Method of increasing the volume of a permeable zone within an oil shale formation
A method is described for increasing the volume of a permeable zone formed within an oil-shale formation. The method may be used for extending channels into the fractured zone surrounding the chimney of rubble created by detonation within the oil-shale formation of high energy device. A borehole opening is extended into the substantially void space at the top of the chimney and a perforating device is lowered through the borehole opening and directed against the wall of the fractured zone surrounding the chimney, so as to open generally radial channels into the wall. Fluid is then circulated between the borehole opening and the rubble within the chimney, so as to include the channels into the wall of the fractured zone, thereby increasing the volume of the permeable zone that is swept by the circulating fluid. (10 claims)
- Assignee:
- Shell Oil Co.
- Patent Number(s):
- US 3478825
- OSTI ID:
- 5371949
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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