cu») United States US 20151 1 201501674384. cz) Patent Application Publication co) Pub. No.: US 2015/0167438 Al oy oy my 0) an @ (86) G0) Rey-Bethbeder et al ELECTRIC FRACTURING OF A Applicant: 1 Inventors: Fi pOrAl S.A, Courbevoie (FR) ERVOIR nek Rey-Bethbeder, Lacg (FR) Justin Martin, Pau (FR); Thierry Reess, Billee (FR): Antoine Sylvestre De Ferrs Assignee: TOTAL S.A., Conrbevoie (PR) Appl. No, PCT Filed PCT No. $371 CX), (2)Date Foreign Application Priority Data Jon, 1, 2012 147404181 Jun, 3,2013 PCTIEP2013/061407 Now. 26, 2014 (eR) 1assis2 (43) Pub, Date Jun, 18, 2015 ication Classification (1) Ince EIB 4326 200601) E21 3600 (2005.01) EIB 33/24 (2006.01), (32) US.CL crc E21 43/26 (2013.01); E210 33/124 (2013.01); £278 367007 (2013.01) on ABSTRACT A device proposed for fracturing a geological hydrocarbon reservoir, including two packers defining # confined space therebetween in'a wel died in the resevoie, an apparatus forregulatng the temperature of fui in the confined space, Aapairof wo clectrodes arranged inthe confined space, andan clectric circuit to generate an electric are the twa flectrodes. The eiteut includes a source ‘snnected a the electrodes and an inductor coil between the voltage source and one of the two electmodes. This allows improved fracturing ofthe reservoir.Patent Application Publication Jun, 18,2015 Sheet 1 of 10 US 2015/0167438 Al 106 106 103US 2015/0167438 Al Jun. 18,2015 Sheet 2 of 10 Patent Application PublicationPatent Application Publication Jun, 18,2015 Sheet 3 of 10 US 2015/0167438 Al Fr 1 ox 2 06 Boos Fee ¥Z 0 EE 02 3B os 46 08 S105 Time (us) no og eee ge eee 20 : v. é 5 6 as 3 E % ~~ 20 FI ae 0 10 20 30 40 “0 Max. current (kA) FIG.6Patent Application Publication Jun, 18,2015 Sheet 4 of 10 US 2015/0167438 Al Pressure (Bar) Pressure (Bar) 70 ° 5 10 15 20 Max. current (kA) FIG.7 x3mm @6mm ° 10 20 30 40 Current (kA) FIG.8Patent Application Publication Jun, 18,2015 Sheet Sof 10 US 2015/0167438 Al @ cectodes Reimm X Blesodes R=10mm Max. current (kA) FIG.9 90 2 & g Ps ° 5 10 18 20 2 innae/ Ati (A/S) FIG.10Patent Application Publication Jun, 18,2015 Sheet 6 of 10 US 2015/0167438 Al 30 ~ + ~— — 25 1 20 215 #10 5 0 0 1 2 3 4 Time me) FIG.11 2000, 1500, ——_— | e + | g Experimental 1000 z | & ] “Comsol é \ 500 ' +, | | ot _l I - 0 2» 40 80 100 Tempera ( FIG.12Patent Application Publication Jun. 18, 2015 Sheet 7of10 US 2015/0167438 AL Temperature (°C) FIG.13 Temperature ("0) FIG.14Patent Application Publication Jun. 18, 2015 Sheet 8 of 10 US 2015/0167438 AL Ter) ‘censured energy oles) “ota ener) FIG.16 Temperate (6)Patent Application Publication Jun. 18, 2015 Sheet 9 of 10 US 2015/0167438 AL oD Electric fracturing of reservoir by ‘generating an electric are, with regulating of fluid temperature $20 Static fracturing of reservoir vvia hydraulic pressure eleciric fracturing of reservoir previously statically fractured, with regulating of fluid temperature PX sto 1 FIG.19 i lectric fracturing of reservoir by generating an electric are slo inducing a pressure wave having arise time longer than 0.1 us, with regulating of fluid temperature eVeeR FIG.20Patent Application Publication Jun. 18, 2015 Sheet 10 of 10 US 2015/0167438 AL FIG.21 FIG.23US 2015/0167438 Al ELECTRIC FRACTURING OF A RESERVOIR (CROSS-REPERENCE TO RELATED "APPLICATIONS, 10001] This application i a National Phase Entry of Inter national Appliation No. PCT/EP2013061407, filed on Jun. 3.2013, which claims priority to French Patent Application Serial No. 1258132 filed on Jun. 1, 2012, both of which are Incomporated by reference herein, BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY {0002} The present invention oneersa deviowsnd method for fracturing a yeologieal reservoir of hydrocarbons. a method for producing hydrocarbon and method for eal- Brating the device. 10003] For the production of hydocaibons the permeabil ‘ty andlor porosity ofthe constitent material ofthe resi has an influence onthe production of hydroearbons, and in paticularon pectin rate and profitability. This notably Focalled in the aricle “Porosity and permeability of Eastern Devonian Shale gas” by Socder D1, published in SPE Formation Evaluation, in 1988, vol. 3/1" 1, pp. 116124, ‘whic reports onthe sty of ight sample of Devonian bale bs inthe Appalachian Basi, Thisartile explains inpatca- Jar hat the production ofthis shale gs encounters diiclly duet thelow permeability ofthe reservoir Ge the const ‘ent mtr of the reservon). 10004} Various tetniques are available tiie hydo- ‘arhon production ats, in particular in scaeely permeable land seareely porous reseroi. These techniques ental the Stati or dynamic fractiring ofthe reservoir. {0005} Static roctring latest the taractedisloatonof the reservoir wsing the injection ofa fd under very high pressure tended Io spit the rock, Fracturing is obinal by fochanical’ stress” provide by hydric prestire obtained by means of a Mud injocted under high pressure fom 2 ‘wellbore drilled on tho surface, Tho terms “ira jobs", “ang” or more generally “racking” are used or "massive hydraulic facturing” US. Patent Publication No. 2009! (044945 in particular describes static acturiag method such a describ above {0006} Static octurng has the disadvotape that the fae turing of the reservoir is generally uniiectonl. Therefore ‘only the hydmcarbon contained isthe potion of eserves around a dep, highly localised fissure ean be prodoced more pil 10007} To obiin more dis sping, dynamic feet dng, of clocticfractring, has heen intedcod. For electric Fracturing an elec aris yenersted ina well led inthe reservoir (9pilly tie production well). The eleeuic are induces a pressure wave Which fracties the reservoir in ll ‘dowa phase is maintained, The electrode configuration in ‘each case (subsonic or supersonic) can therefore allow the ‘obtaining ofthe least possible energy los, This corresponds ‘o optimisation of waterheating in onecase andof the electric field in the other case [W061] Daring the dischargephase S110, the electric circuit ‘can be modelled by an RLC circuit in oscillating mode. The ‘equation for current changes in series RLC cireit is given below: With U, whieh is the voltage atthe time of dielectric rupture ‘ofthe water. The parameters L, Cand Rare respectively the induetanee, capacitance and resistance of the circuit. This ‘current i) ia function ofthe breakdown voltage U (dieloe= tric rupture ofthe medium) ofthe eieuit capacitor, inductor ‘and resistor, 10062] | Experiments allowed the evidencing ofthe linearity ‘ofthe penk pressure generated as a funtion of the maximamn ‘current at the time of dielectric rupture ofthe water inthe two breakdown modes. An example of results is given in FIGS, 6 ‘and 7 which show the peak pressure measurements obtained ‘96a function of the maximiim current daring the discharge phase S110 and the Tinear regression of measurements in fubsonie aad supertonie mode respectively. It can be seen that, fora similar poak current, the pressure is higher for 2 discharge of “supersonic” type. This ean be partly tribe tothe processes generating ihe electric ate in water and to the volume of gas between the electric are and the liquid cone tained inthe interelectrode space. [0063] Additional experiments evidenced the influence of the iner-clectrde distance on the peak valuc of the pressure wave generate in the 10 modes of dicletrc rupture. The lengihofthecleiricare appeared tolavea direct influenceon pressure, The greater the imer-lectrode distance the more the pressure peak value appeared to be higher as shown in the raph in FIG. 10068] Some experiments examined the influence of the eometry of the electrodes on the pressure wave. The results ae given in FIG. 9. They allowed ihe conclusion tobe drawn thatthe shape ofthe electrodes used to generate the presse wave does not appear to have an influence on the pressure peak value. On the other handit can minimise electrical osses before the onset ofthe electri are [0065] A pressure sensor was used to visualise the pressure ‘wave shapes generated in relation othe frequency spectrum, “This frequency speciram may be modified by the dislectic rupture mode, by the parameters ofthe electric cireuit, by the volume of gis and by the type of liquid ised Two examples ‘ofa frequency speeirum associated with adiscarye in sub Jun. 18, 2015 sonic and supersonic mode were tested, It appeared that the sreate he number oflow frequencies in the spectrum the Tess Iracturing is diffs, 0066] ‘The result of various experiments conducted ev ences a linear relationship P,.,/dty as a function of the current front dd jllustated in FIG. 10, Thecurren front ‘hasan ifToence on the pressure front. The slower the curent front the more pressure is low frequency. The studies eon- ducted also clearly demonstrated an accumulated fracturing effect in relation to he number of shocks. The nation of pulse recurrence hereforeappeus tobe rier having an inl cence on facturing, [0067] The placing i equation form ofthe ahove-indicated srincples will now be discussed [0068] Calculation of peak eurent denoted in, 10069} To calculate the curtent ina the following eondi- it in = 1 ad {0070} Using the equations (1) and (2): [0071] Ifthe value of w is approximated (R of very low value) ® [0072] Perey equation [0073] With F, denoting enerzy and U, the voltage at the time ofthe elect areUS 2015/0167438 Al 10074) By replacing equation (8) in (3) eee NE c 10075) The peak curent j,,, is controlled by the energy available at the time ofthe are denoted End By the indo tance ofthe circuits its om these two parameters that the user must act, The resistance Ris considered to be very low ‘and the epacitance Cis function of energy E,, 0076] - Relationship Between Peak Pressire and Maximm Current 10077] On the basis ofthe results set fort {9 the following expression can be infeed: 2 10078] withk, a function ofthe inter-electrode distance and ‘of breakdown mode, FIGS. 6,7 and 10079] The greater interelectrode distance the higher the ‘oeiicient ky [0030] "Hence: 10081] By replacing equation (11) in (9) “The generated peak pressure is therefore controlled by the ‘curTent I. (Parameters, and Land by the coefficient, (a Tnetion af interelectrode distance and dielectie ruptnre made of water). tis therefore possible to act upon Fy, L and k, to obtain the desired pressure, 10082] Relationship between dP,,,/dt, as a function of inal 10083] "According to FIG. 10, dhe following expression ea be inferred aie a ‘with a function of interclectde distance and of break down mode, 0084) "The coeficentk, corresponds to physical eleetro- ‘acoustic coupling. is) Uae tie egos (11) and(18) Jun. 18, 2015 continued ‘The front of the pressure wave is therefore controled by the coeflcientsk, and, andby the valuesof1 and (parameters of the electric circuit). [0086] Therefore, to summarise these studi, it isobserved 10087] Inboth breakdown modes the maximum pressure ‘wave, resulting fom dilectric miptire of water, is ‘hiely dependent on the value othe maximum eurent ‘denoted {0088} "This Value ofthe peak eureat isa futon of the breakdown voltage and of the impedances of the electric iri When he configuration of the cieuitisinpesed, ‘one Way optimise thecurent ist increase the break down voltage of te range. This amounts to maximising the elviric energy switehol inthe medium {0089 When the circuit isnot imposed bt the switched clocti energy is maintained constant, the amplitide of te pressure wave is optimised hy redeing the imped- ance of the circuit {0090} "The form of current injection, te dielectric rup- ture mode ad type of fig have a inilueaee om the <éynamies ofthe pressure wave. These dynamic and the ‘coustc yield of the device can also be modified by injecting aitcial bubbles and using the “double pulse” nucthd (subsonic and supersonic) {0001} "The injected cument being constant the value of the presse peak is hiher in supersonic mode than subsonie mode {0092} The injected curent being constant the value of the pressure peak shigher the longer the interelectrode distince {0093}. The geometry ofthe electrodes, the injetedcurent ‘being constant, docs not have an influence on the generated prcsure peak bt may playa ele in redcing electric Hsses uring the prescharge pase {0094} ‘To conclude, the above studies coafinm the use ess of adding an inductor between the voltage source sad one of the two electrodes o act onthe pressure wave thats Tinally generated The studies also confi the advantage oF having adjustable paramsters eg. inductance, capacitor capsctanc, the characteris of the Mar generator Since the presse wave it dependent ‘pon these parsmcters the osibiliy that these canbe adjusted provides conto overthe presure wave {0095} Theimprovement in fractaring by mesns of regu dng the temperature is now discussed with reference 0 FIGS, 11 to 17 which llostrate tests evidencing this improvement. An enclosure was developed a but to re-create ina labo- ‘tory the thermodynamic conditions of guid wader well ‘ore conditions (0096) The electrode configuration is composed of two Pointed electrodes (adive of curvature 28 mm) anda inte oeinde distnce of 3mm. Demineralisd water (0 Siem) was wd to inerease the value of the equivalent resi {anor ofthe ealasure and thereby to init breakdown ener shes. The water was renewed after cachseries. The insulating nateril used fr High Voltage passing was PEEK 4806.US 2015/0167438 Al 10097] With the objective of limiting the enemy injected Into the enclosure, he tests were conducted with a bank of ‘capacitors of equivalent capacitance C=600 uF. The charge vollage of these capacitors could not exceed 40 KV. The ‘maximum electric energy was therfore about 00 1 which, tiven the geometry of the electrodes used, guaranteed dis ‘charge propagation via subsonie mode 0098) "The diclecric strength of water is characterized by determination ofthe pre-breakdown voliage Uso, a voliage value which causes 50% holds and 50% priming. The method used allowing determination ofthis voltage Us, scaled the up and dowa method, Voltage levels are preselected and @ sefios of tests is conducted at these different love, the result ‘of each test determining the following level: immediately higher level inthe event ahold, immediately Yower level in the event of priming. Around filly tests are suliient to acquire the value Ug In all the curves illustrated the value ‘denoied Uy therefore presents the mean of a series of 50 shocks 10099] Given the complex geometry of the cell, COMSOL software was used to estimate the value of interelectrode ‘capacitance foreach experimental configuration. The results ‘give a capacitanee of 125 pF for D-1-5 mm and 120 uP for _D-3 mm. The values of equivalent capacitance ofthe HP cell (igh Pressure) are in theorder of one hundred pica Faro. ln ‘ourease the storage capacitance wat of high vale being 600 E (subsonic discharge): transfer of espactance was therefore ‘optimal [0100] The equivalent resistance of water was determined ‘ising an experimental method and simulation using COM- SOL software. Atthe time of discharge of acapacitorin wate, there isa so-called preischarge phase during which the voltage drops. This drop comesponds to dischanse of the ‘capacitance in the equivalent resstanceof the interelectrode ‘device. This equivalent resistance is called Ry ger Fora SUb= sone discharge, Ra. is determined by measuring the expo- ential decay of the voltage wave, as ilustrated in FIG. 11 ‘The value ofthe discharge constant corresponds tothe time needed for a 37% drop in the initial voltae value of the ‘capacitor [0101] Fora condoctor ata given temperature, there isan ‘equation which can be used t0 calculate its resistance as a funetion ofits dimensionsand ofits constituent material (here water) [0102] _ Where: p: Resistivity of water (Q-m) 0103]: Conductivity of water (Sim) Since the conductivity of water is a function ofits tempers- ture, we ean define the changes thereof, fr the ype of water ‘we used in our experiments, using the following equation: eels) {o104}_ Wher: {0105} "7 lal conductive Sin) [0106] Temperature coBcient [0109] T, Reference temperature (°K) {0108} Tes important o noe that changes inthe sonduc- ity of wateras a function of temperature are not the same depending onthe typeof water used (pure, deminerlised, tap water or Sea water for example) Initial conductivity deter Jun. 18, 2015 ines the influence of temperature on later changes in eon- iuctivity, In our ease we used demineralised water and the inital parameters were determined experimetlly. [0109] Using the COMSOL electrothermal coupling med- tule, the resistance was able to be determined using Ohm's Jaw, To do so an elecitie potential at the HT eleeirade was pre-determined as was the conductivity of the water (defined by the preceding equation), COMSOL allows calculation of the value of the eurent by integrating total current density on the surface othe Water contained in the enclosure, and hence termination of the valu of equivalent resistance Ry [0110] Thechanges in Rover range of absolutestatic pressure of 01015 bars is: 17300 for 0 bar, 16830 for 5 bas, 170662 foe 10 bars, and 18330 for 15 bars, Analysis of these results allows the conclusion to be deawn tat static peessore ‘apparealy as no insluence on the resistance Ryo: [0111] The experimental and simulation results on the in laence of water temperature on resistance Ry, re given in FIG. 12, The curves obtained show the large influence of temperature on the equivalent resistance of the enclosure From 25° C.t0 95°C, the value of resistance is divided by a ctor of3, [0112] The objectiveof this part of the simulation ests was to characterize the HP enclosure in terms of voltage hold and equivalent impedance (capacitance and resistance). The ‘obtaining of these fundamental parameters allows prediction of the wave form likely to be obtained on the load (here our FHP cell) for an applied voltage (and hence energy), an elec- trode geometry and under welldetermined water thermody ‘amie conditions. These parameters are of major interest for cur study since capacitance and equivalent resistance define tenergy transfer from the storage eapacitor to the cll. 0113] The diclectrie strength of water was then character- ‘eda a funetion ofits theemadynamie parameters, and the influence ofthese parameters was examined on the dynsmics ofthe pressure wave. One experimental protocol sed the changes in voltage Up as Junction of water temperature at atmosphesic pressure. These results are given in FIG. 13 [0114] It was detemnined that thermal processes play a predominant role in the pre-discharge phase of the subsonic ‘ode since the clctrie aris developed in gas bubbles created vaporisation of water. Ittherefre follows that a reduetion in srupive voltage is observed as and when the temperature increases, Hosever this tendency is leaty en asthe temperature exceeds about 60° C. When T I 100% increase in temperature leads toa decrease of less than 10% in the value of Uy whereas when T”=60° C., one same variation in temperature anslatesasa decrease of about 60% in Ugg In general forclectric discharges, a said slope change is associated with a change in discharge mode, The problem here is more complex since it involves thermodynamic phe- ‘nomen relate! the liquid phiase-water vapour transition [0115] Since the energy of water vaporisation decreases ‘when increases, the question can be raised whether oman fenergy viewpoint letrie losses are minimised. by this ‘increase in temperature (its read thatthe acoustic enensy ofthe pressure wave is directly dependent on eleetrothermal Joss during the pre-breakdown phase). To answer this ques- tion, the energy consumed Ein the pre-reakown phasecan be defined by:US 2015/0167438 Al [0116] where: [0117] p(s electric power [0118] u(): applied voltage [0119] Ryo! equivalent resistance of water [0120] T,-:moment of breakdown w Honever at = yo hereto wifi els) [0121] The total electric energy E> initially stored is say Ey initially ‘expressed by: Frebeu, ® 10122] _Fleetothermal losses related to heating are there- ore defined by: ® zit 10123] The yield of the presischarge phase is expressed by: n-Losst00 ® 10124) The expressions (1), (2), (3) and (4) are thorofore 60° C. ‘whereas consumed energy remains near-constant [0138] AL T=60° C., about 80% of energy is available for the post-discharge phase of which pat which will be con- verted to acoustic energy. Only 30% af the initial energy is available for the post-discharge phase ifthe water temper ture is fixed at 1-25° C. This result is therefore of great interest forthe objective of optimising the electro-acoustic yield ofthe electric fracturing method. [0136] The above study illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 17 there- {ore shows the advantage of regulating the temperature ofthe ‘uid in the confined space in onder to improve enemy yieldUS 2015/0167438 Al ‘and cause a pressure wave the dimensions ofthe devi ied, allowing improved [racturing 10137] _As mentioned previously, the fracturing device can busi ina frocturing method to fractare a gealogicel hydro- ‘caon reservoir, The method comprises the electri Fesetr- ing of the reservoir by generating an electric are with the device, which pives rise to a pressure wave leading to foe ‘uring. Simultaneously, the method may comprise the rexi- Jation othe temperature ofa uid in the confined space of the device by means ofthe temperature regulating apparatus, The ‘device can therefore also be used fora hyrcarbon prodie= tion method comprising the frcturing of «geological hydro- ‘earbon reservoir using the preceding method 10138) With eferenceto FIG. 18,2 method for facturing 2 oological hydrocarbon reservoir #8 also proposed. The method in FIG. 18 comprises static fracturing (S20) of the reservoir via hydraulic pressure. And the method in FIG. 18, before, during or after static facturing (S20) (these three possibilities being illustrated by dotted lines in FIG. 18) aso ‘comprises electric fracturing (S10) ofthe reservoir by gener- ‘atingan electric ae in a wellbore dlled in the reservoir such, as deseribed abave. The method in FIG. 18 improves rser- ‘oie frcturing.| 19139] Static fracturing (S20) may be any type of static Jracturing knowa in the prior art. ln general stati facturing (S20), optionally ater drilling a well in the reservoir, may ‘comprise the injection of Dui under high pressure into the ‘well, Static fracturing (S20) therefore creates one or more unidirectional fissures, typically deeper than those ereated by ‘lec fracturing (S10), The fluid may be water, mud ora technical foid with controlled viseosty filled with hard agents (sereened sand! grains, or ceramic micro-spheres) Which prevent the fracture ines from elosing up when the pressure drops [0140] Static fracturing ($20) may comprise a first injec- tion phase into a wellbore of a facturing fhid contining thickeners, and a second phase which involves the periodic adding of proppant (i.e. a propping agent) to the fracturing ‘sido feed the formed ractore with proppant, In this manner ‘lusters of proppant are formed in the fracture preventing it Tom closing up and provide channels for the flow of hydro- ‘carbon between the clusters, The second pase oF is sub- phases involve the aditional adding ofa reinforcing and/or ‘consolidating material to the fracturing fluid to ineease the strength ofthe proppant clusters. The static factoring (S20) ‘ypiealy allows fractures of between 100 and 3000 metres 10 be obtained [0141] Static facturing ($20) may precede electric fractur ‘ng (S10), Inthiscase, the pressure wave generated by electric fracturing ($10) can follow the course ofthe Hid injected i the fissures created by static fracturing (S20) and thereby improve fracturing. Also, the order of fracturing ($20) and (S10) has low leakage risk. For example static facturing (S20) may precede electie facturing (S10) by less than one week. [0142] _ With reference to FIG. 19, there is also proposed @ ‘method for facturinga geological hydrocarbon reservoir pre- ously: statically. factured by hydraulic pressure. The rthod in FIG. 19 only comprises cletrc fracturing (S10) of the reservoir and is performed ina reservoir in which a well has already been drilled and has already been statically frme- tured. The method ia FIG. 19 allows the fracturing of reser ‘irs that havealeady been operated after static factoring. In other words the method ia FG. 19 allows the operation of 3 being Jun. 18, 2015 reservcir that has been abandoned after operation thereof, potentially by re-using analreody drilled well. isto be noted that if it is combined with this prior static facturing, the rmethod in FIG, 19 corresponds to the method in FIG, 18 (sere statie fracturing ($20) corresponds to this prior static Iacturing). Therefore prior static fracturing may have been performed using the metho! in FIG. 18, [0143] With reference to FIG. 20a method is propose for Trcturing geological hydrocarbon reservoir, comprising particular electric fracturing (S10). The electric fmctoring (S10) proposed ia the method in FIG. 20 can evidently be ted forthe method in FIG. 18 andioe forthe method i FIG. 19. The method in FIG. 20 chiefly comprises electric fratur- ing (S10) ofthe reservoir by generating an electric are in a ‘uid contained in a well drilled in the reservoir (hen ‘wheter oF not combined with sate Fracturing, cz sta ‘racturing ($20) of the method in FIG. 1), The electric are cuss a prossure wave whose rise time i longer than 0.1 ps, preferably ongerthan 10 1. The method in FIG. 20;improves reservoir finering. [0144] There time ofthe pressure wave isthe time needed 0 that he pressure wave reaches the pressure peak ie. the ‘maximum value ofthe wave (also called “peak pressure). In the present case a rise time of more than 0.1 4s, proferably nore than 10s, coresponl toa presse wave which beter penciates the reservoir Said pressure wave is particularly efficient (i.e. the wave penetrates deeper) in materials that are scarcely ductile suchas those forming reservoirs of shale gas. Proferabl'the rise time i shorter than I mis, advantageously shorter than $00 ys [0145] The pressure wave may have a maximum pressure ‘of upto 10 kbar, preferably higher than 100 bar andor lower than 1000 bar: This ean correspond to stored enerpy of ‘between 10 and 2 MI, preferably between 10k) and SOOKE. [0146] Different possibilities applicable to any ofthe meth- ‘ds in FIG. 18, FIG: 19 oF FIG. 20 will now be described. The ‘well may be horizontal. For example, the well may he hor ‘zontal and havea length preferably between 500 and S000 m, advantageously between 800 and 1200 m, for example to 3 ‘pth of berween 1000 aad 10000 m, For example between $3000 and S000 mn, [0147] Flectric fracturing (S10) canbe repeated at diferent {treatment zones along the well With electric fraeturing (S10) the pressure wave generally penetrates less deep than static fracturing. Therefore with eloctric fracturing (S10) fissures ‘ypically of less dhan 100 min length ae obtained typically Jess than 50 m and typically longer than 20 m. Fora wel hat is several hundred. metres long, repeat electric facturing (S10) along the well allows fracturing along the length ofthe ‘well and hence bette possible operation ofthe servi. [0148] Also, in each treatment zone (or single treatment Zone ifonly one) several ares ean be successively generate "Here the generating ofan are electrics repented at a substan- tially fixed position. Fracturing is thereby improved by repeating the pressure wave. The generated arcs may be the same or different. For example, at each treatment zone the ares generated in succession may cause a pressure wave y~ jing a decreasing rise time, For example the suecestve ares ‘may have an increasingly steeper front thereby inducing @ pressure wave having an ever faster ie time, In this ease the inital pulses ave slower fronts for deep penetration whilst the pulses with steper fronts fracture at shallower depth and ‘more densely. In this manner fracturing is optimised. The inital ares for example may induce a pressure Wave having &US 2015/0167438 Al rise time longer than 10 s, preferably 100 ps, The last ares ‘may then indice a pressure wave having a rise time shorter than the intial ae, for example shorter than 10 us or 100 ps. “Theintial ares comprise atleast one are, preferably a number Joker than 16000 even 1000, and the lst ares comprise at least one are, preferably a aumber lower than 10000 even 1000. 10149] In addition, in each treatment zone the ares can be enerated ata frequency Iower than 100 Fz, preferably lower than 10 Hz and/or higher than 0.001 Hz, preferably higher than 0.01 Hz. Preferably the frequeney of the ares may’ be (ubstantilly) equal to the resonance frequency ofthe mate- Fialto be fracture in the reservoir This ensures more elicient fictucing. [0180] The reservoir may have a permeability of less than 1Omicrodarey, It may in particular bea reservoir of shale was, Inthis type of reservoir, the gas is typically adsorbed (up 10 85% on Lewis Shale) and weakly tapped inthe pores. With the low permeability ofthis type of reservoir it eannot be ‘expected to obtain direct production of gases trapped in said medium only thesurfice zs (adsorbed yas) can be produced. Therefore fora reservoir of shale gas where permeability isin theonler ofone mierodarcy, efficient electric fracturing (S10) ‘over radius of 30 m along & horizontal well of length 1000 'm would allow gas recovery possibly exceeding 50 MNin* (on the assumption of 26 Nav? of gas per mv of rock as suggested in the aforementioned article"Porosty and perme- ability of Eastem Devonian Shale gas"), The fracturing method of any of FIGS. 1to3 can therefore be included in a method for producing hydrocarbons from a reservit, typi cally a shale gas reservoir [0151] The generation of the electric are may induce @ temperature uracient generating a pressure wave i the fui. Electric fracturing ($10) may comprise the prior injection into the fuid of an agent improving the plasticity of the ‘constituent material of the reservar, The agent may comprise ‘a chemical additive. The chemical additive may be an agent indueing rock fracture. The additive may comprise steam. This further improves fracturing, {0182} An example of electric fracturing ($10) in the fime- turing method aecording to any of FIGS. 18 (0 20 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 21 to 23, In this example, ‘electric fracturing (S10) is carried out in a reservoir 40 in ‘which a horizontal well 43 bas boen drilled. Eletricfroture ing (S10) here is combined with state fracturing. not specifi cally illustated and optionally performed previously which has formed main fractures 4 inthe reserve. The facturing rmethodhere allows the production of hydrocarbons by means ‘ofa production pipe located on the surface at the head of the well 45. The electric ae is generated here at a fracturing device 47 which may conform tothe fracturing device 100, FIG.A. [0153] In the example of FIGS. 21 to 3, electric fracturing (S10) causes secondary fractures 42 atthe point where the are Js generate. Inthe example, the secondary fractures 42 are shorter but more diffuse than the min fractures 41, In this ‘example, electric fracturing (S10) is repeated at differen treatment zonesaong the length ofthe well. FIG. 21 showsan inital phase of electric fracturing (S10) atthe bottom of the ‘well, FIG. 2 shows an intermediate phase inthe centre ofthe swell. And FIG, 23 shows a inal phase atthe head ofthe well The progression of the secondary ffoctures 42 can be ‘observed during the repeats of electric fracturing. The sco ‘ondary fractures 42 are therefore dispersed all aroundtbe well, Jun. 18, 2015 43. Its thenpossibleo recover the hydrocarbon surounding these secondary Iractures 42, a hydrocarbon that potentially lies distant from the main feotures 41 and i therefore dif elt to recover by state fracturing alone. [0154] Themobilty ofthe fracturing deviee 47, which may be the particular device, allows fracturing of the reservoir along the entire length ofthe well. In this example the dev 447 is powered by a high voltage supply 44 located on the ‘telace and connected to the device 47 by cables 46, [0155] Evidently, the present invention isnot limited tthe described and illustrated examples, but can undergo numer- ‘us variants accessible to persons skied in the art. For ‘example, the prineiples set forth above can be applied to the production of seismic data. The generation ofthe electric are could alternatively inducea pressure wave having lower char- acteristies than those needed for reservoir facturing, Thisean be achieved for example by adapting the charge voltage ofthe fracturing device and the charge voltage, and by acting on inductance. said method for producing seismic data may then comprise the receiving ofa reflection of the pressure wave, the reflected wave then being wypically modulated ‘when passing through the constituent material ofthe reser- voir, The method for producing seisme data may then also ‘comprise the analysis ofthe reflected wave to determine the ‘hartetersties ofthe reservoir A seismic survey ca then be ‘recorded on the ass of received dat, 1.A device for fractoring a geological hydrocarbon reser voir wherein the device eomprises ‘wo packers defining @ confined spoce therebetween in a ‘wel drilled i the reservoir ‘an apparatus to regulate the temperature of «Aid ia the ‘confined space: apairof wo.elecirodes arranged inthe confined space: nd an cleric circuit © generate an electric are berwoen the two electrodes, the circuit comprising at last one volt ‘age source connected to the electrodes and an inductor coil between the voltage source and one of the «wo clectodes. 2. The device according wo claim 1, wherein the tempera ture regulating apparatus regulates the temperature of the ‘vido optimise thecnergy yieldof the pre-discharge phase st the time of electric ae generation, 3. The dovice according to claim 2, wherein the temper ture regulating apparatus olds the temperature ofthe Mid at valve between 45 and 67°C. 4. The device according 10 claim 3, wherein the device further comprises an apparatus for regulating the pressure of the fui at substantially atmospheric pressure. 8. The device according 1 claim 1, wherein the tempera ‘ure regulating apparatus comprises a fluid cooling system. 6. The device aevording to claim 1, wherein the inductor coil has adjustable inductance 1 pH and 100 mi 7. The device according to claim 1, wherein a distan between the two electrodes is adjustable, between 0.2 and 5 8. The device acconding to claim 1, wherein the voltage source comprises eapacitor having capacitance higher than Tn. 9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the capaci tance ofthe capacitor is adjustable lower than 200 pi 10. The device acconting to claim 8 wherein the circuit further comprises a Mar generator and ferrites fomning aUS 2015/0167438 Al saturable inductor ona pathway leading the capacitor directly to the inductor, the ferrites being saturated once the Marx enerator is discharged 11. The device according to claim 8, wherein the capacitor js separated from the inductor by a spark gap primed by @ pulse generator, 12, The device according clam 1, wherein the cletrodes havea mais of betwen O.1 mim and 50 mam 13. The device according to claim 1, furter comprising 2 release system, 14, The device acconting to cl several pairs of the electrodes, 18. A method for fracturing a geological hydrocarbon tes- evo the method comprising (@) electric facturing of the reservoir by generating an cleciti ar with a device comprising: ‘packers defining a confined space therebetween in a well ‘drilled in the reservoir an apparatus regulating the temperature of @ uid in the confined space: clectrodes in the confined space; and ‘a cleric circuit generating the electie are between the lectrodes, the circuit comprising atleast ane voltage ‘Source connected to the electrodes and an inductor evil Fhetween the voltage source and one of the electrodes: and () simultaneously regulating the temperature ofthe fluid in the confined space ofthe device. 4, funher comprising Jun. 18, 2015 16, A method for producing hydrocarbons comprising (@) fracturing of a goological hydrocathon reservoir by ‘generating an electric are with a device comprising packers defining a space therebetween inthe reservoir, the elecrie arc being generated between electrodes in the space, and the device furher comprising atleast one vollagesourve connected tothe electrodes ad an induc torcoil between the voage souree and ane o the elee- trodes; and (©) regulating the temperature of the Mid in the space herwoen the packers. 17. method for calibrating a temperature reglator ofthe device according to claim 15, further comprising: ddtemnining a pre-breakdown voltage above which the lectic aris generated then measuring a breakdown voltage atthe terminals of the ‘lecttodes and a breakdown time as a function of the ‘temperature ofthe fui, by applying the pre-breakdown ‘voltage and varying the temperate ofthe Si inferring from the preceding step the energy yield ofthe ‘presischange phase as a function ofthe temperature then ofining a target temperature or temperature range forthe Temperature regulating apparatus as a function of the maximum energy yield inferred atthe preceding step.