Method for selectively orienting induced fractures in subterranean earth formations
- Morgantown, WV
The orientation of hydraulically-induced fractures in relatively deep subterranean earth formations is normally confined to vertical projections along a plane parallel to the maximum naturally occurring (tectonic) compressive stress field. It was found that this plane of maximum compressive stress may be negated and, in effect, re-oriented in a plane projecting generally orthogonal to the original tectonic stress plane by injecting liquid at a sufficiently high pressure into a wellbore fracture oriented in a plane parallel to the plane of tectonic stress for the purpose of stressing the surrounding earth formation in a plane generally orthogonal to the plane of tectonic stress. With the plane of maximum compressive stress re-oriented due to the presence of the induced compressive stress, liquid under pressure is injected into a second wellbore disposed within the zone influenced by the induced compressive stress but at a location in the earth formation laterally spaced from the fracture in the first wellbore for effecting a fracture in the second wellbore along a plane generally orthogonal to the fracture in the first wellbore.
- Research Organization:
- National Energy Technology Laboratory, Pittsburgh, PA, and Morgantown, WV
- Assignee:
- United States of America as represented by United States Energy (Washington, DC)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4005750
- OSTI ID:
- 862756
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Method for selectively orienting induced fractures in subterranean earth formations
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