Propellant cartridge with restrictor plugs for fracturing wells

摘要

An apparatus for fracturing a well has a propellant charge held by a carrier, and upper and lower restrictor plugs secured to the carrier above and below the propellant charge, respectively. The restrictor plugs allow a restricted flow of combustion gases generated by the propellant charge to pass the restrictor plugs, but maintain sufficient pressure in the well between the restrictor plugs to fracture the formation surrounding the well.