Technique of fracturing with selective stream injection

Abstract

A technique facilitates enhanced hydrocarbon recovery through selective stream injection. The technique employs a system and methodology for combining a fracturing technique and application of selective injection streams. The selective injection streams are delivered to select, individual subterranean layers until a plurality of unique subterranean layers are fractured to enhance hydrocarbon recovery.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application is based on and claims priority to US Provisional Patent Application 61 / 266,659, filed December 4, 2009. Background technique [0003] In some oil well applications, recovery of hydrocarbon-based fluids may drop to uneconomical levels over time. Sometimes the recovery of hydrocarbons can be enhanced by injecting fluids, and such techniques are known as secondary recovery or enhanced recovery methods. In a technique known as waterflooding, water is injected toward the well to displace oil. However, hydrocarbon gases, CO 2 , air, water vapor and other fluids to increase the recovery of desired hydrocarbons. Different fracturing techniques, including proppant-free fracturing techniques, are also used to facilitate the recovery of hydrocarbons from certain subterranean formations. Because the structure of subterranean formations is often layered, it is difficult to adequately control fracturing and / or f...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Since the structure of subterranean formations is often layered, it is difficult to adequately control fracturing and / or fluid injection as many particular layers contain hydrocarbon-based fluids

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