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Experimental studies of electrokinetic conversions in fluid-saturated borehole models

Journal Article · · Geophysics
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1444639· OSTI ID:20000939
Experimental and theoretical studies show that there are electromagnetic (EM) fields generated by seismic waves with two kinds of conversion mechanisms in a fluid-saturated, porous medium. Within a homogeneous formation, the seismic wave generates a seismoelectric field that exists only in the area disturbed by the seismic wave and whose apparent velocity is that of the seismic wave. At an interface between differing formation properties, the generated seismoelectric wave is a propagating EM wave that can be detected everywhere, An electrode, used as a receiver on the ground surface, can detect the propagating EM wave generated at an interface, but cannot detect the seismoelectric field generated in a homogeneous formation. When the electrode is in a borehole and close to a porous formation, it can detect both the EM waves and the seismoelectric field. In this paper, electrokinetic measurements are performed with borehole models made of natural rocks or artificial materials. Experimental results show that the Stoneley wave and other acoustic modes, excited by a monopole source in the borehole models, generate seismoelectric fields in fluid-saturated formations. The electric components of the seismoelectric fields can be detected by an electrode in the borehole or on the borehole wall. The amplitude and frequency of the seismoelectric fields are related not only to the seismic wave, but also to formation properties such as permeability, conductivity, etc. Comparison between the waveforms of the seismoelectric signals and acoustic logging waves suggests that seismoelectric well logging may explore the different properties of the formation. Electroseismic measurements are also performed with these borehole models. The electric pulse through the electrode in the borehole or on the borehole wall induces Stoneley waves in fluid-saturated models that can be received by a monopole transducer in the same borehole. These measurement methods (seismoelectric logging or electroseismic logging) might directly apply to well logging to investigate formation properties related to the pore fluid flow.
Research Organization:
Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Cambridge, MA (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
US Department of Energy
DOE Contract Number:
FG02-93ER14322
OSTI ID:
20000939
Journal Information:
Geophysics, Journal Name: Geophysics Journal Issue: 5 Vol. 64; ISSN GPYSA7; ISSN 0016-8033
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English