US3759329A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Cryo-thermal process for fracturing rock formations
Assignee: SHUFFMAN ROSE
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Filing: 1971-05-28
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Granted: 1973-09-18
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Expires: 1991-05-28
Abstract
Abstract A process for fracturing rock formations is disclosed using cryogenic fluids and exemplified in a process for the secondary recovery of oil wherein the major steps include: establishing a complex of elongated holes arranged in a predetermined geometric pattern which penetrate the oil production formation; injecting pressurized, superheated steam into the holes; fracturing the oil production formation using cryogenic techniques; and recovering the mobilized oil.
Inventors
- 👤 S Ross
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 23:17
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B36/00; E21B36/001; E21B43/00; E21B43/16; E21B43/17; E21B43/24; E21B43/2405; E21B43/25; E21B43/26; E21B43/2605; E21B43/30
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
52 words
A method of fracturing a rock formation which comprises flash freezing of water by the release of a pressurized, cryogenic liquid so as to come in intimate contact therewith while said water is confined for imposing fracturing pressure on said formation concomitantly with its flash expansion in volume upon transformation into ice.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
52 words
A method of fracturing a rock formation which comprises flash freezing of water by the release of a pressurized, cryogenic liquid so as to come in intimate contact therewith while said water is confined for imposing fracturing pressure on said formation concomitantly with its flash expansion in volume upon transformation into ice.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said cryogenic liquid is liquid nitrogen.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the water that is flash frozen comprises water which occurs in the interstices of the rock formation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein a hole is made into the rock formation and the pressurized cryogenic liquid is released in the hole.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
A method according to claim 4 wherein water is introduced into the hole so as to occur as free water therein and wherein said free water is flash frozen by said release of a pressurized cryogenic liquid.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
34 words
A method according to claim 4 wherein said hole is made in an oil-bearing zone of a rock formation and said cryogenic liquid is released in said zone with concomitant fracturing of said zone.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method according to claim 6 wherein the fracturing of the rock formation in the oil-bearing zone is followed by the introduction of superheated steam which stimulates flow of oil into said hole.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method according to claim 4 wherein a container having cryoGenic liquid therein is introduced into the hole and the cryogenic liquid is quickly released therefrom.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
30 words
A method according to claim 4 wherein a plug is anchored into the hole and the cryogenic liquid is released in the region of said hole confined by said plug.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the water in the rock formation is melted after the initial fracturing of the formation, additional water is added in the zone of initial fracture, and the fracturing step is repeated at the zone of initial fracture.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-09-17 | 1977-03-19 | 1977-09-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-09-17 | 1981-03-19 | 1981-09-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-09-17 | 1985-03-19 | 1985-09-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |