Interacting hydraulic fracturing

Abstract

A fracture extending away from a first subterranean well and toward a second subterranean well may be initiated by pumping fluid into the first subterranean well. The fracture may be propagated further towards the second subterranean well by continuing to pump fluid into the first subterranean well, while monitoring a pressure in the second subterranean well. Proppant may be pumped into the second subterranean well via the first subterranean well and the fracture upon detection of a change in the monitored pressure in the second subterranean well. The change in monitored pressure in the second subterranean well may be sufficient to indicate that the first and second wells are in fluid communication and interacting via the fracture.

1 - 10 . (canceled) 
     
     
         11 . A system, comprising:
 a first subterranean well; and   a second subterranean well having a pressure sensor responsive to fluid pumped into the first subterranean well.   
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the first subterranean well is a cased well. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 11  further comprising a downhole tool positioned in the second subterranean well, wherein the downhole tool comprises the pressure sensor. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 11  wherein the pressure sensor is permanently installed in the second subterranean well. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 11  wherein at least one of the first and second subterranean wells comprises at least one lateral section. 
     
     
         16 . A system, comprising:
 a first plurality of subterranean wells; and   a second plurality of subterranean wells each having a pressure sensor responsive to fluid pumped into at least one of the first plurality of subterranean wells.   
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 16  wherein at least one of the first plurality of subterranean wells is a cased well. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 16  further comprising a plurality of downhole tools each positioned in a corresponding one of the plurality of second subterranean wells, wherein each of the plurality of downhole tools comprises the pressure sensor within the corresponding one of the plurality of second subterranean wells. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 16  wherein the pressure sensor of at least one of the second plurality of subterranean wells is permanently installed therein. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 16  wherein at least one of the first and second pluralities of subterranean wells comprises at least one lateral section.