Patent ID: 6644407
Filing Date: 2003-11-11
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
An indirect hydraulic fracturing method for fracturing a naturally-occurring unconsolidated zone in a subterranean formation comprising the naturally-occurring unconsolidated zone and at least one naturally-occurring consolidated zone positioned near the naturally-occurring unconsolidated zone, the subterranean formation being penetrated by a cased wellbore, the method consisting essentially of:a) perforating a casing in the cased wellbore in the naturally-occurring consolidated zone near the naturally-occurring unconsolidated zone; and, b) fracturing the naturally-occurring consolidated zone to form a fracture extending into the naturally-occurring consolidated zone and from the naturally-occurring consolidated zone into the naturally-occurring unconsolidated zone, the naturally-occurring consolidated zone being located above or below the naturally-occurring unconsolidated zone.