METHODS FOR MAXIMIZING SECOND FRACTURE LENGTH

摘要

The present invention relates to methods, systems, and apparatus for inducing fractures in a subterranean formation and more particularly to methods and apparatus to place a first fracture (215) with a first orientation (x) in a formation (210) followed by a second fracture (220) with a second angular orientation (y) in the formation. The first and second fractures are initiated at about a fracturing location. The initiation of the first fracture is characterized by a first orientation line. The first fracture temporarily alters a stress field in the subterranean formation. The initiation of the second fracture is characterized by a second orientation line. The first orientation line and the second orientation line have an angular disposition to each other. There is a time delay between inducing the first fracture and inducing the second fracture.