Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Method of fracturing subsurface formations

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5751198

A process is described in which a fracture is initiated from a well at the desired depth of the fracture. A carrying liquid having a propping agent suspended in it is held in the well above a blowout disk set in the well to prevent flow of the carrying liquid into the fracture. A plug adapted to prevent flow of gas past it is inserted in the well after the carrying liquid and is followed by a compressed gas. The pressure on the gas is increased to rupture the blowout disk and force the liquid and suspended propping agent into the fracture. The plug between the carrying liquid and the compressed gas is retained in the well to prevent discharge of the compressed gas from the well into the fracture. (12 claims)

Assignee:
Gulf Research and Develop Co.
Patent Number(s):
US 3393741
OSTI ID:
5751198
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English