Fracturing process using carbon dioxide and nitrogen
US5069283A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 2, 1989 |
| Grant date | Dec 3, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 2, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S507/921
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A hydraulic fracturing process in which substantial quantities of both nitrogen and carbon dioxide are incorporated into the fracturing fluid. Nitrogen and carbon dioxide are separately incorporated into an aqueous based fracturing fluid in amounts to provide a volume ratio of nitrogen to carbon dioxide at wellhead conditions within the range of about 0.2-1.0. The volume ratio of the total of carbon dioxide and nitrogen to the aqueous phase of the aqueous fracturing fluid at wellhead conditions within the range of about 1-4. The aqueous fracturing fluid containing the nitrogen and carbon dioxide is injected in the well under a pressure sufficient to implement hydraulic fracturing of the subterranean formation undergoing treatment. A thickening agent may be incorporated into water to provide a viscous aqueous based fracturing fluid to which the carbon dioxide and nitrogen are added. The carbon dioxide is incorporated in liquid phase and the nitrogen in gaseous phase. Propping agent is incorporated into at least a portion of the fracturing fluid. Addition of the propping agent takes place prior to addition of the carbon dioxide and nitrogen.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.