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

Method of and apparatus for assisting in the injection of well treating fluids

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6492236
In a method of assisting the injection of treating fluid into an earth formation scrap solid propellant fuel (such as employed in rocket motors) is reclaimed and used as a source of gas for creating greater injection pressure. A subsurface tool has a large chamber for burning the propellant and another chamber for holding large-size propping balls for propping open fractures created during a fracturing operation. The fluid-injection apparatus is an assembly having a central flow passage for injection of the fluid. An outlet assembly connects the central flow passage with the well bore. The propellant chamber, located below the outlet assembly, consists of a tubular case filled with the propellant, firing and igniter equipment, and means for liberating the gas generated by the propellant upon ignition. Another container holds the propping balls which are released with the fracturing fluid. The generated gas assists in driving the hydraulic fluid into formation, whereby the formation is fractured. The large-size balls prop open the fractures. (17 claims)
Assignee:
TUL; EDB-81-078312
Patent Number(s):
US 3303880
OSTI ID:
6492236
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English