Patent · US Active

Method of injection plane initiation in a well

US7640982B2 · kind B2 · utility

10Cited by
72References
48Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateAug 1, 2007
Grant dateJan 5, 2010
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 26, 2028

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
  • CPC primaryE21B33/138
  • WIPO fieldCivil engineering
  • WIPO sectorOther fields

Abstract

Initiation of injection planes in a well. A method of forming at least one generally planar inclusion in a subterranean formation includes the steps of: expanding a wellbore in the formation by injecting a material into an annulus positioned between the wellbore and a casing lining the wellbore; increasing compressive stress in the formation as a result of the expanding step; and then injecting a fluid into the formation, thereby forming the inclusion in a direction of the increased compressive stress. Another method includes the steps of: expanding a wellbore in the formation by injecting a material into an annulus positioned between the wellbore and a casing lining the wellbore; reducing stress in the formation in a tangential direction relative to the wellbore; and then injecting a fluid into the formation, thereby forming the inclusion in a direction normal to the reduced tangential stress.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.