Multiple fracture production device and method
US5005649A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 28, 1990 |
| Grant date | Apr 9, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 28, 2010 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/26
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The present invention achieves a more reliable multiple fracturing of a subterranean formation by inserting high pressure tubing and isolating a portion of the wellbore (including the formation of interest and an end portion of the tubing) with packers. Near the end of the tubing is a closable end and a rupturable plenum holding a sufficient volume of pressurized gas to produce a pressure ramp sufficient to cause multiple fractures in the isolated portion when the plenum is ruptured. The closable end is closed after filling the isolated portion with a fracture fluid and proppant. The rupturable means is provided by at least one rupture disc. Multiple discs can provide a step wise pressure rise ramp to tailor the multiple fracture producing pulse. By providing a known volume of pressurized gas and rupture discs, a controlled pulse loading can be achieved. Like the propellant driven pulse loading techniques, it achieves a pressure ramp, but the present invention avoids the damage potential and improves the reliability of creating multiple fractures. The present invention can also be easily modified for alternative applications and is also expected to be safe, tolerant of off-design c…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.