Patent ID: 8668011
Filing Date: 2014-03-11
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A method of hydraulically fracturing a formation comprising: (a) abrasively perforating a barrier member positioned in a first section of horizontally extending well bore; (b) obtaining an estimated pump rate for fracturing the formation; (c) pumping a first hydraulic fracturing fluid into the well bore during a first period to break down the formation while monitoring well head pressure and reducing the flow rate of the first hydraulic fracturing fluid if a pressure rise and/or a reduction of flow rate indicates that a sanding off condition is occuring; (d) subsequent to a pressure drop indicative of the breaking of the formation, pumping a second hydraulic fracturing fluid into the well bore at a higher rate than in step (c) during a subsequent second period to fracture the formation and pick up sand positioned in the well bore while monitoring well head pressure and reducing the flow rate of the second hydraulic fracturing fluid if a pressure rise and/or a reduction of flow rate indicates that a sanding off condition is occuring; and, (e) during a subsequent third period, increasing the pump rate at least towards the estimated pump rate to fracture the formation.