Patent ID: 8874376
Filing Date: 2014-10-28
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A method for fracturing a subterranean formation at a fracturing location along a wellbore comprising: determining at least one angle of minimum tangential stress about the wellbore, based at least in part on the geomechanical stresses at a fracturing location along the wellbore; creating a first fracture at the fracturing location such that the first fracture temporarily alters the geomechanical stresses at the fracturing location and determining an angle of minimum tangential stress after the first fracture is created; sealing the first fracture; and then, initiating a second fracture in the subterranean formation, where the second fracture is oriented about an angle of minimum tangential stress after the first fracture and wherein the second fracture is created before the temporarily altered geomechanical stresses at the fracturing location from the first fracture have dissipated.