Pneumatic fracturing method and system for exploiting shale gas

US9347301B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Sichuan University · CN

Inventors

• Feng Gao · Changzhou City, CN
• Heping Xie · Sichuan, CN
• Fubao Zhou · Chengdu, CN
• Yang Ju · Chengdu, CN
• Lingzhi Xie · Chengdu, CN
• Yingke Liu · Chengdu, CN
• Yanan Gao · Longbeilingcun, CN
• Jianfeng Liu · Chengdu, CN
• Ru Zhang · Chengdu, CN

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 20, 2014
• Grant date: May 24, 2016
• Expiry date: Aug 7, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC E): Fixed Constructions
• CPC primary: E21B43/247
• WIPO field: Civil engineering
• WIPO sector: Other fields

Abstract

A pneumatic fracturing method for exploiting shale gas, the method including: 1) applying a compressed gas for a first period of time at a first pressure to a shale formation; 2) applying the compressed gas for a second period of time at a second pressure to the shale formation; and 3) repeating steps 1) and 2) to produce fissures in the shale formation. A temperature of the compressed gas is at least 80° C. A maximum pressure of the compressed gas is at least 25 megapascal, and a minimum pressure of the compressed gas is between ¼ and ⅓ of the maximum pressure.