Initial evaluation of fracturing oil shale with propellants for in situ retorting, Phase 2 Page: 7 of 49
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SUMMARY
A series of field experiments was carried out to gather
preliminary information on the use of propellant charges to
create horizontal fractures in oil shale beds for in situ
retorting. Development of a propellant tool specifically
designed to create horizontal fractures, and testing of various
sizes and designs of the tool to create fractures in oil shale
beds were carried out simultaneously. Ten prototype tools with
energy yields from 2 pounds to 60 pounds were fired at depths
ranging from 10 feet to 60 feet. Ten preshot observation holes
and 13 postshot core holes were used to gather information and to
serve as injection wells to inject air into the formation for
permeability tests. Most shots vented large volumes of gas or
water from observation holes 13 to 20 feet distant, indicating
that a horizontal fracture communicating from the shot point to
the observation hole had been created. Shot-related horizontal
fracturing was noted in most core holes at the same depth as the
shot point. Air injection tests on all holes showed a
significant increase in permeability after the shots.
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Lekas, M. A.; Lekas, J. M. & Strickland, F. G. Initial evaluation of fracturing oil shale with propellants for in situ retorting, Phase 2, report, May 1, 1991; Laramie, Wyoming. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1093781/m1/7/: accessed April 25, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department.