Apparatus for fracturing subsurface formations

Patent · Tue Jul 06 04:00:00 EDT 1965

OSTI ID:6695113

Hill, W A

This is a method and apparatus for fracturing oil- and gas-bearing formations. A composition of carbon dioxide and an aqueous fracturing fluid is injected, or a liquid suspension when propping agents are used, into the formation. Pressure is maintained at the wellhead until the desired action of the treating fluid in the formation has occurred. Thereafter, the wellhead pressure is relieved. The liquids previously injected flow back into the well and carbon dioxide gas is liberated in the formation and suspended in the form of bubbles. These bubbles pick up residual oil as they are carried back into the well by the inflowing current of the water. The liberated gas also creates a gas lift to discharge the fracturing fluid from the formation and return it to the surface and also serves to clean out the formation. (5 claims)

• Assignee: TUL; EDB-81-025501
• Patent Number(s): US 3193014
• OSTI ID: 6695113
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
03 NATURAL GAS
030900 -- Natural Gas-- Artificial Stimulation
Plowshare-- (-1989)
COMMINUTION
ENERGY SOURCES
ENHANCED RECOVERY
FLUID INJECTION
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FRACTURING
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GAS INJECTION
GASES
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
MINERAL RESOURCES
NATURAL GAS
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
NATURAL GAS FIELDS
OIL FIELDS
PETROLEUM
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
RECOVERY
RESOURCES
STIMULATION
WELL STIMULATION