US3593791A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Horizontal fracturing techniques for bitumen recovery
Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Co
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Filing: 1969-09-15
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Granted: 1971-07-20
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Expires: 1989-09-15
Abstract
Abstract A method is disclosed for forming a subterranean horizontal fracture while minimizing the formation of subterranean vertical fractures by employing a fracturing fluid having a specific gravity greater than the specific gravity of that stratum through which the horizontal fracture is to be formed.
Inventors
- 👤 Harry W Parker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 10:20
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/16; E21B43/17
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 in which said fracturing fluid has included therein a propping material.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 1 in which said fracturing fluid is injected into said unconsolidated formation thrOugh at least one injection well and flows through said fracture to at least one production well.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 1 in which said fracturing fluid comprises an aqueous slurry of a material selected from the group consisting of barium sulfate, iron oxide and lead oxide.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 1 in which said fracturing fluid has a specific gravity from about 2.0 to about 2.5.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 1 in which the fracturing fluid is injected at elevated pressure into an injection well, a plurality of fractures being formed and extending radially from the injection well to a plurality of recovery wells.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as defined in claim 1 in which the specific gravity of said fracturing fluid is greater than the specific gravity of said unconsolidated formation.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-07-19 | 1975-01-18 | 1975-07-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-07-19 | 1979-01-18 | 1979-07-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-07-19 | 1983-01-18 | 1983-07-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |