Patent ID: 9581020
Date: 2017-02-28
CPC Classifications: E21B,G01V

Claim:
1. A method, comprising: conveying a downhole tool within a borehole extending into a subterranean formation; creating a void in a sidewall of the borehole by extending a rotating member from the downhole tool into the sidewall; and orienting the downhole tool within the borehole such that the void is created in a plane containing the highest two principle stresses in the borehole at the depth of the void; mechanically compressing a portion of the sidewall surrounding the void; reducing viscosity of hydrocarbons in the subterranean formation proximate the void by injecting a fluid from the downhole tool into the formation via the void; drawing fluid comprising the reduced viscosity hydrocarbons from the subterranean formation into the downhole tool.