Method and System for Fracture Stimulation by Formation Displacement
OwnerBruce A. Dale, Kevin H. Searles +2inventors
InventorsBruce A. Dale, Kevin H. Searles, Sheng-Yuan Hsu, Michael S. Chelf
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Abstract
The present techniques provide methods and systems for fracturing reservoirs without directly treating them. For example, an embodiment provides a method for fracturing a subterranean formation. The method includes causing a volumetric increase in a zone proximate to the subterranean formation so as to apply a mechanical stress to the subterranean formation, creating a fracture network in the subterranean formation to improve permeability therein.
Claims51
A method for fracturing a subterranean formation, comprising applying stress in a zone proximate to the subterranean formation to indirectly translate a mechanical stress to the subterranean formation and effect a permeability increase within the subterranean formation.
A method for production of a hydrocarbon from a reservoir, comprising:
- penetrating a zone proximate a hydrocarbon bearing subterranean formation with a wellbore;
- applying stress to the zone proximate to the subterranean formation to indirectly translate a mechanical stress change to the subterranean formation to arch at least a portion of the subterranean formation and thereby effect enhanced permeability within the arched portion of the subterranean formation;
- and
- extracting hydrocarbons from the enhanced permeability subterranean formation into the wellbore.
A hydrocarbon production system, comprising:
- a hydrocarbon bearing subterranean formation;
- a zone proximate to the hydrocarbon bearing subterranean formation;
- a stimulation well drilled to the zone proximate;
- and
- a stimulation system configured to applying stress in the zone proximate to the subterranean formation to indirectly affect a mechanical stress to the hydrocarbon bearing subterranean formation and effect a volumetric increase within the hydrocarbon bearing subterranean formation.
A method for fracturing a subterranean formation, comprising causing a volumetric increase in a zone proximate to the subterranean formation so as to apply a mechanical stress to the subterranean formation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.