Fracture Length Estimation from Borehole Image Logs

Abstract

We describe a method to estimate fracture length for circular fractures from borehole image logs. The relative frequency of fractures, which have complete circumference trace on image logs is related to fracture length. A simple functional relationship can be derived for the relative frequency of complete fracture traces in terms of average fracture inclination to borehole, borehole diameter and fracture length. This formulation however, tends to underestimate fracture length because a constant length is assumed. A more accurate length estimate can be obtained by assuming that fracture length is linearly correlated to fracture aperture or spacing. Cumulative frequency distribution of fracture aperture and spacing can be obtained from borehole image logs. The problem then transforms itself to finding the scaling factor between fracture length and aperture (or spacing) from the relative frequency of fractures with complete traces. The product of the scaling factor and average fracture spacing (or aperture) gives the average fracture length.