical impedance that differs from the electrical impedance of the conductive fluid and creating perturbations in the electric field,providing at least two sensing electrodes in the well bore,the sensing electrodes detecting differences therebetween in electric potential caused by at least one target object and providing data relating thereto; delivering proppant containing a plurality of signal generating devices into the at least one fracture; at least some of the signal generating devices generating a detectable signal in response to at least one downhole condition or property; at least one receiver receiving at least one of the detectable signals and providing data relating thereto; and approximating or determining at least one dimension or other characteristic of the at least one fracture based at least partially upon data provided by the sensing electrodes and at least one receiver.