Use of PNC tools to determine the depth and relative location of proppant in fractures and the near borehole region

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 9038715
APP PUB NO 20130292109A1
SERIAL NO

13461498

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

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Abstract

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Methods are provided for identifying the location and height of induced subterranean formation fractures and the presence of any associated frac-pack or gravel pack material in the vicinity of the borehole using pulsed neutron capture (PNC) logging tools. The proppant/sand used in the fracturing and packing processes is tagged with a thermal neutron absorbing material. When proppant is present, increases in detected PNC formation and/or borehole component cross-sections, combined with decreases in measured count rates, are used to determine the location of the formation fractures and the presence and percent fill of pack material in the borehole region. Changes in measured formation cross-sections relative to changes in other PNC parameters provide a relative indication of the proppant in fractures compared to that in the borehole region.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
CARBO CERAMICS INC5050 WESTWAY PARK BLVD HOUSTON TX 77041

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Duenckel, Robert Southlake, US 30 459
Han, Xiaogang Tomball, US 29 344
Smith,, Jr Harry D Montgomery, US 40 576

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