US5598891A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for perforating and fracturing
Assignee: Marathon Oil Co
•
Filing: 1995-06-09
•
Granted: 1997-02-04
•
Expires: 2015-06-09
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus and method for perforating and fracturing subterranean formations to enhance fluid production. At least one unlined punch charge is loaded into at least one punch charge carrier, and the void spaces in the punch charge carrier are filled with sand. The punch charge carrier is assembled with at least one perforating charge carrier, loaded with at least one perforating charge, and a means for detonation. The assembly is positioned in a well containing a pressurized fluid adjacent the interval to be perforated and/or fractured, and the charges are detonated. The one or more punch charges create one or more apertures in the punch charge carrier, allowing sand to enter the well and be carried by the fluid in the well into the perforations and/or fractures created by the perforating charges and the pressurized fluid. The sand scours and/or props the perforations and/or fractures.
Inventors
- 👤 Philip M. Snider
- 👤 David S. Wesson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 21:34
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B27/00; E21B27/02; E21B43/00; E21B43/11; E21B43/116; E21B43/117; E21B43/25; E21B43/26; E21B43/263; E21B43/267; F; F42; F42B; F42B1/00; F42B1/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 72
Claim 1
Independent Claim
53 words
A punch charge mounted in a charge carrier for use in a well penetrating a subterranean formation and having a casing, the charge comprising: a case containing an unlined shaped explosive, the explosive capable upon detonation of creating an aperture in a wall of the charge carrier while leaving the well casing intact.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
53 words
A punch charge mounted in a charge carrier for use in a well penetrating a subterranean formation and having a casing, the charge comprising: a case containing an unlined shaped explosive, the explosive capable upon detonation of creating an aperture in a wall of the charge carrier while leaving the well casing intact.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said case additionally contains a coating over said shaped explosive.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said coating is selected from the group consisting of paint, shellac, and glue.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said explosive is selected from the group comprising explosives of grades RDX, HMX, PS, HNS, PYX, and NONA.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for preventing said particulate material from entering said at least one punch charge.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
70 words
An apparatus for introducing particulate material into a cased well penetrating a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore having casing positioned therein, the apparatus comprising: at least one punch charge carrier having void spaces; at least one punch charge mounted in the at least one carrier; and dry particulate material filling the void spaces within the at least one carrier; and means for detonating the at least on charge.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
70 words
An apparatus for introducing particulate material into a cased well penetrating a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore having casing positioned therein, the apparatus comprising: at least one punch charge carrier having void spaces; at least one punch charge mounted in the at least one carrier; and dry particulate material filling the void spaces within the at least one carrier; and means for detonating the at least on charge.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said particulate material is capable of scouring and propping a fracture in a subterranean formation.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said dry, particulate material is selected from the group consisting of silicate minerals, bauxite, ceramics, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said dry, particulate material additionally comprises a solid selected from the group consisting of solids capable of forming an acid when dissolved in water, propellants, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 6, further comprising means for preventing said particulate material from entering said at least one punch charge.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
149 words
An apparatus for perforating and fracturing an interval in a cased well penetrating a subterranean formation, the apparatus comprising: means for placing the apparatus in a well adjacent the interval to be perforated; at least one punch charge carrier having void spaces; means for scouring and propping at least one fracture in said subterranean formation, the means filling the void spaces in the at least one punch charge carrier; at least one punch charge mounted in the at least one punch charge carrier; at least one perforating charge carrier; at least one perforating explosive charge mounted in the at least one perforating charge carrier; at least one rigid mechanical and electrical connector for connecting all unlined punch charge carriers and all perforating charge carriers, thereby forming a rigid string of charge carriers; and means for detonating the at least one punch charge and the at least one perforating charge.
