Patent · US Active

Methods for enhancing hydrocarbon production from subterranean formations using electrically controlled propellant

US11326434B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by
33References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 4, 2017
Grant dateMay 10, 2022
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 14, 2038

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
  • CPC primaryC09K8/62
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

Methods for enhancing the conductivity of fractures in a subterranean formation using electrically controlled propellants are provided. In some embodiments, the methods comprise: introducing an electrically controlled propellant into one or more secondary boreholes in a subterranean formation near a main well bore that penetrates the subterranean formation; igniting the electrically controlled propellant in the secondary boreholes, whereby at least a portion of the region of the subterranean formation near the secondary borehole is at least partially ruptured by the ignition of the electrically controlled propellant in the secondary boreholes; and introducing a fracturing fluid into the main wellbore at or above a pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one primary fracture in the subterranean formation that extends into at least a portion of the ruptured region of the subterranean formation.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.