Patent ID: 7032671
Filing Date: 2006-04-25
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A method of fracturing a target interval of a target geological formation that is penetrated by a well, comprising: creating a zone of increased in situ stress a vertical distance from the target interval by creating a vertical barrier fracture that extends diametrically outward from the well at a vertical distance from the target interval so that the zone of increased in situ stress extends toward the target interval; and holding the barrier fracture open to maintain the zone of increased in situ stress while creating a vertical main fracture in the target interval by hydraulically fracturing the target interval with more fracture fluid than is needed to propagate the main fracture vertically to an extent that the zone of increased in situ stress inhibits further growth of the main fracture toward the barrier fracture and continuing to propagate the main fracture to cause additional growth of the main fracture farther diametrically outward from the well than the barrier fracture.