FORMATION OF FRACTURES WITHIN HORIZONTAL WELL

摘要

Producing transverse fractures in a horizontal well may be achieved at a relatively lower fracturing pressure by forming one or more tunnels extending from the horizontal wellbore. One or more tunnels may be formed at each location along the horizontal wellbore where a transverse fracture is desired. The tunnel(s) may be formed mechanically, optically, or hydraulically. Further, fracturing may be formed at a lower pressure than would otherwise be required to form transverse fractures from a horizontal wellbore. According to some implementations, the transverse fractures may be formed without isolating a portion of the horizontal wellbore.