Accessing subterranean resources by formation collapse
AssigneeCDX Gas, LLC
InventorJoseph Zupanick
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A subterranean zone can be accessed from the surface by forming a well bore extending from the surface into the subterranean zone. A tubing string is provided within the well bore, and an underreamer passed over the tubing string to a specified location within the subterranean zone. The underreamer is operated in forming an enlarged cavity in the well bore, and the subterranean zone about the tubing string is collapsed. Pressure within the enlarged cavity my be reduced to facilitate collapse of the subterranean zone about the tubing. The tubing string is provided with apertures, either before being positioned in the well or after, to allow passage of fluids into an interior of the tubing string. The fluids from the subterranean zone may be withdrawn through the tubing string.
Claims35
A method of accessing a subterranean zone from a terranean surface, comprising:
- forming a well bore extending from the surface into the subterranean zone;
- providing a tubing string within the well bore;
- and
- enlarging the well bore to a dimension selected to collapse at least a portion of the subterranean zone about the tubing.
A system for accessing a subterranean zone from a terranean surface, comprising:
- a well bore extending from the surface into the subterranean zone;
- a tubing string within the well bore;
- and
- an enlarged cavity in the well bore having a dimension selected to cause the subterranean zone to collapse inward on the tubing string.
A method of accessing a subterranean zone from a terranean surface comprising:
- forming a well bore extending from the surface into the subterranean zone;
- providing a tubing string within the well bore;
- passing an underreamer over the tubing string to a specified location within the subterranean zone;
- operating the underreamer in forming an enlarged cavity in the well bore;
- reducing pressure within the enlarged cavity to facilitate collapse of at least a portion of the subterranean zone about the tubing;
- and
- providing apertures in the tubing string to allow passage of fluids into an interior of the tubing string.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.