Electrofused proppant, method of manufacture, and method of use
US7654323B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 18, 2006 |
| Grant date | Feb 2, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 5, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/2991
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An embodiment consistent with the present invention is a high strength proppant comprising an electrofused pellet. In another embodiment, a high strength proppant comprises a substantially solid and substantially spherical pellet produced by electrofusion of at least one metal oxide. A method of making a proppant is also provided, with that method comprising melting at least one metal oxide in an electrical arc furnace, pouring the molten metal oxide to create a pour stream, and separating the pour stream to form at least one electrofused pellet. A method of fracturing subterranean formations is also provided, with that method comprising injecting a fluid containing at least one electrofused pellet.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.