Multiple azimuth control of vertical hydraulic fractures in unconsolidated and weakly cemented sediments
US6991037B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jan 31, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 17, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/26
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method and apparatus for initiating multiple azimuth controlled vertical hydraulic fractures in unconsolidated and weakly cemented sediments from a single bore hole to control the fracture initiation and propagation of hydraulic fractures at differing azimuths, enabling greater yield and recovery of petroleum fluids from the formation. An injection casing with multiple fracture initiation sections is inserted and grouted into a bore hole. A fracture fluid carrying a proppant is injected into the injection casing and opens fracture initiation sections to dilate the formation in a direction orthogonal to the first fracture azimuth plane. Following completion of the first fracture injection, the fracture fluid is injected into the injection casing and opens a set of second and subsequent fracture initiation sections dilating the formation and initiating and propagating a second and subsequent vertical hydraulic fractures at different azimuths to the first and subsequent earlier installed fractures.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.