Application of the acoustic televiewer to the characterization of hydraulic fractures in geothermal wells

Conference · Thu Feb 07 04:00:00 EST 1980

OSTI ID:7369333

Keys, W S; Crichlow, H B ^[1]

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1. ed.

Two wells in the Raft River geothermal reservoir, Idaho, were hydraulically fractured in an attempt to increase productivity. The US Geological Survey made geophysical logs of these wells both before and after fracturing. A high temperature version of the acoustic televiewer was the most useful tool for obtaining data on the location, orientation, and character of the fractures produced. In RR-4 (Raft River well 4), a hydraulic fracture was logged with the televiewer from a depth of 4682.5 to 4873.9 feet, a total of 191.4 feet. This fracture was largely due to the propping and possible extending of a previously logged fracture which is thought to have been accidentally induced during drilling or testing. The fracture is essentially vertical, strikes an average of N. 72 degrees E., and has an average apparent maximum width of 0.4 inch. The fracture is complex, branching, or en echelon, and in one place curves to parallel a natural fracture. In RR-5 (Raft River well 5), a new hydraulic fracture was logged from a depth of 4562 feet to approximately 4705 feet, a vertical extent of approximately 143 feet. There is no evidence that this fracture follows a pre-existing break except for intervals where the orientation is affected by natural fractures. The hydraulic fracture is nearly vertical, strikes an average of N. 29 degrees E., and has an average apparent maxmum width of 0.6 inch. The character of this fracture is apparently affected by a change in lithology.

• Research Organization: US Geological Survey, Denver, CO
• OSTI ID: 7369333
• Report Number(s): CONF-800242-10
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
150303* -- Geothermal Exploration & Exploration Technology-- Exploratory Drilling & Well Logging
FAILURES
FRACTURES
GEOTHERMAL WELLS
Geothermal Legacy
HYDRAULIC FRACTURES
IDAHO
NORTH AMERICA
ORIENTATION
PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION
RAFT RIVER VALLEY
SONIC LOGGING
STIMULATION
USA
WELL LOGGING
WELL STIMULATION
WELLS