Method of isolating open perforations in horizontal wellbores using an ultra lightweight proppant
US7735556B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 14, 2008 |
| Grant date | Jun 15, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 3, 2028 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/267
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
An improved method for building a plug in a horizontal wellbore using a fluid pill pumped into the wellbore at the end of a fracturing treatment. The fluid pill includes a high concentration of an ultra lightweight proppant, such as a neutrally buoyant proppant or an ultra lightweight proppant mixture. The fluid pill is pumped down the wellbore until it almost reaches fractures within a zone of interest. The pumping is then ceased or reduced, allowing the fractures to partially close. The ultra lightweight proppant remains suspended within the fluid pill while stationary. The pumping is then resumed at a very slow rate or as a short pump burst, thus causing the proppant in the fluid pill to bridge off until a bridge plug is formed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.