METHOD OF IMPROVING HYDRAULIC FRACTURING BY DECREASING FORMATION TEMPERATURE
First Claim
1. A method for producing fractures in a formation to release hydrocarbons from the formation, comprising:
- reducing the in-situ temperature at a location in a formation having a first temperature by contacting the location with a first fluid; and
contacting the location with a fracturing fluid that is different than the first fluid to produce fractures in the formation while the location is at a second temperature below the first temperature to release hydrocarbons from the formation.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for producing fractures in a formation to release hydrocarbons (such as a hydrocarbon gas or liquid) from the formation is disclosed. The method comprises reducing the in-situ temperature at a location in a formation having a first temperature by contacting the location with a first fluid and contacting the location with a fracturing fluid to produce fractures in the formation while the location is at a second temperature below the first temperature to release hydrocarbons from the formation. The method can include using an endothermic process to reduce the temperature at the location in the formation.
13 Citations
42 Claims
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1. A method for producing fractures in a formation to release hydrocarbons from the formation, comprising:
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reducing the in-situ temperature at a location in a formation having a first temperature by contacting the location with a first fluid; and contacting the location with a fracturing fluid that is different than the first fluid to produce fractures in the formation while the location is at a second temperature below the first temperature to release hydrocarbons from the formation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 32, 34, 35)
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3. (canceled)
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31. (Canceled)
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36. (canceled)
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37. A method for producing fractures in a formation to release hydrocarbons from the formation, comprising:
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reducing the in-situ temperature at a location in a formation having a first temperature by contacting the location with a first fluid, wherein the first fluid produces an endothermic reaction at the location; and producing fractures in the formation while the location is at a second temperature below the first temperature to release hydrocarbons from the formation. - View Dependent Claims (39)
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38. (canceled)
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40. A method for producing fractures in a formation to release hydrocarbons from the formation, comprising:
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performing an endothermic process to produce a first fluid at a temperature below the in-situ temperature at a location in a formation; reducing the in-situ temperature at the location by contacting the location with the first fluid; and producing fractures in the formation while the location is at a second temperature below the first temperature to release hydrocarbons from the formation. - View Dependent Claims (42)
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41. (canceled)
Specification