Method of creating a plurality of fractures

Patent · Tue Sep 17 04:00:00 EDT 1974

OSTI ID:6813320

Strubhar, M K; Glenn, Jr, E E

A method is described for forming from a deviated well a number of vertically disposed fractures spaced a substantial distance apart in a subterranean formation having a known preferred fracture orientation. The deviated well extends from the surface of the earth and penetrates the subterranean formation at an angle of at least 10/sup 0/ measured from the vertical. A first fracture initiation point is formed to establish fluid communication between the interior of the well and the subterranean formation. Hydraulic pressure is applied through the first fracture initiation point to the subterranean formation to form and propagate a first vertically disposed fracture into the formation in the direction of the preferred fracture orientation. Thereafter, a second fracture initiation point is formed at a predetermined horizontal distance from the first fracture initiation point. The second fracture initiation point is isolated from fluid communications with the first fracture initiation point. This procedure may be repeated as desired to form from the deviated well other vertically disposed fractures. (5 claims)

• Assignee: Makik Oil Corp.
• Patent Number(s): US 3835928
• OSTI ID: 6813320
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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