Patents by Inventor Frederick D. Gray

Frederick D. Gray has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Methods and systems for estimating stress using seismic data
    Patent number: 8619500
    Abstract: A method for estimating principal stresses of a subterranean formation from seismic data. In one embodiment, rock strength parameters from seismic data of the formation is first determined to calculate the anisotropic elastic properties of the formation. The three principal stresses of the formation: vertical stress, minimum horizontal stress, and maximum horizontal stress, is determined using at least the calculated anisotropic elastic properties and the rock strength parameters of the formation. From the estimated principal stresses, the differential ratio of the maximum and minimum horizontal stresses can be determined to indicate optimal zones for hydraulic fracturing. In another embodiment, a tectonic strain term is introduced to calibrate the estimated principal estimated stress to a known reference point. In yet another embodiment, hoop stress is incorporated to estimate the fracture initiation pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventor: Frederick D. Gray
  • METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ESTIMATING STRESS USING SEISMIC DATA
    Publication number: 20110182144
    Abstract: A method for estimating principal stresses of a subterranean formation from seismic data. In one embodiment, rock strength parameters from seismic data of the formation is first determined to calculate the anisotropic elastic properties of the formation. The three principal stresses of the formation: vertical stress, minimum horizontal stress, and maximum horizontal stress, is determined using at least the calculated anisotropic elastic properties and the rock strength parameters of the formation. From the estimated principal stresses, the differential ratio of the maximum and minimum horizontal stresses can be determined to indicate optimal zones for hydraulic fracturing. In another embodiment, a tectonic strain term is introduced to calibrate the estimated principal estimated stress to a known reference point. In yet another embodiment, hoop stress is incorporated to estimate the fracture initiation pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Frederick D. Gray