Claim 14
Independent Claim
149 words
An apparatus for perforating and fracturing an interval in a cased well penetrating a subterranean formation, the apparatus comprising: means for placing the apparatus in a well adjacent the interval to be perforated; at least one punch charge carrier having void spaces; means for scouring and propping at least one fracture in said subterranean formation, the means filling the void spaces in the at least one punch charge carrier; at least one punch charge mounted in the at least one punch charge carrier; at least one perforating charge carrier; at least one perforating explosive charge mounted in the at least one perforating charge carrier; at least one rigid mechanical and electrical connector for connecting all unlined punch charge carriers and all perforating charge carriers, thereby forming a rigid string of charge carriers; and means for detonating the at least one punch charge and the at least one perforating charge.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said means for placing said apparatus in said well comprises a wireline.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said means for placing said apparatus in said well comprises a tubing string.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said punch charge is unlined and comprises a case containing a shaped explosive, the explosive capable of creating upon detonation an aperture in said punch charge carrier without creating an aperture in said well casing.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 14 wherein said case additionally contains a coating over said shaped explosive.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said coating is selected from the group consisting of paint, shellac, and glue.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said means for scouring and propping is a dry, particulate material.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said dry, particulate material is selected from the group consisting of silicate minerals, bauxite, ceramics, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 17 wherein said dry, particulate material additionally comprises a solid selected from the group consisting of solids capable of forming an acid when dissolved in water, propellants, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein a plurality of punch charges are mounted in said punch charge carrier.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said plurality of punch charges are spaced angularly about the longitudinal axis of said at least one punch charge carrier.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said plurality of punch charges are spaced vertically along the longitudinal axis of said at least one punch charge carrier.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein a plurality of said carriers are joined by rigid connectors.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein a plurality of perforating charges are mounted in said at least one perforating carrier.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 24 wherein said plurality of perforating charges are spaced angularly about the longitudinal axis of said at least one perforating carrier.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 24 wherein said plurality of perforating charges are spaced vertically along the longitudinal axis of said at least one perforating carrier.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said at least one punch charge carrier is above said at least one perforating carrier.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said at least one punch charge carrier is between two perforating carriers.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein all punch charge carriers and all perforating charge carriers are joined in a rigid string.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said apparatus additionally comprises a means for isolating said interval in said well.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 30 wherein said means for isolating said interval comprises at least one packer.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 31 wherein said at least one packer is located above said interval in said well.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 11, additionally comprising means for providing fluid at an overbalanced pressure in the well adjacent the interval.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
49 words
The apparatus of claim 33 wherein said means for providing fluid at an overbalanced pressure comprises the interior of said tubing and a port providing fluid communication between the interior of said tubing and an annulus between said tubing and said well casing below said at least one packer.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising means for preventing said particulate material from entering said at least one punch charge.
Claim 39
Independent Claim
181 words
A method for creating fractures in an interval of a subterranean formation penetrated by a cased well, the method comprising: (a) assembling a rigid string comprising: a tubing string; at least one punch charge mounted in an punch charge carrier, the carrier having void spaces filed with sand; at least one perforating charge carrier having a wall and ends enclosing void spaces; means for detonating the at least one punch charge and the at least one perforating charge; (b) utilizing the tubing string to position the assembly in the well so that the at least one perforating charge carrier is adjacent the interval; (c) supplying a liquid under pressure to at least a portion of the well, at least part of the portion adjacent the interval in the formation; (d) utilizing the detonating means to detonate the at least one punch charge and the at least one perforating charge, thereby releasing sand from the at least one punch charge carrier into the pressurized liquid and creating a pathway for the pressurized liquid to enter and fracture the interval of the formation.
Claim 40
Independent Claim
181 words
A method for creating fractures in an interval of a subterranean formation penetrated by a cased well, the method comprising: (a) assembling a rigid string comprising: a tubing string; at least one punch charge mounted in an punch charge carrier, the carrier having void spaces filed with sand; at least one perforating charge carrier having a wall and ends enclosing void spaces; means for detonating the at least one punch charge and the at least one perforating charge; (b) utilizing the tubing string to position the assembly in the well so that the at least one perforating charge carrier is adjacent the interval; (c) supplying a liquid under pressure to at least a portion of the well, at least part of the portion adjacent the interval in the formation; (d) utilizing the detonating means to detonate the at least one punch charge and the at least one perforating charge, thereby releasing sand from the at least one punch charge carrier into the pressurized liquid and creating a pathway for the pressurized liquid to enter and fracture the interval of the formation.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 36, whereby said liquid is supplied simultaneously with detonation of said at least one perforating charge.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method of claim 36, whereby said liquid is supplied prior to detonation of said at least one perforating charge.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method of claim 36 wherein said punch charge is unlined and comprises a case containing a shaped explosive the explosive capable of creating upon detonation an aperture in said punch charge carrier while leaving said well casing intact.