Method of fracturing multiple zones within a well using propellant pre-fracturing
US9915137B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 11, 2015 |
| Grant date | Mar 13, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 1, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/14
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A method of fracturing multiple zones within a wellbore formed in a subterranean formation is carried out by forming flow-through passages in two or more zones within the wellbore that are spaced apart from each other along the wellbore. The flow-through passages are arranged into clusters, where the directions of all flow-through passages, which belong to the same cluster, are aligned within a single plane (cluster plane). At least one cluster of flow-through passages is formed in each zone. The clusters within each zone have characteristics different from those of other zones provided by orienting the cluster planes at different angles relative to principal in-situ stresses and by placing them into different locations along the wellbore in each of the two or more zones. A propellant pre-fracturing treatment is then performed in the two or more zones to create initial fractures (pre-fractures) in each of the two or more zones. The fracturing fluid in the fracturing treatment is provided at a pressure that is above the pre-fracture propagation pressure of one of the two or more zones to facilitate fracturing of said one of the two or more zones. The pressure of the fracturing fluid…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.