Non-hydraulic fracturing systems, methods, and processes
AssigneeExpansion Energy, LLC
InventorDavid Vandor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and systems of fracturing subterranean formations to are provided comprising pumping metacritical phase natural gas into a subterranean formation to create or extend one or more fissures in the formation. Methods and systems may further comprise maintaining or increasing pressure of the metacritical phase natural gas in the formation by pumping more metacritical phase natural gas into the fissures to hold the fissures open. Methods and systems may further comprise delivering a proppant into the subterranean formation. Disclosed methods and systems may be used to extract hydrocarbons from subterranean formations without the use of liquids.
Claims20
A method of fracturing subterranean formations, comprising:
- processing metacritical phase natural gas so it is at a temperature between about −150° F. and −220° F. and a pressure between about 700 and 800 psia;
- pumping to pressure the metacritical phase natural gas such that it becomes compressed natural gas;
- and
- sending the compressed natural gas into a subterranean formation to create or extend one or more fissures in the formation.
A fracturing system comprising:
- a metacritical phase natural gas supply processed so the metacritical phase natural gas is at a temperature between about −150° F. and −220° F. and a pressure between about 700 and 800 psia;
- a cryogenic storage tank for storing the metacritical phase natural gas at a temperature between about −150° F. and −220° F. and a pressure between about 700 and 800 psia, the cryogenic storage tank being fluidly connected to the metacritical phase natural gas supply;
- at least one positive displacement device fluidly connected to the cryogenic storage tank, the positive displacement device configured to pump to pressure the metacritical phase natural gas such that it becomes compressed natural gas;
- and
- a network of pipes fluidly connected to the at least one positive displacement device and the cryogenic storage tank, with at least one pipe extending into a subterranean formation.
A method of recovering hydrocarbons from underground formations, comprising:
- processing metacritical phase natural gas so it is at a temperature between about −150° F. and −220° F. and a pressure between about 700 and 800 psia;
- pumping to pressure the metacritical phase natural gas such that it becomes compressed natural gas;
- warming the compressed natural gas;
- and
- sending the warmed compressed natural gas into an underground formation to move or release hydrocarbons from the formation to the surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.