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

Explosively fracturing formations in wells

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5721422
In order to increase drainage from a porous but low permeability reservoir rock into wells, a number of wells is drilled into the reservoir rock. Hydraulic fracturing is employed to fracture between wells in the pay formation. A low fluid-loss liquid explosive is placed in all wells. It also fills the fracture. Preferably, each well is stemmed by placing a long mechanical obstruction immediately above the liquid explosive. Detonation of the explosive in the central well causes explosion of the liquid in the fracture, which in turn detonates the explosive in the surrounding wells. This creates a zone of large drainage area for production from the formation, or injection into it. Preferably, the neighboring wells surrounding the central well are drilled by deviation or side-tracking from the central bore. (8 claims)
Assignee:
Pan American Petr Corp.
Patent Number(s):
US 3587743
OSTI ID:
5721422
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English