Well Penetration and Stimulation

Abstract

Two aspects of explosive fracturing depth of penetration and degree of fracturing were investigated. A study was made of penetrators employing designs other than typical conical shaped charges. Configurations included linear, hemispherical and "dished" designed shaped charges. Through the mechanism of wave shaping as a technique for shock enhancement, fracturing of a host rock was investigated. These two elements, depth of penetration and degree of fracturing, were used as criteria for the design of a single package which generally consists of simultaneously initiated perforators closely followed by a main driver charge(s) which is (are) wave shaped to cause fracturing in a rock media. The device was successfully field tested in five marginal oil wells and indicates an applicability to geothermal stimulation.