Method of stimulation of brittle rock using a rapid pressure drop
US10100626B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 19, 2014 |
| Grant date | Oct 16, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 19, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/267
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method and system for inducing secondary orthogonal fractures in an underground formation by introducing a proppant carrying fluid into a hydraulic fracture in an underground formation at high pressure is provided. The pressure of the proppant carrying fluid is lowered at a rate allowing the fluid to exit the formation while the proppant remains in place within the fractures. The pressure of the fluid is then rapidly reduced, creating fractures orthogonal to the surface of existing fractures by pushing remained proppant against hydraulic fractures walls. The orthogonal fractures can be opened with high pressure fluid and propped. In this way, the portion of the formation in fluid flow communication with the wellbore is increased.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.