Patent ID: 7104320
Filing Date: 2006-09-12
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A method for producing gas from a subterranean formation, wherein the subterranean formation includes a coal seam, comprising the steps of: optimizing a number, placement and size of a plurality of fractures in the subterranean formation so as to determine a maximum interference spacing between the plurality of fractures by (a) determining one or more geomechanical stresses induced by each fracture based on the dimensions and location of each fracture. (b) determining a geomechanical maximum number of fractures based on the geomechanical stresses induced by each of the fractures, and (c) determining a predicted stress field based on the geomechanical stresses induced by each fracture; drilling at least one substantially vertical well bore intersecting the coal seam; drilling at least one substantially horizontal well bore disposed substantially within the coal seam and exiting from the at least one substantially vertical well bore; and fracturing the coal seam along the at least one substantially horizontal well bore using a hydrajetting tool to produce the plurality of fractures, wherein the plurality of fractures is spaced according to the maximize interference spacing between the plurality of fractures and wherein the plurality of fractures enhances the production of gas from the coal seam of the subterranean formation.