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Technological Innovation | The Institute of Geophysical Exploration Granted Another National Invention Patent
The “Karst Detection Method Combining Three Geophysical Methods and Two Geological Methods,” developed by the Institute of Geophysical Exploration, has been granted a national invention patent. This achievement not only fully recognizes the Institute’s R&D capabilities but also underscores its relentless pursuit of technological innovation.
Due to the deeply dissected topography and significant elevation differences in southern Sichuan Province, the target strata for shale gas development typically lie at depths ranging from 2,000 to 5,000 meters. Drilling platforms may penetrate formations spanning from the Ziliujing Formation to the Maokou Formation. The lithological characteristics of the underlying strata beneath each drilling platform vary depending on the specific formation penetrated, leading to differing drilling risks. In carbonate rock regions, karst development is extremely pronounced, exhibiting multi-stage and complex features. Such areas feature both water-filled and dry karst systems, making them prone to incidents such as drill string dropping or sticking. Karst conduits—underground dark rivers—are highly concealed and exhibit exceptionally high permeability once fluid loss occurs, posing significant impacts on water resources and the environment. Therefore, during shale gas exploration and development, to effectively mitigate these risks, there is an urgent need for detailed interpretation of karst development patterns from the wellhead down to a depth of 1,000 meters, as well as accurate prediction of drilling risks. However, current domestic and international technologies predominantly rely on single geological survey methods, geophysical exploration techniques, or simple combinations of geophysical and geological approaches for pre-drilling karst exploration in shale gas fields. These approaches suffer from limitations in terms of detection depth, identification resolution, and interpretative accuracy.
In response to the aforementioned shortcomings of existing technical solutions, the present invention provides a karst detection method that combines three geophysical exploration techniques and two geological methods to effectively identify the extent of karst development prior to shale gas drilling exploration. This method enables segmented identification of underground karst anomaly zones across three depth ranges—from shallow to deep—thus addressing the limitation on detection depth inherent in using a single geophysical exploration technique for karst exploration. As a result, it accurately predicts drilling risks and precisely delineates the scope of risk identification prior to shale gas well drilling, thereby reducing associated drilling risks. Moreover, the three geophysical exploration techniques complement each other in terms of identification accuracy and mutually corroborate their results, further enhancing the overall accuracy of karst detection. This invention patent represents an effective practice advocated by the Geophysical Exploration Institute for technological innovation and advancement, comprehensively strengthening the Institute’s core competitiveness in the market.
In recent years, the Geophysical Exploration Institute has stepped up its investment in scientific research, actively pursued technological innovation, and introduced a patent reward system to encourage employees to proactively submit applications for their technological achievements. Continuous technological innovation has enabled the Institute to deliver higher-quality services and meet the ever-growing and evolving business needs of our clients. Looking ahead, the Geophysical Exploration Institute will remain committed to scaling new heights in science and technology, continually breaking through even higher technological barriers, and vigorously promoting the practical application of emerging technologies, thereby providing robust scientific and technological support for high-quality development.
Executive Producer | Zhang Guangda
Reviewed by | Zou Zhongping
Editor-in-charge | Zhou Huiying
Text | Wang Yuchen
Editor | Wen Han
Address: No. 39 Qinghua Road, Qingyang District, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province
Email: sczywty@163.com
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