Fracturing method in solution mining

Patent · Tue Jun 11 04:00:00 EDT 1968

OSTI ID:5751115

Shock, D A; Davis, II, J G

In this solution mining method, a channel is created between wells by fracturing without undue extension of the fracture. The method involves creating a horizontal fracture in a subterranean soluble formation extending between at least 2 boreholes. A propping agent is then placed in the fracture. The pressure is reduced when the fracture reaches the desired limits of extension. Thereafter, a solvent for the formation is passed between the boreholes through the passage created by the fracture and held open by the propping agent. Any liquid capable of being pumped at high pressures can be utilized as the fracturing fluid, although in most cases, the fracturing fluid will be water saturated with the material of the formation being fractured. The propping agents include resin beads, soft aluminum pellets, walnut hulls, and the like. (8 claims)

• Assignee: Continental Oil Co.
• Patent Number(s): US 3387888
• OSTI ID: 5751115
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
42 ENGINEERING
422000 -- Engineering-- Mining & Underground Engineering-- (1980-)
BOREHOLES
CAVITIES
COMMINUTION
ELEMENTS
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FRACTURING
FUELS
MINERALS
MINING
NONMETALS
OIL WELLS
PETROLEUM
PROPPING AGENTS
RECOVERY
SOLUTION MINING
SOLVENTS
STIMULATION
SULFUR
WELL STIMULATION
WELLS