METHOD FOR DETECTING FRACTURES IN A SUBTERRANEAN FORMATION

摘要

Fractures at a wellbore wall and in a region surrounding a wellbore wall can be detected by monitoring gamma rays scattered from the fractures. Gamma rays are strategically directed from a tool disposed within the wellbore and to the wall and/or the region. Some of the gamma rays scatter from the fractures and are detected with detectors set a designated axial distance from the gamma ray source. In addition to identifying the presence of the fractures, the location and size of the fractures is also estimated. Based on the location and disposition of the fractures, perforations are formed in the formation to provide communication between the fractures and the wellbore.