PREDICTING STRESS ON INVESTIGATED AREA Russian patent published in 2013 - IPC G01V1/28 

FIELD: physics.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions includes: a method for quantitative prediction of the value of maximum horizontal stress (S_H/S_V) at a point on a horizon within the investigated area, comprising steps of: a) obtaining seismic reflection data which include a plurality of seismic reflection lines within the investigated area; b) interpreting the seismic reflection data to detect at least four horizons formed during the period of a compressing pulse, and at least one anticline and/or syncline; c) the detected anticlines and/or synclines are placed on a map; d) each anticline is classified based on one or more predetermined stress conditions based on the length of the anticline and its proximity to neighbouring anticlines and/or each syncline is classified based on one or more predetermined stress conditions based on the length of the syncline and its proximity to neighbouring synclines. Each predetermined stress condition corresponds to a given value of the maximum horizontal stress (S_H/S_V); a system for quantitative prediction of the value of the maximum horizontal stress (S_H/S_V) at a point on the horizon within the investigated area, as well as memory for storing a sequence of commands which prompt the processor to execute said method. The invention provides a purely bench-top method which avoids the need for expensive conventional geomechanical exploration of a well bore carried out after drilling. After determining the direction and the value S_H based on seismic reflection data, it becomes possible to predict compacted and non-compacted fractures, the direction of open and closed cracks and the optimum position and orientation of inclined or horizontal wells.

EFFECT: direction and value of geologic stress can be determined before drilling.

25 cl, 13 dwg