TY  - JOUR
ID  - epos1512
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s000240050193
IS  - 1
A1  - Talebi, Shahrair
A1  - Boone, Tom J.
A1  - Nechtschein, S
N2  - We develop a seismic model that characterises the sudden tensional failure of oil-well casings. The energy released by the rupture of a well casing is transformed into heat and seismic energy. The upper bound of the seismic efficiency of this process is estimated at about 3%. The static situation at the completion of a casing failure episode is modelled by calculating the static displacement field generated by two opposing forces separated by an arm. The azimuthal patterns of these displacements and the change in the strain and stress fields caused by the force couple are described. The dynamics of the failure episode are modelled as a dipole with a seismic moment equivalent to the product of the average drop in shear stress, the failure surface, and an arm. The radiated P and S waves have mean-square radiation pattern coefficients of 1/5 for P waves and 2/15 for S waves. The displacement field as a function of time during rupture and the spectral properties in the far field are derived. The most promising seismic parameters that can be used for distinguishing between casing failure events and other possible events are polarisation properties of S waves and S/P amplitude ratios. S-wave polarisation distinguishes between shear events and casing failure events. S/P amplitude ratios distin guish between tensile events and casing failure events.
VL  - 153
TI  - A Seismic Model of Casing Failure in Oil Fields
AV  - none
EP  - 217
Y1  - 1998/11//
PB  - Springer Verlag
JF  - Pure and Applied Geophysics
KW  - Casing failure
KW  -  oil sands
KW  -  seismic modelling
KW  -  steam stimulation
SN  - 0033-4553
SP  - 197
ER  -