Patent ID: 6142229
Filing Date: 2000-11-07
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A method for recovering hydrocarbons from a low permeability formation through a well to a conduit and into a production line by an operating cycle comprising a fracturing operation and a production operation, said method comprising the steps of:(a) stimulating a formation containing hydrocarbons by injecting a heated fluid through the conduit, the well, and into the formation adjacent the well during the fracturing operation;(b) producing hydrocarbons from said formation through the same well and conduit during said production operation and including the steps of:(1) monitoring pressure as the hydrocarbons are passing through the well and the conduit, and transmitting signals from a pressure sensor to a computer;(2) calculating a rate of change in the pressure based on said signals transmitted from the pressure sensor to the computer;(3) comparing the rate of change in the pressure to an upper limit for a decreasing rate of change in the pressure, which upper limit is input into the computer;(4) generating an output signal from the computer to a control valve when the rate of change in the pressure exceeds the upper limit;(5) adjusting the positioning of the control valve to maintain the rate of pressure change within the upper limit;(6) opening the control valve for a period of time to bump the pressure at the sensor; and(7) repeating steps (b)(1)-(b)(6) for at least one additional production cycle.