Proppant mixtures
US9790422B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 2014 |
| Grant date | Oct 17, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC09K8/56
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
The invention relates to a propped, fractured, subterranean field with (a) a first proppant and (b) a second proppant that exhibits a relatively higher average crush strength and/or an ability to form a particle to particle bonded structure than the first proppant. Preferably, the first proppant is uncoated sand and the second proppant is resin-coated sand. The proppants can be deposited as a substantially homogeneous mixture or in layered structures (vertical or horizontal) within the fractured field. Deformation of the second proppant under closure stress acts to spread out the compression pressures in a mixture so as to reduce failure of the first proppant. Similar protective effects are found when the proppants are deposited in layers. When formed as vertical pillar structures, the second proppant structures can also act as in-situ screens that inhibit formation fines from migrating through the proppant pack to the detriment of field conductivity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.