Method to create parallel vertical fractures in inclined wellbores
This paper describes a method of recovering hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation. It comprises: determining the magnitude and orientation of principal in-situ stresses in the subterranean formation; drilling and casing a wellbore in the direction of the determined minimum horizontal in-situ stress; perforating the casing at a first perforation point in the vertical plane of maximum horizontal stress with a pair of perforations selectively located at opposing points within the casing circumference wherein the perforations are phased at 0{degrees} and 180{degrees}, where 0{degrees} is the uppermost point and 180{degrees} is the bottommost point on the wellbore circumference in the vertical plane; perforating the casing at a second perforation point in the plane of maximum horizontal stress with a second pair of perforations selectively placed at opposing points within the casing circumference wherein the second perforation point in the plane of maximum horizontal stress with a second pair of perforations selectively placed at opposing points within the casing circumference wherein the second perforations are phased at 0{degrees} and 180{degrees}, where 0{degrees} is the uppermost point and 180{degrees} is the bottommost point on the wellbore circumference in the vertical plane; applying hydraulic pressure to the cased wellbore sufficient to propagate the fractures at the first and second perforation point into the formation in the plane perpendicular to the minimum horizontal in-situ stress; and producing to the surface formation fluids which enter the wellbore through at least the first and second perforations in the wellbore casing.
- Assignee:
- Chevron Research Co., San Francisco, CA (USA)
- Patent Number(s):
- A; US 4977961
- Application Number:
- PPN: US 7-394610
- OSTI ID:
- 5144057
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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