Patents Assigned to Fracture Technology, Inc.
  • Patent number: 4353244
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method of determination of the change in subsurface structure of the earth resulting from the application of fluid pressure at a selected point, at a selected depth, in the earth, by measuring at least one physical parameter of the contour of the surface of the earth above the point of application of fluid pressure. The method involves positioning a plurality of tiltmeters on the earth above the point of application of fluid pressure arranged in a known array, and measuring the change in angle of tilt of the earth's surface at the point of placement of each sensor while varying the pressure and flow rate of fluid into the earth at the selected point. This invention further teaches how the individual values of incremental tilt at selected points on the earth's surface can be processed to provide indication of the azimuth of the vertical fracture in the earth, and an estimate of length of the fracture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1980
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1982
    Assignee: Fracture Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Milton D. Wood