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US3884303A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Vertically expanded structure-biased horizontal fracturing
Assignee: Shell USA Inc
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Filing: 1974-03-27
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Granted: 1975-05-20
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Expires: 1994-03-27
Abstract
Abstract A subterranean earth formation is fractured horizontally by connecting a vertically expandable structure above and below a selected depth within the earth formation, applying a vertical expanding force to the structure so that the applied force reduces the vertical compressive stress within the earth formation at the selected depth and, concurrently, increasing the fluid pressure against the earth formation to induce a fracture at the selected depth.
Inventors
- 👤 Philip J Closmann
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 13:28
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/25; E21B43/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
104 words
A process for horizontally fracturing a subterranean earth formation, which process comprises: connecting a vertically expandable structure to said formation at locations above and below a selected depth within the earth formation; applying a vertical expanding force to the structure so that the applied force causes a vertical expansion substantially free of horizontal expansion and reduces the vertical compressive stress within the earth formation until it becomes the least of the mutually perpendicular compressive stresses within the earth formation at the selected depth; and concurrently, pressurizing fluid in contact with the so-treated earth formation to inDuce a fracture at or near the selected depth.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
104 words
A process for horizontally fracturing a subterranean earth formation, which process comprises: connecting a vertically expandable structure to said formation at locations above and below a selected depth within the earth formation; applying a vertical expanding force to the structure so that the applied force causes a vertical expansion substantially free of horizontal expansion and reduces the vertical compressive stress within the earth formation until it becomes the least of the mutually perpendicular compressive stresses within the earth formation at the selected depth; and concurrently, pressurizing fluid in contact with the so-treated earth formation to inDuce a fracture at or near the selected depth.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The process of claim 1 in which: the vertically expandable structure is a metal structure that expands vertically when heated; and the vertical expanding force is applied by heating the metal structure.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
The process of claim 1 in which: The vertically expandable structure includes a closed chamber that is vertically expanded by increasing the fluid pressure within the chamber; and the vertical expanding force is applied to that structure by increasing the fluid pressure within that chamber.
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) | 1978-05-19 | 1978-11-18 | 1979-05-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-05-19 | 1982-11-18 | 1983-05-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-05-19 | 1986-11-18 | 1987-05-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |