1. n. [Shale Gas]

An operation to restimulate a well after an initial period of production. Refracturing operations attempt to bypass near-wellbore damage, reestablish good connectivity with the reservoir, and tap portions of the reservoir with higher pore pressure. Refracturing operations are also performed after a period of production that can alter the stresses in a reservoir due to depletion; the restimulation can allow the new fracture to reorient along a different azimuth. A successful refracturing operation restores well productivity to near original or even higher rates of production and extends the productive life of a well.