Reservoir stimulation comprising hydraulic fracturing through extended tunnels
US11466549B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 4, 2018 |
| Grant date | Oct 11, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 16, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/305
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A technique facilitates hydrocarbon fluid production. A well is formed in a subterranean region by drilling a borehole, e.g. a generally vertical wellbore. At least one tunnel is formed and oriented to extend outwardly from the borehole at least 10 feet into a formation surrounding the borehole. The orientation of the at least one tunnel is selected such that it extends at a desired angle with respect to a direction of horizontal stress in the formation. A fracture stimulation of the at least one tunnel is performed to create a network of fractures. The orientation of the at least one tunnel ensures that the network of fractures extends through a target zone in a hydrocarbon bearing region of the formation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.