Patent ID: 8763704
Filing Date: 2014-07-01
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A method or process for hydraulically fracturing an underground hydrocarbon deposit comprising the steps of: using as a source of water an underground aquifer which contains water which is stable and clear in the aquifer but which may include undesirable chemical compounds as soluble components that are not in solution when subjected to a relatively reduced pressure at atmospheric conditions, utilizing the water from the aquifer as a source of water for a hydrocarbon fracturing process, pumping the water under pressure at a predetermined level for the aquifer water and above a bubble point pressure for the water contained in the aquifer to prevent the undesirable chemical compounds in said water from separating out of solution, maintaining said water pressure above the bubble point pressure at all times during a fracturing operation, drilling a source well into the aquifer, drilling a disposal well into the aquifer, providing a pump capable of maintaining the water above the bubble point pressure, establishing a closed loop with a manifold, or a manifold and pumps, to keep the aquifer water circulating at all times until the fracturing operation begins when water will be supplied from that manifold, providing the fracturing operation with water from the manifold, or a manifold and pumps, so as to fracture the hydrocarbon deposit, wherein in using water from the aquifer in the fracturing operation and by maintaining said water above its bubble point pressure, said water remains stable and the undesirable chemical compounds remain in solution and the water remains clear.