Simultaneous Fracturing Process

Abstract

A method for extracting a natural resource may include creating a fracture network in a target formation by simultaneously pressurizing the target formation on opposing sides with hydraulic fracturing liquid through different wells creating a series of fractures from each of the different wells with effective fracture lengths that overlap with each other.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for extracting a natural resource, comprising:
 creating a fracture network in a target formation by simultaneously pressurizing the target formation on opposing sides with hydraulic fracturing liquid through different wells creating a series of fractures from each of the different wells with effective fracture lengths that overlap with each other.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the effective fracture lengths are 300 feet or less from each of the different wells. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the effective fracture lengths are 200 feet or less from each of the different wells. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the different wells are spaced apart from each other at a distance of less than 600 feet. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the different wells are spaced apart from each other at a distance of less than 400 feet. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein each of the different wells are horizontal wells. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the target formation includes a known hydrocarbon deposit. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the target formation is in an oil shale formation. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the target formation is between the different wells. 
     
     
         10 . A method for extracting a natural resource, comprising:
 creating a first series of fractures from a first well bore section by pressurizing a target formation with a first hydraulic fracturing liquid from the first well bore section where the first series of fractures includes a first effective fracture length that protrudes into the target formation; and   simultaneously creating a second series of fractures by pressurizing the target formation with a second hydraulic fracturing liquid from a second well bore section that is spaced apart from the first well bore section at a distance and the target formation is located between the first and the second well bore section where the first series of fractures includes a second effective fracture length that protrudes into the target formation and overlaps with the first effective fracture length.   
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein at least one of the first effective fracture length and the second effective fracture length is 300 feet or less. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein at least one of the first effective fracture length and the second effective fracture length is 200 feet or less. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the distance is less than 600 feet. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the distance is less than 400 feet. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein each of the first well bore section and the second well bore section are horizontal well bore sections. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the target formation includes a known hydrocarbon deposit. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the target formation is in an oil shale formation. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the natural resource is a liquid hydrocarbon. 
     
     
         19 . A method for extracting a natural resource, comprising:
 creating a first series of fractures from a first horizontal well bore section by pressurizing a target formation with a first hydraulic fracturing liquid from the first horizontal well bore section where the first series of fractures includes a first fracture length that protrudes into the target formation; and   simultaneously creating a second series of fractures by pressurizing the target formation with a second hydraulic fracturing liquid from a second horizontal well bore section that is spaced apart from the first horizontal well bore section that is spaced away from the first horizontal well bore section less than 800 feet away and the target formation is located between the first and the second horizontal well bore section where the first series of fractures includes a second fracture length that protrudes into the target formation.   
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the second horizontal well bore section is spaced less than 400 feet apart from the first horizontal well bore section.