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Offset barrier wells in subsurface formations

  • US 8,267,170 B2
  • Filed: 10/09/2009
  • Issued: 09/18/2012
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/13/2008
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. A method of positioning wellbores for forming a double barrier for at least a portion of a treatment area, comprising:

  • forming a plurality of first barrier wells in the formation for a first barrier, wherein a substantially constant spacing separates adjacent first barrier wells;

    analyzing the formation to determine the principal direction of water flow in at least one layer of the formation;

    determining an offset distance of the second barrier wells relative to the first barrier wells based on the principal direction of water flow in at least one layer to limit a maximum separation distance between a closest barrier well and a theoretical breach extending from the first barrier to the second barrier along the principal direction of water flow to a distance of less than one half of the spacing that separates adjacent first barrier wells; and

    forming a plurality of second barrier wells in the formation for a second barrier to a side of the first barrier wells by a substantially constant separation distance, wherein the second barrier wells are offset from the first barrier wells by a distance that is at least substantially the same as the offset distance.

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