Methods of hydraulic fracturing and of propping fractures in subterranean formations
US7325608B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 31, 2006 |
| Grant date | Feb 5, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 31, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/267
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Methods that comprise: providing a carrier fluid comprising a delayed breaker; providing a plurality of proppant aggregates comprising a binder fluid and a filler material; suspending the plurality of proppant aggregates in the carrier fluid; introducing the carrier fluid into the subterranean formation at or above a pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one fracture, the carrier fluid comprising the plurality of proppant aggregates suspended therein; allowing the carrier fluid to break so as to reduce the viscosity of the carrier fluid; and recovering at least a portion of the carrier fluid from the at least one fracture wherein at least a substantial portion of the plurality of proppant aggregates remains in the at least one fracture so as to create a high porosity propped fracture.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.