Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

The present process permits the use of more efficient, low viscosity fluids to efficiently perforate and fracture a subterranean formation in an overbalanced condition in the wellbore. In accordance with the invention, a method of decreasing the resistance to fluid flow in a subterranean formation around a well having a non-perforated casing fixed therein, the casing extending at least partially through the formation, comprises: (a) providing a low viscosity liquid having a density of less than about 2 grams per cubic centimeter in the casing opposite the formation to be treated; (b) providing a particulate proppant having a density matched with the low viscosity liquid suspended in the low viscosity liquid which has substantially neutral buoyancy in the liquid; (c) placing perforating means in the casing at a depth opposite the formation to be treated; (d) applying pressure to the liquid opposite the formation to be treated to a pressure at least as large as a fracturing pressure required to fracture the formation when liquid pressure is applied to the formation, and (e) activating the perforating means. Optionally, at a time before pressure in the well at the depth of the formation to be treated has substantially decreased, the method may include the further step of injecting additional fluid at an effective rate to fracture the formation.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim