US Patent:
20130346048, Dec 26, 2013
Inventors:
Brian Ronad Crawford - Missouri City TX, US
Nora Lee DeDontney - Houston TX, US
Bashar Alramahi - Houston TX, US
Steinar Ottesen - Katy TX, US
International Classification:
G01V 99/00
Abstract:
Method and system is described for modeling one or more geophysical properties of a subsurface volume. In one example, a method for predicting strength anisotropy in subsurface formations along a wellpath comprises receiving a stress model of the subsurface formation in the area of the wellpath. Bulk strength properties of target rock are obtained and used to develop anisotropic failure criteria. The stress model may then be combined with the anisotropic failure criteria to develop an anisotropic wellbore stability model which is used to enhance hydrocarbon recovery.