Patent ID: 6860328
Filing Date: 2005-03-01
Classification: C09K,E21B

Abstract:
1. A method for enhancing the production of hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation, the method comprising: (a) fracturing a hydrocarbon bearing formation surrounding a well bore with a fracturing fluid to create at least one fracture in the formation, the formation including a higher permeability zone and a lower permeability zone with the at least one fracture extending across both the higher and lower permeability zones; (b) selectively positioning a majority of the proppant in the lower permeability zone of the at least one fracture using a carrier fluid; and (c) allowing the at least one fracture to close about the majority of the proppant to create at least one high conductivity channel in the lower permeability zone; whereby the overall productivity of the lower permeability zone is increased relative to the overall productivity of the higher permeability zone thus enhancing the production of hydrocarbons from the hydrocarbon bearing formation.