US3602310A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of increasing the permeability of a subterranean hydrocarbon bearing formation
Assignee: Tenneco Oil Co
•
Filing: 1970-01-15
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Granted: 1971-08-31
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Expires: 1990-01-15
Abstract
Abstract A method of increasing the permeability of a subterranean hydrocarbon bearing formation penetrated by a wellbore and includes inducing a primary horizontal fracture in the formation which preferably extends from an injection well to a producing well. A system of microfractures is caused to be formed in a direction normal to the major fracture by cooling the formation by the introduction of a cryogenic fluid and by subsequently heating the formation adjacent to the primary fracture.
Inventors
- 👤 William G Halbert
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 22:31
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/16; E21B43/24; E21B43/2405; E21B43/25; E21B43/26; E21B43/2605
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
15 words
The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said cooling fluid is a cryogenic liquid.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
33 words
The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said formation is heated during said heating step by injecting a hot fluid into said primary fracture, whereby said microfractures are caused by thermal shock.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The invention as claimed in claim 3 wherein: the difference in temperature between said cooling fluid and said hot fluid is at least 800* F.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention as claimed in claim 1 including: alternately repeating said cooling and heating steps to thereby further extend said microfractures.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said formation is penetrated by a production well, and said primary fracture is extended between said injection well and said production well during said primary fracturing step.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
66 words
The invention as claimed in claim 1 wherein: said cooling fluid is a cryogenic liquid; and said formation is heated during said heating step by injecting a hot fluid into said primary fracture, which hot fluid is at least about 800* F. higher in temperature than said cryogenic liquid, to thereby subject said formation adjacent said primary fracture to thermal shock to thereby cause said microfractures.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
16 words
The invention as claimed in claim 7 wherein: said hot fluid is A form of water.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention as claimed in claim 7 including: alternately repeating said cooling and heating steps to thereby further extend said microfractures.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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Cited
US2661066A
Cited
US2859818A
Cited
US3108636A
Cited
US3152651A
Cited
US3195634A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-08-30 | 1975-03-01 | 1975-08-31 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-08-30 | 1979-03-01 | 1979-08-31 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-08-30 | 1983-03-01 | 1983-08-31 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |