Stephen Leslie Karner

US Patent:

20130220604, Aug 29, 2013

Filed:

Aug 29, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/825796

Inventors:

Abdel Wadood M. El-Rabaa - Houston TX, US
Leonard V. Moore - Sealy TX, US
Michael E. McCracken - Flower Mound TX, US
Chris E. Shuchart - Missouri City TX, US
Pavlin B. Entchev - Moscow, RU
Stephen Karner - Kingwood TX, US
Jose Oliverio Alvarez - Houston TX, US

International Classification:

E21B 43/26

US Classification:

166259, 1663081, 166303, 166302, 166307, 166297

Abstract:

A method of creating a network of fractures in a reservoir is provided. The method includes designing a desired fracture network system, and determining required in situ stresses to create the desired fracture network within the reservoir. The method further includes designing a layout of wells to alter the in situ stresses within the stress field, and then injecting a fracturing fluid under pressure into the reservoir to create an initial set of fractures within the reservoir. The method also includes monitoring the in situ stresses within the stress field, and modifying the in situ stresses within the stress field. The method then includes injecting a fracturing fluid under pressure into the reservoir in order to expand upon the initial set of fractures and to create the network of fractures. A method for producing hydrocarbons from a subsurface formation is also provided herein, wherein a fracture network is created from a single, deviated wellbore production.