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

Method of explosively fracturing from drain holes using reflective fractures

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6620594
A system is described for explosively stimulating earth formations. One or more drain holes are drilled horizontally into the formation from the main vertical well bore. Hydraulic fractures are created in the formation and are spaced from and parallel to the drain hole. An explosive is loaded into the drain hole and subsequently detonated. Since the shock wave from the detonation will reflect from the fractures which are located parallel to the drain hole, a tension wave results which provides an efficient force to fracture the formation. In some cases, the formation would be fractured before the drain holes are drilled. (7 claims)
Assignee:
Sun Oil Co.
Patent Number(s):
US 3771600
OSTI ID:
6620594
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English