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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Method of exploding using reflective fractures

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5003380
A method for increasing the fluid conductivity of a subterranean formation is described in which the formation is fractured by detonation of an explosive within the formation. At least 2 wells are drilled to the formation and the formation is hydraulically fractured at both wells. An explosive substance is injected into the fracture at one of the wells and detonated. The formation lying between the 2 wells is fragmented by the energy of the detonation and the reflection of the resulting shock wave from the fracture at the second well. A fracture may also be formed within a single well. Detonation of the explosive causes high fragmentation in the zone between the fractures. (11 claims)
Assignee:
Esso Production Research Co.
Patent Number(s):
US 3533471
OSTI ID:
5003380
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English