US3771600A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method of explosively fracturing from drain holes using reflective fractures
Assignee: Sunoco Inc
•
Filing: 1971-07-02
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Granted: 1973-11-13
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Expires: 1991-07-02
Abstract
Abstract A method of increasing fluid conductivity of a formation by drilling horizontal drain holes outwardly from a wellbore and fracturing the formation such that upon detonation of an explosive in the drain hole, the fractures will provide a surface for reflection of the explosive shock waves.
Inventors
- 👤 W Hill
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 04:26
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/25; E21B43/26; E21B43/263
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
92 words
A process for explosively stimulating an earth formation comprising: drilling at least one substantially vertical wellbore into the formation; drilling at least one non-vertical wellbore into the formation; drilling at least one non-vertical drain hole into the formation from the vertical wellbore; fracturing the formation such that the fractures are spaced from and on opposite sides of the drain hole and wherein the fractures lie in substantially vertical planes with each fracture angled from the drain hole from 10* to 90*; locating an explosive in the drain holes; and detonating the explosive.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
92 words
A process for explosively stimulating an earth formation comprising: drilling at least one substantially vertical wellbore into the formation; drilling at least one non-vertical wellbore into the formation; drilling at least one non-vertical drain hole into the formation from the vertical wellbore; fracturing the formation such that the fractures are spaced from and on opposite sides of the drain hole and wherein the fractures lie in substantially vertical planes with each fracture angled from the drain hole from 10* to 90*; locating an explosive in the drain holes; and detonating the explosive.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
The process of claim 1 wherein first and second wells are drilled into the formation; the formation is vertically fractured from the second well; and the drain hole is drilled horizontally from the first well parallel to the vertical fracture.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The process of claim 2 wherein the first and second wells are drilled on a line at right angles to the fracture planes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
37 words
The process of claim 1 wherein three aligned wells are drilled; vertical fractures are formed in the outside wells; and the drain hole is drilled substantially horizontally from the center well approximately parallel to the vertical fractures.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
67 words
A process of explosively stimulating an earth formation, comprising: drilling a multiplicity of substantially aligned wells into the formation; fracturing the formation adjacent alternate of the wells, wherein such fractures lie in a vertical plane; drilling horizontal drain holes from the remaining wells where the drain holes are spaced from and substantially parallel to the fractures; positioning an explosive in the drain holes; and triggering the explosive.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
67 words
A process of explosively stimulating an earth formation, comprising: drilling a multiplicity of substantially aligned wells into the formation; fracturing the formation adjacent alternate of the wells, wherein such fractures lie in a vertical plane; drilling horizontal drain holes from the remaining wells where the drain holes are spaced from and substantially parallel to the fractures; positioning an explosive in the drain holes; and triggering the explosive.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
78 words
A process of explosively stimulating an earth formation comprising: drilling at least one well into the formation; fracturing the formation adjacent the well, wherein such fractures lie in a vertical plane, drilling a horizontal drain hole which is spaced from the fractures, wherein both the fractures and drain holes originate from a single well and wherein the drain hole is at substantially right angles to the fractures; positioning an explosive in the drain hole; and triggering the explosive.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
78 words
A process of explosively stimulating an earth formation comprising: drilling at least one well into the formation; fracturing the formation adjacent the well, wherein such fractures lie in a vertical plane, drilling a horizontal drain hole which is spaced from the fractures, wherein both the fractures and drain holes originate from a single well and wherein the drain hole is at substantially right angles to the fractures; positioning an explosive in the drain hole; and triggering the explosive.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
55 words
A process for explosively stimulating an earth formation comprising: drilling at least one well into the formation; fracturing the formation; drilling a horizontal drain hole which is spaced from the fractures; positioning an explosive in the drain hole, said drain hole being at an angle less than 90* from the fracture; and triggering the explosive.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
55 words
A process for explosively stimulating an earth formation comprising: drilling at least one well into the formation; fracturing the formation; drilling a horizontal drain hole which is spaced from the fractures; positioning an explosive in the drain hole, said drain hole being at an angle less than 90* from the fracture; and triggering the explosive.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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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) | 1976-11-12 | 1977-05-14 | 1977-11-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-11-12 | 1981-05-14 | 1981-11-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-11-12 | 1985-05-14 | 1985-11-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |