Patent Document ID: 8490693
Application ID: 12706855
Patent Status: 1

Claim One:
1. A method for performing field operations having at least one wellsite, each wellsite having a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation for accessing or storing substances therein, the method comprising: obtaining a first set of acoustic radial profiles of the subterranean formation based on a first sonic logging pass of the wellbore prior to induction of a fracture disposed about the wellbore, wherein the first set of acoustic radial profiles comprises a first set of elastic wave moduli as first functions of radial distance from the wellbore; obtaining a second set of acoustic radial profiles of the subterranean formation based on a second sonic logging pass of the wellbore subsequent to the induction of the fracture, wherein the second set of acoustic radial profiles comprises a second set of elastic wave moduli as second functions of the radial distance; comparing, using a central processing unit (CPU) of a computer system, the first set of acoustic radial profiles and the second set of acoustic radial profiles based on a pre-determined criterion to generate a comparison result comprising a difference; calculating at least one data item selected from a group consisting of a local maximum of the difference and a point of inflection of the difference from the comparison result; determining, using the CPU and based on the at least one data item, an orientation of one or more portions of the fracture; and adjusting the operations of the oilfield based on the orientation.