Targeted oriented fracture placement using two adjacent wells in subterranean porous formations

摘要

A method is taught of creating one or more targeted fractures in a subterranean formation. The method comprises the steps of drilling and completing two wells in the formation, conditioning said wells to create a stress condition favorable for forming a fracture zone connecting said two wells and initiating and propagating the fracture zone in said formation.

主权项

1. A method of creating one or more targeted fractures in a subterranean formation, said method comprising the steps of:
a. drilling and completing two wells in the formation; b. conditioning said wells by injecting stimulant into the said wells at an injection rate lower than that required to induce a fracture in the formation to create a stress condition favorable for forming a fracture zone connecting said two wells; and c. initiating and propagating the fracture zone in said formation; wherein the stimulant is injected at an injection pressure that is below the original in-situ minimum stress of the formation during a first stage of conditioning and wherein injection pressure is raised above the original in-situ minimum stress during a second stage of conditioning.