Forming proppant-free channels in a proppant pack
US10760397B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 18, 2016 |
| Grant date | Sep 1, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 23, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC09K2208/26
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Proppant-free channels may be formed in a proppant pack in subterranean formations by using the miscibility and immiscibility of proppant-laden and proppant-free fluids. For example, a method of forming a proppant pack may include: introducing, in alternating order, a proppant-laden fluid and a proppant-free fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation, wherein the proppant-laden fluid comprises an oil-external emulsion and a proppant, and wherein the proppant-free fluid is immiscible with the proppant-laden fluid; and forming a proppant pack in a fracture in the subterranean formation, wherein the proppant pack comprises proppant-laden clusters and proppant-free channels.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.