Propellant fracturing system for wells
US8522863B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 8, 2010 |
| Grant date | Sep 3, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 13, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/117
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A fracturing system for wells has a propellant charge having a known surface area for combustion, and a combustion rate as a function of pressure with lower combustion rates at lower pressures and rapidly increasing combustion rates at higher pressures separated by a knee in the combustion rate function. The propellant charge is initially sealed within a vessel as it is inserted into a well. The system also includes means for creating openings in the vessel on ignition of the propellant charge in the well, such that the openings have a known combined flow area selected to create a condition of choked flow of combustion gases from within the vessel and maintain pressures within the vessel below the knee in the combustion rate function.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.