Abstract: A system and method of wellbore operations that forms notches into a subterranean formation that circumscribes a wellbore prior to fracturing the formation. The notches extend past the hoop stress regime that surrounds the wellbore so that fractures formed by fracturing are oriented in a designated plane. In one example, a fluid jet is used to form the notches, and which is discharged from a nozzle that rotates about a downhole tool. The nozzle is set in a sleeve that is rotatable about the downhole tool, and pressurized fluid is delivered to a plenum disposed on an inner surface of the sleeve. The nozzle is oriented oblique to a radius of the sleeve, so that the fluid being discharged from the nozzle generates a force that rotates the sleeve.

Abstract: A system and method of wellbore operations that forms notches into a subterranean formation that circumscribes a wellbore prior to fracturing the formation. The notches extend past the hoop stress regime that surrounds the wellbore so that fractures formed by fracturing are oriented in a designated plane. In one example, a fluid jet is used to form the notches, and which is discharged from a nozzle that rotates about a downhole tool. The nozzle is set in a sleeve that is rotatable about the downhole tool, and pressurized fluid is delivered to a plenum disposed on an inner surface of the sleeve. The nozzle is oriented oblique to a radius of the sleeve, so that the fluid being discharged from the nozzle generates a force that rotates the sleeve.