Methods of Modifying Formation Properties

Abstract

A method for modifying formation properties is disclosed. The method may include drilling a first wellbore into a first geologic layer. The first geologic layer may be in proximity to a second geologic layer. The method may also include removing material from the first geologic layer using a first material removal process. The properties of the first geologic layer may be changed and the properties of the second geologic layer may be changed.

1 . A method for modifying formation properties, comprising:
 drilling a first wellbore into a first geologic layer in proximity to a second geologic layer;   removing material from the first geologic layer using a first material removal process;   changing properties of the first geologic layer; and   changing properties of the second geologic layer.   
     
     
         2 . The method for modifying formation properties of  claim 1 , wherein the first geologic layer includes a salt formation and the first material removal process includes solution mining the salt formation. 
     
     
         3 . The method for modifying formation properties of  claim 1 , wherein the changing of the properties of the first geologic layer induces the changing of the properties of the second geologic layer. 
     
     
         4 . The method for modifying formation properties of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 drilling a second wellbore into the first geologic layer; and   removing material from the first geologic layer using a second material removal process.   
     
     
         5 . The method for modifying formation properties of  claim 4 , wherein the first material removal process is the same as the second material removal process. 
     
     
         6 . The method for modifying formation properties of  claim 1 , wherein the first material removal process includes acidizing the first geologic layer. 
     
     
         7 . The method for modifying formation properties of claim,  1  further comprising:
 pressurizing the first geologic layer after removing the material from the first geologic layer using the first material removal process. 
 
     
     
         8 . The method for modifying formation properties of  claim 1 , wherein changing the properties of the second geologic layer includes inducing fractures within the second geologic layer. 
     
     
         9 . The method for modifying formation properties of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 hydraulically fracturing the second geologic layer.   
     
     
         10 . The method for modifying formation properties of  claim 9 , wherein the hydraulic fracturing of the second geologic layer occurs after the changing the properties of the second geologic layer. 
     
     
         11 . A method for modifying formation properties, comprising:
 drilling a wellbore into a mineral layer in proximity to a hydrocarbon reservoir;   removing material from the mineral layer using a material removal process;   changing properties of the mineral layer; and   changing properties of the hydrocarbon reservoir.   
     
     
         12 . The method for modifying formation properties of  claim 11 , wherein the mineral layer includes a salt formation and the material removal process includes solution mining the salt formation. 
     
     
         13 . The method for modifying formation properties of  claim 11 , wherein the changing of the properties of the mineral layer includes inducing the changing of the properties of the hydrocarbon reservoir. 
     
     
         14 . The method for modifying formation properties of  claim 13 , wherein the changing of the properties of the hydrocarbon reservoir increases completion quality of the hydrocarbon reservoir. 
     
     
         15 . The method for modifying formation properties of  claim 14 , further comprising extracting hydrocarbons from the hydrocarbon reservoir. 
     
     
         16 . The method for modifying formation properties of  claim 11 , wherein changing the properties of the hydrocarbon reservoir includes inducing fractures within the hydrocarbon reservoir and increasing permeability of the hydrocarbon reservoir. 
     
     
         17 . The method for modifying formation properties of  claim 15 , wherein removing material from the mineral layer using a material removal process occurs while extracting hydrocarbons from the hydrocarbon reservoir. 
     
     
         18 . The method for modifying formation properties of  claim 15 , wherein changing the properties of the hydrocarbon reservoir occurs while extracting hydrocarbons from the hydrocarbon reservoir. 
     
     
         19 . The method for modifying formation properties of  claim 11 , wherein the mineral layer is located below the hydrocarbon reservoir. 
     
     
         20 . The method for modifying formation properties of  claim 11 , wherein the mineral layer includes a carbonate formation and the material removal process includes acidizing the carbonate formation.