Hydraulic feature initiation and propagation control in unconsolidated and weakly cemented sediments
US7404441B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 12, 2007 |
| Grant date | Jul 29, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 2, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/261
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method and apparatus for initiating and propagating a vertical hydraulic fracture in unconsolidated and weakly cemented sediments from a single bore hole to control the fracture initiation plane and propagation of the hydraulic fracture, 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 the fracture initiation sections to dilate the formation in a direction orthogonal to the required fracture azimuth plane. Propagation of the fracture is controlled by limiting the fracture fluid injection rate during fracture initiation and propagation and maintaining a minimum fracture fluid viscosity. The injection casing initiation section remains open after fracturing providing direct hydraulic connection between the production well bore, the permeable proppant filled fracture and the formation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.