Title: System for fracturing an underground geologic formation

Abstract

An explosive system for fracturing an underground geologic formation adjacent to a wellbore can comprise a plurality of explosive units comprising an explosive material contained within the casing, and detonation control modules electrically coupled to the plurality of explosive units and configured to cause a power pulse to be transmitted to at least one detonator of at least one of the plurality of explosive units for detonation of the explosive material. The explosive units are configured to be positioned within a wellbore in spaced apart positions relative to one another along a string with the detonation control modules positioned adjacent to the plurality of explosive units in the wellbore, such that the axial positions of the explosive units relative to the wellbore are at least partially based on geologic properties of the geologic formation adjacent the wellbore.

Inventors:

Mace, Jonathan L.; Tappan, Bryce C.; Seitz, Gerald J.; Bronisz, Lawrence E.

Issue Date:

Tue Mar 14 00:00:00 EDT 2017

Research Org.:

Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), Los Alamos, NM (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1346957

Patent Number(s):

9593924

Application Number:

14/371,696

Assignee:

Los Alamos National Security, LLC

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

C - CHEMISTRY C06 - EXPLOSIVES C06B - EXPLOSIVES OR THERMIC COMPOSITIONS

E - FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS E21 - EARTH DRILLING E21B - EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING

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C - CHEMISTRY C06 - EXPLOSIVES C06B - EXPLOSIVES OR THERMIC COMPOSITIONS

C06B25/34 - the compound being a nitrated acyclic, alicyclic or heterocyclic amine

E - FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS E21 - EARTH DRILLING E21B - EARTH DRILLING, e.g. DEEP DRILLING

E21B43/1185 - Ignition systems
E21B43/263 - using explosives {

F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F23 - COMBUSTION APPARATUS F23Q - IGNITION

F23Q21/00 - Devices for effecting ignition from a remote location

F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F42 - AMMUNITION F42B - EXPLOSIVE CHARGES, e.g. FOR BLASTING, FIREWORKS, AMMUNITION

F42B3/02 - adapted to be united into assemblies
F42B3/10 - Initiators therefor
F42B3/113 - activated by optical means, e.g. laser, flashlight
F42B3/182 - having shunting means {
F42B3/24 - Cartridge closures or seals

F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F42 - AMMUNITION F42C - AMMUNITION FUZES

F42C15/42 - from a remote location, e.g. for controlled mines or mine fields

F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F42 - AMMUNITION F42D - BLASTING

F42D1/02 - Arranging blasting cartridges to form an assembly
F42D1/042 - {Logic explosive circuits, e.g. with explosive diodes}
F42D1/045 - Arrangements for electric ignition
F42D1/05 - Electric circuits for blasting
F42D1/055 - specially adapted for firing multiple charges with a time delay
F42D3/00 - Particular applications of blasting techniques {
F42D3/04 - for rock blasting
F42D3/06 - for seismic purposes
F42D5/00 - Safety arrangements

Y - NEW / CROSS SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES Y10 - TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC Y10T - TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION

Y10T29/49826 - Assembling or joining

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DOE Contract Number:  

AC52-06NA25396

Resource Type:

Patent

Resource Relation:

Patent File Date: 2013 Jan 14

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

58 GEOSCIENCES