US4515214A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for controlling the vertical growth of hydraulic fractures
Assignee: Mobil Oil AS
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Filing: 1983-09-09
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Granted: 1985-05-07
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Expires: 2003-09-09
Abstract
Abstract A method for controlling the vertical growth of hydraulic fractures in subterranean formations. The fracturing gradients of adjacent formations are determined. The fluid density necessary to inhibit the propagation of a hydraulic fracture from one adjacent formation into the other is determined from the fracturing gradients. A fracturing fluid is prepared having the necessary density for inhibiting such hydraulic fracture propagation.
Inventors
- 👤 John L. Fitch
- 👤 Malcolm K. Strubhar
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 16:03
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/25; E21B43/26
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
114 words
A method of fracturing a subterranean formation that is located adjacent another formation in which fracturing is to be inhibited, comprising the steps of: a. determining the fracturing gradient in the subterranean formation to be fractured, b. determining the fracturing gradient in the adjacent formation wherein fracturing is to be inhibited, c. determining from said fracturing gradients the fracturing fluid density necessary to inhibit the propagation of fracturing into said adjacent formation more than a specified vertical distance, d. selecting a fracturing fluid with the necessary density for inhibiting the propagation of said fracturing into said adjacent formation more than said specified vertical distance, and e. fracturing said subterranean formation with said fracturing fluid.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
114 words
A method of fracturing a subterranean formation that is located adjacent another formation in which fracturing is to be inhibited, comprising the steps of: a. determining the fracturing gradient in the subterranean formation to be fractured, b. determining the fracturing gradient in the adjacent formation wherein fracturing is to be inhibited, c. determining from said fracturing gradients the fracturing fluid density necessary to inhibit the propagation of fracturing into said adjacent formation more than a specified vertical distance, d. selecting a fracturing fluid with the necessary density for inhibiting the propagation of said fracturing into said adjacent formation more than said specified vertical distance, and e. fracturing said subterranean formation with said fracturing fluid.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said fracturing fluid is a dense fluid if inhibition of upward fracture growth is desired.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the density of said fracturing fluid is increased by the addition of a granular solid propping agent.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the density of said fracturing fluid is increased by the addition of sand.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the density of said fracturing fluid is increased by the addition of a sintered bauxite.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 2 wherein the density of said fracturing fluid is increased by the addition of a soluble salt.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said fracturing fluid is a light fluid if inhibition of downward fracture growth is desired.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the density of said fracturing fluid is descreased by the addition of a low density oil.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 7 wherein the density of said fracturing fluid is decreased by the addition of a gas to obtain a stable foam.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the density of said fracturing fluid is greater than the minimum fracturing fluid density required for upward fracture growth.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the density of said fracturing fluid is less than the maximum fracturing fluid density required for downward fracture growth.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the density of said fracturing fluid is increased by the addition of a propping agent with selected density.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the density of the fracturing fluid is controlled by selectively adjusting the concentration of a propping agent added to said fluid.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of increasing the density of said selected fracturing fluid to inhibit the upward propagation of said fracture to less than said specified vertical distance.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of decreasing the density of said selected fracturing fluid to inhibit the downward propagation of said fracture to less than said specified vertical distance.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
75 words
A method of selecting a fracturing fluid for use in a subterranean hydraulic fracturing operation, comprising the steps of: a. determining the fracturing gradient of a selected subsurface formation to be fractured, b. determining the fracturing gradient in an adjacent subsurface formation, and c. utilizing said fracturing gradients to determine the density required for said fracturing fluid to inhibit fracture propagation from said selected subsurface formation into said adjacent subsurface formation during hydraulic fracturing operations.
Claim 18
Independent Claim
75 words
A method of selecting a fracturing fluid for use in a subterranean hydraulic fracturing operation, comprising the steps of: a. determining the fracturing gradient of a selected subsurface formation to be fractured, b. determining the fracturing gradient in an adjacent subsurface formation, and c. utilizing said fracturing gradients to determine the density required for said fracturing fluid to inhibit fracture propagation from said selected subsurface formation into said adjacent subsurface formation during hydraulic fracturing operations.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method of claim 16 wherein the fracturing fluid density is determined in accordance with the following to inhibit upward fracture growth: ρ>(ρ.sub.o)(g.sub.f)/(g.sub.w) where: ρ=density of fracturing fluid in pounds per gallon, ρ o =density of water (8.33 pounds per gallon), g f =fracturing pressure gradient (psi/ft.) of formation being fractured, g w =fluid pressure gradient in pure water (0.43 psi/ft.).
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
61 words
The method of claim 16 wherein the fracturing fluid density is determined in accordance with the following to inhibit downward fracture growth: ρ<(ρ.sub.o)(g.sub.f)/(g.sub.w) where: ρ=density of fracturing fluid in pounds per gallon, ρ o =density of water (8.33 pounds per gallon), g f =fracturing pressure gradient (psi/ft.) of formation being fractured, g w =fluid pressure gradient in pure water (0.43 psi/ft.).
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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) | 1988-05-06 | 1988-11-05 | 1989-05-07 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-05-06 | 1992-11-05 | 1993-05-07 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-05-06 | 1996-11-05 | 1997-05-07 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |