US Patent 10309202 Fracturing treatment of subterranean formations using shock waves

Applying shock waves using a plasma pulse generation system or other comparable systems, including an acoustic/pressure oscillatory system, would help to enhance the complexity of the far field hydraulic fracture during fracturing shale formation. It would also help in avoiding pre-mature screen out. The critical factor to maximize the desired results is to apply the shock waves at the correct time. By combining shock wave technology with the newly developed fracturing pressure data analysis, it is possible to achieve maximum results.