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 39 wherein said case additionally contains a coating over said shaped explosive.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 40 wherein said coating is selected from the group consisting of paint, shellac, and glue.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 36 wherein said explosive is selected from the group consisting of explosives of grades RDX, HMX, PS, HNS, PYX and NONA.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 36 wherein said sand is selected from the group comprising silicate minerals, bauxite, ceramics, or mixtures thereof.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 43 wherein said dry, particulate material additionally comprises a solid selected from the group consisting of solids capable of forming an acid when dissolved in water, propellants, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 36 wherein a plurality of punch charges are mounted in said punch charge carrier.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 45 wherein said plurality of punch charges are spaced angularly about the longitudinal axis of said at least one punch charge carrier.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 45 wherein said plurality of punch charges are spaced vertically along the longitudinal axis of said at least one punch charge carrier.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 36 wherein a plurality of perforating charges are mounted in said perforating carrier, each perforating charge capable of creating an aperture in the wall of the at least 1 perforating charge carrier, said well casing, and a portion of an adjacent interval of said formation.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 48 wherein said plurality of perforating charges are spaced angularly about the longitudinal axis of said at least one perforating carrier.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 48 wherein said plurality of perforating charges are spaced vertically along the longitudinal axis of said at least one perforating carrier.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 36 wherein said at least one punch charge carrier is above said at least one perforating carrier.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 36 wherein at least one punch charge carrier is between two perforating carriers.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 36 wherein said apparatus additionally comprises a means for isolating said interval in said well.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 53, wherein said means for isolating said interval comprises at least one packer.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 54 wherein said at least one packer is located above said interval in said well.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
49 words
The method of claim 36 wherein said means for providing fluid at an overbalanced pressure comprises the interior of said tubing and a port providing fluid communication between the interior of said tubing and an annulus between said tubing and said well casing below said at least one packer.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method of claim 36, wherein said rigid string further comprises means for preventing said sand from entering said at least one punch charge.
Claim 62
Independent Claim
95 words
An apparatus for introducing particulate material into a well penetrating a subterranean formation, the well having a casing positioned therein, the apparatus comprising: at least one punch charge carrier having void spaces; at least one punch charge mounted in the at least one carrier, the punch charge comprising a case containing an unlined shaped explosive, the charge capable of creating an aperture in said punch charge carrier without creating an aperture in said casing; particulate material filling the void spaces within the at least one carrier; and means for detonating the at least one charge.
Claim 63
Independent Claim
95 words
An apparatus for introducing particulate material into a well penetrating a subterranean formation, the well having a casing positioned therein, the apparatus comprising: at least one punch charge carrier having void spaces; at least one punch charge mounted in the at least one carrier, the punch charge comprising a case containing an unlined shaped explosive, the charge capable of creating an aperture in said punch charge carrier without creating an aperture in said casing; particulate material filling the void spaces within the at least one carrier; and means for detonating the at least one charge.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
16 words
The apparatus of claim 58 wherein said case additionally contains a coating over said shaped explosive.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 59 wherein said coating is selected from the group consisting of paint, shellac, and glue.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 58 wherein said explosive is selected from the group consisting of grades RDX, HMX, PS, HNS, PYX and NONA.
Claim 67
Independent Claim
65 words
An apparatus for introducing particulate material into a well penetrating a subterranean formation, the well having a casing positioned therein, the apparatus comprising: at least one punch charge carrier having void spaces; a plurality of punch charges mounted in the at least one carrier; particulate material filling the void spaces within the at least one carrier; and means for detonating the at least one charge.
Claim 68
Independent Claim
65 words
An apparatus for introducing particulate material into a well penetrating a subterranean formation, the well having a casing positioned therein, the apparatus comprising: at least one punch charge carrier having void spaces; a plurality of punch charges mounted in the at least one carrier; particulate material filling the void spaces within the at least one carrier; and means for detonating the at least one charge.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 62 wherein said plurality of punch charges are spaced angularly about the longitudinal axis of said at least one punch charge carrier.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 62 wherein said plurality of punch charges are spaced vertically along the longitudinal axis of said at least one punch charge carrier.
Claim 71
Independent Claim
71 words
An apparatus for introducing particulate material into a well penetrating a subterranean formation, the well having a casing positioned therein, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of punch charge carriers having void spaces, the carriers joined by rigid connectors; at least one punch charge mounted in the at least one carrier; particulate material filling the void spaces within the at least one carrier; and means for detonating the at least one charge.
Claim 72
Independent Claim
71 words
An apparatus for introducing particulate material into a well penetrating a subterranean formation, the well having a casing positioned therein, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of punch charge carriers having void spaces, the carriers joined by rigid connectors; at least one punch charge mounted in the at least one carrier; particulate material filling the void spaces within the at least one carrier; and means for detonating the at least one charge.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
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| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-02-04 | 2000-08-05 | 2001-02-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-02-04 | 2004-08-05 | 2005-02-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-02-04 | 2008-08-05 | 2009-02-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |