Publications

Autonomous microexplosives subsurface tracing system final report

Warpinski, Norman R.; Ingram, Brian I.; Melof, Brian M.; Engler, Bruce P.; Grubelich, Mark C.; Kravitz, Stanley H.; Rivas, Raul R.; Dulleck, George R.

The objective of the autonomous micro-explosive subsurface tracing system is to image the location and geometry of hydraulically induced fractures in subsurface petroleum reservoirs. This system is based on the insertion of a swarm of autonomous micro-explosive packages during the fracturing process, with subsequent triggering of the energetic material to create an array of micro-seismic sources that can be detected and analyzed using existing seismic receiver arrays and analysis software. The project included investigations of energetic mixtures, triggering systems, package size and shape, and seismic output. Given the current absence of any technology capable of such high resolution mapping of subsurface structures, this technology has the potential for major impact on petroleum industry, which spends approximately $1 billion dollar per year on hydraulic fracturing operations in the United States alone.