Method of propagating a hydraulic fracture using fluid loss control particulates
US5325921A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 21, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jul 5, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 21, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S507/922
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A two-fluid method for fracturing a subterranean formation to increase the production of fluids from a well therein has been discovered. In a typical operation, a fluid pad is injected into the well which essentially simultaneously fractures the formation and forms a low permeability filter cake on at least part of the fracture. A proppant transport fluid containing proppant is then injected to prop open the fracture once the pressure is decreased. The filter cake is removed to permit production to begin. Although many conventional fluids may be used for the fluid pad, one preferred fluid pad uses graded calcium carbonate particle sizes and a modified lignosulfonate as a filter control agent. Optionally, a thixotropic polymer may be present as a viscosifier.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.