Forming proppant packs having proppant-free channels therein in subterranean formation fractures
US10047281B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 6, 2015 |
| Grant date | Aug 14, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 6, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC09K2208/10
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Methods including pumping a fracturing fluid into a subterranean formation through an annulus between the subterranean formation and a pipe conveyance at a rate above a fracture gradient of the subterranean formation to create and/or open at least one fracture in the subterranean formation; continuously pumping a proppant-free fluid into the subterranean formation through the annulus at a first rate to extend the open fracture; continuously pumping a proppant fluid through an interior of the pipe conveyance and out the exit of the interior of the pipe conveyance at a second rate that is less than the first rate; and placing the proppant particulates into a portion of a fracture in the subterranean formation so as to form a proppant pack having proppant-free channels therein.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.