Process for stimulating petroliferous subterranean formations with contained nuclear explosions

Patent · Tue Nov 05 04:00:00 EST 1968

OSTI ID:5467737

Bray, B G; Knutson, C F; Coffer, H F

This is a technically and economically feasible method of utilizing the energy developed by a contained nuclear explosion to render hydrocarbons contained in tight subterranean formations more susceptible to recovery. The explosions increase the permeability and deliverability of the tight formations as well as enlarging the diameter of a well bore drilled into the formation. In the method, a number of nuclear explosives positioned adjacent the lower portion of the formation are simultaneously detonated. The explosives are spaced horizontally from each other by a distance greater than the sum of the cavity radii of the 2 cavities which would be produced by each nuclear explosive when individually detonated. A hole is drilled into the zone of increased permeability created by the explosion to remove hydrocarbons from the explosion environment. (5 claims)

• Assignee: Continental Oil Co
• Patent Number(s): US 3409082
• OSTI ID: 5467737
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEFENSE
450201 -- Military Technology
Weaponry
& National Defense-- Nuclear Explosions & Explosives-- Containment
COST
ENERGY SOURCES
ENHANCED RECOVERY
EXCAVATION
EXPLOSIONS
EXPLOSIVE STIMULATION
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
NUCLEAR EXCAVATION
NUCLEAR EXPLOSIONS
OIL WELLS
PERMEABILITY
PETROLEUM
RECOVERY
RESERVOIR ROCK
STIMULATION
WELL STIMULATION
WELLS