Results from a MHF surface electrical potential mapping experiment

Conference · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1977

OSTI ID:7089641

Schuster, C. L.; Keck, L. J.

Sandia Laboratories has developed a surface electrical potential system for remotely determining the azimuthal orientation of massive hydraulic fractures. The basis of the system is to use the fracture well as a current electrode which changes geometry as the conductive fluid is pumped out into the formation. This results in a changing electric potential field at the surface which is measured radially around the well. The system was deployed for a massive hydraulic fracturing (MHF) experiment with Columbia Gas in the Devonian Shale during August 1976 in Lincoln County, West Virginia. Several operational problems during the two days of fracturing somewhat impaired the data. Potential changes during the pumping did indicate fracture growth; however, the data did not give a clear indication as to its orientation. A screen-out that occurred at the end of the first day's pumping did produce some interesting potential changes.

• Research Organization: Sandia Labs., Albuquerque, N.Mex. (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: EY-76-C-04-0789
• OSTI ID: 7089641
• Report Number(s): SAND-77-1020C; CONF-771038-2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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