Detecting and correcting unintended fluid flow between subterranean zones
AssigneeLandmark Graphics Corporation
InventorsRonald E. SWEATMAN, Glenn R. McCOLPIN, Eric J. DAVIS, Scott D. MARSIC
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Detecting and correcting unintended fluid flow between subterranean zones. At least some of the illustrative embodiments are methods that include: injecting a first fluid into a subterranean zone, the injecting by way of a first borehole; making a reading indicative of surface deformation; identifying, based on the surface deformation reading, a flow path for a second fluid out of the subterranean zone; drilling a second borehole that intersects the flow path; and placing a sealing compound into the flow path by way of the second borehole, the sealing compound reduces the flow of the second fluid through the flow path.
Claims20
A method comprising:
- injecting a first fluid into a subterranean zone, the injecting by way of a first borehole;
- and then
- making a reading indicative of surface deformation;
- identifying, based on the surface deformation reading, a flow path for a second fluid out of the subterranean zone;
- drilling a second borehole that intersects the flow path;
- and
- placing a sealing compound into the flow path by way of the second borehole, the sealing compound reduces the flow of the second fluid through the flow path.
A system comprising:
- a first subterranean zone;
- a second subterranean zone, distinct from the first subterranean zone;
- a flow path between the first and second subterranean zone;
- a first borehole, distinct from the flow path, the borehole intersects the flow path;
- a sealing compound disposed within the flow path, the sealing compound placed in the flow path by way of the borehole, and the sealing compound at least partially fluidly isolates the first subterranean zone from the second subterranean zone.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.