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Method of treating subterranean reservoirs

a reservoir and subterranean technology, applied in earth-moving drilling, fluid removal, borehole/well accessories, etc., can solve the problem that established methods are no longer sufficient to exploit a reservoir to the extent, and achieve the effect of improving hydrocarbon recovery, increasing the surface accessible through macroscopic flow channels such as fractures, and improving efficiency

Inactive Publication Date: 2009-06-25
SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a method for fracturing a rock formation using propellants placed in a cavity located at a distance from a wellbore. The propellants are ignited to create a pressure sufficient to fracture the formation. This method can be used to increase access to a subterranean rock formation, allowing for improved recovery of hydrocarbons from reservoirs. The fracturing process creates more cavities that can be accessed for various fracturing methods. The invention also provides a well design that allows for efficient access using small tools. The cavities created using the method have a small effective diameter, making them ideal for accessing the rock surface. The use of microboreholes for placement and control of the process is also described. The propellants used in the invention are solid propellants mixed with oxidizers, which are safe and suitable for use in downhole applications. The technical effects of the invention include increased access to hydrocarbon-bearing rock formations, improved recovery of hydrocarbons, and increased efficiency of enhanced oil recovery methods.

Problems solved by technology

As hydrocarbon fields are growing more mature, it has also been found that these established methods are no longer sufficient to exploit a reservoir to the extent theoretically possible.

Method used

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  • Method of treating subterranean reservoirs
  • Method of treating subterranean reservoirs
  • Method of treating subterranean reservoirs

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Embodiment Construction

[0023]The following example of a method in accordance with the present invention is illustrated using the block diagram of FIG. 1 and the drawings of FIGS. 2-4.

[0024]In the example it is assumed that propellants are to be deposited into a newly drilled microborehole (Step 11 of FIG. 1). This step is illustrated in FIG. 2. This figure shows a main well 21 in a carbonate rock formation 20. The main well 21 is used to access the desired depth in the reservoir 20 with a wireline suspended drilling unit 22. The drilling unit is suspended from a wireline surface unit 23 through a well head 24 located at the top end of the well 21.

[0025]At the desired depth, the wireline suspended drilling unit 22 is deflected by means of a temporary packer 25 and a deflection vane 26 into the formation to drill a microborehole 27.

[0026]This microborehole 27 is drilled to the target location within the formation 20, at which stage the drilling unit 22 is withdrawn and a propellant depositing unit 31 is low...

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Abstract

A method of fracturing a rock formation is provided including placing through a wellbore penetrating the rock formation propellants in a cavity located at a radial distance from the wellbore and igniting the propellants to cause a pressure sufficient to fracture the formation.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to a method of treating subterranean reservoirs particularly hydrocarbon reservoirs. More specifically, the invention pertains to methods of increasing the exposed surface of such reservoirs, particularly for the purpose of enhancing recovery of hydrocarbon.BACKGROUND[0002]It has long been recognized that in order to increase recovery from a hydrocarbon reservoir, it is beneficial to increase the exposure of the reservoir to the well or wells drilled through it. This recognition led to methods such as perforating, fracturing and acidizing.[0003]Whilst many of those methods are not considered to be relevant for the present invention, it is worth noting that propellants have been used as a substitute for hydraulic fracturing. In conventional hydraulic fracturing a fluid is pressurized from the surface to generate a pressure sufficiently high to generate fractures in the subterranean formation below. In some instances, particularly wher...

Claims

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Application Information

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Patent Type & Authority Applications(United States)
IPC IPC(8): E21B29/02
CPCE21B43/263
Inventor PROUVOST, LAURENTMONTARON, BERNARDVERCAEMER, CLAUDE
Owner SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP