Enhancing complex fracture networks in subterranean formations
US10287867B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 23, 2015 |
| Grant date | May 14, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 23, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC09K2208/26
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Methods including creating or extending a first main fracture with a pad fluid into a subterranean formation, wherein the pad fluid is a high-viscosity fluid; alternatingly introducing a micro-proppant fluid with the pad fluid, wherein the micro-proppant fluid is a low-viscosity fluid comprising micro-sized proppant particulates; creating or extending a first branch fracture extending from the first main fracture with the alternatingly introduced micro-proppant fluid, whereby at least a portion of the micro-sized proppant particulates enter into the first branch fracture and form at least a partial monolayer of micro-sized proppant particulates therein; and introducing a macro-proppant fluid through the first opening at a second flow rate, wherein the macro-proppant fluid is a low-viscosity fluid comprising macro-sized proppant particulates, and whereby at least a portion of the macro-sized proppant particulates enter into the first main fracture and form a proppant pack therein.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.