Methods for forming proppant-free channels in proppant packs in subterranean formation fractures
US9657560B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 25, 2013 |
| Grant date | May 23, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 10, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/267
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
Methods of treating a fracture in a subterranean formation including providing a proppant-free fluid comprising a first gelling agent; providing a proppant fluid comprising a second gelling agent and proppant aggregates, wherein the proppant-free fluid and the proppant fluid are substantially immiscible; continuously pumping the proppant-free fluid into the subterranean formation; continuously pumping the proppant fluid into the subterranean formation, wherein the proppant-free fluid and the proppant fluid are present simultaneously in a portion of the subterranean formation but remain immiscible; placing the proppant aggregates into a portion of the fracture in the subterranean formation so as to form a proppant pack having proppant-free channels therein.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.