Methods of determining subterranean formation characteristics using computed tomographic images
AssigneeHalliburton Company
InventorMatthew E. Blauch
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods of determining stimulation related characteristics of a subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore prior to stimulating the zone are provided. The methods basically comprise injecting a small amount of a stimulation fluid having an X-ray contrasting agent admixed therewith into the zone and then obtaining one or more preserved core samples from the zone. The core samples are scanned with X-rays and computed tomographic images are produced for determining the characteristics of the zone.
Claims20
A method of determining stimulation related characteristics of a subterranean producing zone penetrated by a well bore prior to stimulating said zone comprising the steps of:
- (a) injecting a quantity of a stimulation fluid having an X-ray contrasting agent admixed therewith into said zone by way of said well bore;
- (b) obtaining one or more preserved core samples from said zone;
- (c) scanning said one or more core samples with X-rays and producing computed tomographic images of said one or more core samples;
- and
- (d) determining said characteristics of said zone from said computed tomographic images.
A method of determining stimulation related characteristics of a subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore comprising the steps of:
- (a) pumping a stimulation liquid having one or more X-ray contrasting agents admixed therewith into said zone at a preselected rate and pressure in an amount in the range of from about 0.25 barrels to about 500 barrels;
- (b) obtaining and preserving one or more core samples from said zone;
- (c) scanning the preserved one or more core samples with X-rays and producing computed tomographic images of said one or more core samples showing the distribution and depth of stimulation fluid penetration in said one or more core samples;
- and
- (d) determining said characteristics of said zone from said computed tomographic images.
A method of determining stimulation related characteristics of a subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore comprising the steps of:
- (a) injecting a quantity of a stimulation fluid having one or more X-ray contrasting agents admixed therewith into said zone by way of said well bore;
- (b) obtaining one or more core samples from said zone;
- (c) scanning said one or more core samples with X-rays and producing computed tomographic images of said one or more core samples;
- (d) producing fluids contained within said zone into and from said well bore;
- (e) obtaining one or more additional core samples from said zone;
- (f) scanning said additional one or more core samples with X-rays and producing computed tomographic images of said additional one or more core samples;
- (g) comparing the images of step (c) with the images of step (f) to thereby determine the extent of removal of said stimulation fluid from said zone.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.