Patent ID: 9217807
Filing Date: 2015-12-22
Classification: G01V

Abstract:
1. A method for identifying a layer of a formation through which a borehole extends that exhibits a significant increase in a volume of sand that reduces a volume of hydrocarbon production during the course of production at the borehole, comprising: generating a first acoustic wave at an acoustic source located in the borehole, the first acoustic wave being generated at a first time; receiving first data corresponding to the first acoustic wave at an array of acoustic receivers located in the borehole; obtaining Stoneley dispersion data and cross-dipole flexural dispersion data from the first data; determining a horizontal shear modulus, C determining at least one vertical shear modulus, C generating a second acoustic wave at the acoustic source, the second acoustic wave being generated at a second time subsequent to the first time; receiving second data corresponding to the second acoustic wave at the array of acoustic receivers; obtaining Stoneley dispersion data and cross-dipole flexural dispersion data from the second data; determining a horizontal shear modulus, C determining at least one vertical shear modulus, C analyzing changes in the horizontal and vertical shear moduli determined from the first and second data, wherein the changes provide an indication of a change in anisotropic characteristics of the layer of the formation resulting from production at the borehole.