Using radio waves to fracture rocks in a hydrocarbon reservoir
US9896919B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 22, 2016 |
| Grant date | Feb 20, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 22, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B49/00
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The present disclosure describes methods and systems for fracturing geological formations in a hydrocarbon reservoir. One method includes forming a borehole in a hydrocarbon reservoir from a surface of the hydrocarbon reservoir extending downward into the hydrocarbon reservoir; transmitting an electromagnetic (EM) wave through the borehole: directing at least a portion of the EM wave to rocks at a location below the surface in the hydrocarbon reservoir; and fracturing the rocks at the location below the surface in the hydrocarbon reservoir by irradiating the rocks around the borehole using at least the portion of the EM wave, wherein irradiating the rocks elevates pore-water pressure in the rocks causing fracturing of the rocks.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.