Method of hydrofracture in underground formations
First Claim
1. In a method for causing hydrofracture in an underground formation having a borehole extending therethrough and/or thereinto, the steps comprisingdefining an isolated test interval along the borehole with at least one primary packer,defining at least one isolated guard region at one end of the test interval with a guard packer spaced apart from the one primary packer,filling the test interval with a selected fluid and increasing pressure within the test interval to a level for initiating fracture of the formation surrounding the borehole, andsimultaneously and separately monitoring selected conditions such as pressure and/or flow in the test interval and guard region.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method is disclosed for initiating or causing fracture of an underground formation. An isolated interval, with an adjacent guard region at either or both ends is formed by a suitable packer assembly. Pressure and/or flow within the test interval is then increased to initiate fracture while conditions such as pressure and/or flow are monitored within the test interval and guard region or regions to detect fracture propagation relative to the borehole axis.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. In a method for causing hydrofracture in an underground formation having a borehole extending therethrough and/or thereinto, the steps comprising
defining an isolated test interval along the borehole with at least one primary packer, defining at least one isolated guard region at one end of the test interval with a guard packer spaced apart from the one primary packer, filling the test interval with a selected fluid and increasing pressure within the test interval to a level for initiating fracture of the formation surrounding the borehole, and simultaneously and separately monitoring selected conditions such as pressure and/or flow in the test interval and guard region.
Specification