IP Library Granted Patent US 8,272,437
Granted Patent B2
US 8,272,437 · App. 12/499,012 · Granted Sep 25, 2012

Enhanced geothermal systems and reservoir optimization

Assignee: AltaRock Energy, Inc.
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 8,272,437
App. No.
12/499,012
Granted
Sep 25, 2012
Kind
B2
Abstract

Systems and methods for maximizing energy recovery from a subterranean formation are herein disclosed. According to one embodiment, a selected subterranean open-hole interval is isolated and at least one fracture is stimulated in the isolated subterranean open-hole interval.

Claims (21)

1. A method comprising:

stimulating at least one fracture within an unisolated subterranean open-hole interval;

isolating a selected subterranean open-hole interval by blocking the fracture with a temporary fracture sealant, wherein the temporary fracture sealant thermally degrades at geostatic temperatures; and

stimulating at least one fracture within the isolated subterranean open-hole interval.

2. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein stimulating at least one fracture within the isolated open-hole interval comprises pressurizing the isolated open-hole interval with a treatment fluid.

3. The method as recited in claim 2 , wherein stimulating at least one fracture in the isolated subterranean open-hole interval comprises projecting treatment fluid from a high pressure jet nozzle against the isolated subterranean open-hole interval.

4. The method as recited in claim 3 , wherein the treatment fluid comprises a granular material.

5. The method as recited in claim 2 , wherein isolating the selected subterranean open-hole interval comprises at least partially filling at least one fracture in the unisolated subterranean open-hole interval with a high viscosity fluid.

6. The method as recited in claim 2 , further comprising detecting the stimulation of fractures real-time with a micro-seismic monitoring system.

7. The method as recited in claim 2 , further comprising detecting a downhole parameter real-time.

8. The method as recited in claim 7 , wherein the downhole parameter is at least one of pressure of the selected open-hole interval, temperature of the selected open-hole interval, the flow rate of the treatment fluid in the selected open-hole interval, the flow pattern of treatment fluid in the selected open-hole interval, the flow rate of the treatment fluid in a fracture in the selected open-hole interval and the flow pattern of the treatment fluid in a fracture in the selected open-hole interval.

9. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein isolating the selected subterranean open-hole interval by blocking the fracture with a temporary fracture sealant comprises sealing all or a portion of the fracture.

10. The method as recited in claim 1 , further comprising removing the temporary fracture sealant.

11. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein isolating the selected subterranean open-hole interval comprises positioning an isolation tool adjacent to the selected subterranean open-hole interval.

12. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein stimulating at least one fracture within the isolated subterranean open-hole interval comprises injecting a treatment fluid down a tubing string.

13. The method as recited in claim 12 , further comprising stimulating at least one fracture in an unisolated subterranean open-hole interval by injecting the treatment fluid down an annulus between the tubing string and the unisolated subterranean open-hole interval.

14. The method as recited in claim 13 , wherein the isolation tool is a high temperature inflatable open-hole packer.

15. The method as recited in claim 13 , wherein the isolation tool is a high temperature expandable open-hole packer comprising an expandable element and a sealing element.

16. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein isolating the selected subterranean open-hole interval comprises positioning a scab liner proximate the selected subterranean open-hole interval.

17. The method as recited in claim 16 , wherein stimulating at least one fracture within the isolated subterranean open-hole interval comprises injecting a treatment fluid down a tubing string.

18. The method as recited in claim 17 , further comprising stimulating at least one fracture in an unisolated subterranean open-hole interval by injecting the treatment fluid down an annulus between the tubing string and the unisolated subterranean open-hole interval.

Assignments (2)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 21, 2025
From: ALTAROCK ENERGY, INC.
To: MAZAMA ENERGY, INC.
Reel/Frame 071768/0021 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Sep 8, 2009
From: BOUR, DANIEL L.; PETTY, SUSAN
To: ALTAROCK ENERGY INC.
Reel/Frame 023200/0545 →
Continuity (7)
Provisional Application 61078682 · Jul 7, 2008
Provisional Application 61078686 · Jul 7, 2008
Provisional Application 61087342 · Aug 8, 2008
Provisional Application 61102644 · Oct 3, 2008
Provisional Application 61154077 · Feb 20, 2009
Provisional Application 61087332 · Aug 8, 2008
Related Publication 20100000736A1 · Jan 7, 2010