Steven Chen

US Patent:

20120000662, Jan 5, 2012

Filed:

Jun 2, 2011

Appl. No.:

13/152150

Inventors:

Michael J. Liskowitz - Hillsborough NJ, US
Steven C. Chen - Berkeley CA, US
John J. Liskowitz - Sea Girt NJ, US

International Classification:

E21B 43/26

US Classification:

1663081, 1661775

Abstract:

Viscosity Differential Fracturing uses pneumatic and hydraulic fracturing techniques and a viscosity differential to achieve greater networking, higher amendment loading rates and more controlled propagation. Pneumatic fracturing is applied first in order to create a dense network of small fractures. This is followed by a hydraulic component using a viscosity adjusted fluid. This material can be injected into these fractures at a significant flow rate and extend/expand these fractures while filling them with the fluid. The significant advantage of VDF versus traditional hydraulic fracturing is that the density of fractures created by the initial gas process leads to an overall greater density of fractures emplaced within the subsurface coupled with the ability to emplace a greater mass of material (e.g. proppants, sand, reactants).