Method of drilling and opening reservoir using an oriented fissure to enhance hydrocarbon flow
A system and method for increasing hydrocarbon production from a subsurface reservoir by utilizing an intersection of two well bores and a flexible linear cutting device, such as a segmented diamond wire saw, to form a fissure beginning at the intersection of the well bores and extending along a specified the length of the well bores. The ends of the cutting device can be actuated above ground. The shape of the fissure can be a substantially ruled surface defined between the two bores between which the fissure is formed. Configurations for the well bores include both bores extending from the surface and, alternatively, a first bore extending from the surface and a second bore extending from a whipstock in the first bore. The fissure may be located and oriented to maximize the extent of the fissure formed within the hydrocarbon bearing horizon and to intersect with a maximum number of natural and/or previously formed fractures.
1. A method of increasing hydrocarbon primary or secondary recovery, comprising:
providing a first bore having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end forming a wellhead;
providing a second bore having a first intersection with the first bore; and
forming a fissure, which begins at the first intersection and is cut to extend between a portion of the length of the first bore and the second bore.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of providing the second bore includes a proximal end of the second bore forming a wellhead.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of providing the second bore includes the second bore having a second intersection with the first bore.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of forming a fissure includes providing a non-uniform kerf.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first intersection defined by the first bore and the second bore is located at their respective distal ends.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the step of providing the second bore includes the second bore having a second intersection with the first bore.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of forming a fissure includes forming at least a portion of the fissure in a hydrocarbon target zone.
8. A method of increasing hydrocarbon primary or secondary recovery, comprising:
providing a first bore having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end forming a wellhead;
providing a second bore having a first intersection with the first bore; and
forming a fissure beginning at the first intersection and spanning between at least a portion of the length of the first bore and the second bore;
positioning a flexible linear cutting device through the first and second bores; and
actuating the flexible linear cutting device to form the fissure.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the step of actuating the flexible linear cutting device includes:
tensioning the flexible linear cutting device; and
translating the flexible linear cutting device in a linear reciprocating pattern.
10. The method of claim 8 , wherein:
the step of positioning a flexible linear cutting device includes coupling opposite ends of the flexible linear cutting device; and
the step of actuating the flexible linear cutting device includes:
tensioning in the flexible linear cutting device; and
translating the flexible linear cutting device in a non-reciprocating, rotary pattern.