Craig Cipolla

Title: Inventor Spotlight: Craig Cipolla

Introduction

Craig Cipolla is a notable inventor based in The Woodlands, TX, with a remarkable record of innovation in the field of hydraulic fracturing. He holds two patents that contribute significantly to the understanding and execution of fracture operations in subterranean formations. His work is essential for the advancement of technologies aimed at optimizing resource extraction.

Latest Patents

Cipolla's latest patents focus on methods for calibrating fracture geometry to microseismic events. The first patent describes a method of performing a fracture operation at a wellsite situated over a subterranean formation with a complex fracture network. This complex network includes natural fractures, and the wellsite is stimulated through the injection of fluid containing proppant. The process involves generating data from wellsite measurements of microseismic activity, modeling both a hydraulic fracture network and a discrete fracture network, and conducting a seismic moment operation. Essential to this method is the calibration of the discrete fracture network by comparing predicted seismic moment densities to actual measurements.

The second patent further refines the calibration technique for hydraulic fractures in the fracture network. It involves generating wellsite data, including natural fracture parameters, and obtaining measurements of microseismic events to model the hydraulic fractures. By employing a geomechanical model, a stress field of the hydraulic fractures is generated, allowing for the determination of shear failure parameters and their locations within the fracture network. This meticulous calibration process enhances the accuracy of hydraulic fracture simulations against real-world microseismic occurrences.

Career Highlights

Craig Cipolla is affiliated with Schlumberger Technology Corporation, where he applies his expertise to develop innovative technologies for the oil and gas industry. His contributions play a pivotal role in optimizing hydraulic fracturing techniques, which are crucial for modern resource extraction. Cipolla's work not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances safety and environmental sustainability within the industry.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Cipolla has collaborated with esteemed professionals such as Shawn Maxwell and Xiaowei Weng. These collaborations have fostered an environment of innovation, allowing for the exchange of ideas and the development of advanced methodologies in the field of hydraulic fracturing.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Craig Cipolla's inventions and contributions to the field of hydraulic fracturing position him as a significant figure in the industry. His patents reflect a deep understanding of the complexities involved in fracture operations, making substantial impacts on resource extraction techniques. As he continues to develop innovative solutions, Cipolla exemplifies the spirit of inventiveness that drives progress in this vital sector.