Method of fracturing horizontal wells
US4974675A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 8, 1990 |
| Grant date | Dec 4, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 8, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B49/006
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method of forming fractures from a highly deviated or horizontal well bore penetrating a subterranean formulation. A well bore is drilled horizontally into a formation and the deviation in the direction of the well bore from the direction of the least principal horizontal stress is determined. Perforations or notches then are produced in casing cemented in the well bore. The notching is effected in such a manner that the direction of the perforation or notch is made perpendicularly to the direction of the least principal horizontal stress in the subterranean formation. A fracturing fluid then is introduced into the well bore at a predetermined rate and pressure to fracture the formation at the fracture initiation points created by the notches whereby fracture reorientation is minimized or eliminated.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.