Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080196895 | Method to Enhance Proppant Conductivity from Hydraulically Fractured Wells - A method of mitigating proppant settling in a hydraulic fracture in order to better suspend the proppant as well as ensure a more uniform pack, by mixing a pre-determined volume percent of low density additive, such as glass beads or other suitable material, such as polylactic acid particles, into the fracturing slurry along with the standard high-density proppant, it is anticipated that density gradients can be induced inside the fracture. Upward movement of low density additive due to them having density lower than the carrier fluid will interfere with downward movement of high-density proppant and vice versa. This mutual interference between the two proppants confined in the narrow fracture will significantly hinder the settling/segregation of the high-density proppant. The low density material has a specific gravity of about 0.3, particle size distribution similar to that of standard proppant, and sufficient mechanical strength to survive fracture closure stress. | 08-21-2008 |
20080202749 | POLYMERIC GEL SYSTEM AND USE IN HYDROCARBON RECOVERY - Coacervate gels having excellent shear viscosities and other properties are made with anionic or cationic polymers, a smaller amount of a surfactant having a charge opposite that of the polymer, and a hydrophobic alcohol. The Zeta Potential of the gel is maintained at an absolute value of at least 20. Optional gel promoting additives include betaines and amine oxides. A preferred gel comprises poly diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, a lesser amount of sodium lauryl sulfonate, and lauryl alcohol. The gels are particularly useful in well drilling fluids and well fracturing fluids. | 08-28-2008 |
20080202750 | PROPPANT MATERIALS AND METHODS - The present invention provides thermoplastic coated proppants and methods for preparing the thermoplastic coated proppants. Methods for using these proppants in subterranean well formations and hydraulic fracturing operations, for example, are also disclosed. | 08-28-2008 |
20080217010 | Polyphenylene Sulfide Proppants - Embodiments of the present invention relate to delivering a slurry having a fracturing fluid and one or more proppants to a fracture in a subterranean formation. At least one proppant has PPS and produces less than 5 weight percent fines at a closure pressure of the fractured subterranean formation as determined by API RP 60. The one or more proppants are deposited into the fracture to prop the fracture. | 09-11-2008 |
20080251252 | POLYMERIC GEL SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING SAME IN HYDROCARBON RECOVERY - Coacervate gels having excellent shear viscosities and other properties are made with anionic or cationic polymers, a smaller amount of a surfactant having a charge opposite that of the polymer, and a hydrophobic alcohol and an effective amount of a phosphorus-containing compound sufficient to increase the viscosity of coacervate gels up to 3 times as compared to the gels in the absence of the phosphorus-containing compound. The Zeta Potential of the gel is maintained at an absolute value of at least 20. Optional gel promoting additives include betaines and amine oxides. A preferred gel comprises poly diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, a lesser amount of sodium lauryl sulfonate, and lauryl alcohol. The gels are particularly useful in well drilling fluids and well fracturing fluids. | 10-16-2008 |
20080257553 | Aggregating reagents, modified particulate metal-oxides and proppants - A method for treating solid materials is disclosed, where the treating compositions coats surfaces or portions of surfaces of the solid materials changing an aggregation or agglomeration propensity of the materials. Treated solid materials are also disclosed. The methods and treated materials are ideally suited for oil field applications. | 10-23-2008 |
20080271891 | Methods of Limiting Leak Off and Damage in Hydraulic Fractures - Methods for treating a formation penetrated by a wellbore which improves fluid loss control during treatment. In some aspects, the treatments include preparing an aqueous fluid including one or more water inert polymers and an optional viscosifier, injecting the aqueous fluid into the wellbore at a pressure equal to or greater than the formation's fracture initiation pressure, and thereafter injecting into the wellbore a proppant laden fluid at a pressure equal to or greater than the formation's fracture initiation pressure. The water inert polymer may be a polymer such as an emulsion polymer or a latex polymer. Some methods of the invention use a fluid which may have a normalized leak off coefficient (C | 11-06-2008 |
20080277115 | INCREASING BUOYANCY OF WELL TREATING MATERIALS - A composite proppant having an increased buoyancy comprising a proppant substrate such as a porous ceramic or a silica sand coated with a material of a lesser actual density than the apparent density of the proppant substrate to increase the buoyancy of the composite proppant. | 11-13-2008 |
20080289823 | Degradable Material Assisted Diversion or Isolation - A method for well treatment by forming a temporary plug in a fracture, a perforation, a wellbore, or more than one of these locations, in a well penetrating a subterranean formation is provided, in which the method of well treatment includes: injecting a slurry comprising a degradable material, allowing the degradable material to form a plug in a perforation, a fracture, or a wellbore in a well penetrating a formation; performing a downhole operation; and allowing the degradable material to degrade after a selected time such that the plug disappears. | 11-27-2008 |
20090008093 | PROPPANTS FOR GEL CLEAN-UP - Methods of incorporating a chemical breaker onto a proppant that will permit release of the breaker after the proppant has been placed in a hydraulic fracture are provided. The methods utilize a chemical breaker coated on the surface of a non-porous proppant grain or placed in the pore space of a porous proppant grain and secondarily coated with an outer layer which can be tailored to delay the release of the breaker. | 01-08-2009 |
20090008094 | Method of Treating Subterranean Formations With Porous Ceramic Particulate Materials - Methods and compositions useful for subterranean formation treatments, such as hydraulic fracturing treatments and sand control that include porous materials. Such porous materials may be selectively configured porous material particles manufactured and/or treated with selected glazing materials, coating materials and/or penetrating materials to have desired strength and/or apparent density to fit particular downhole conditions for well treating such as hydraulic fracturing treatments and sand control treatments. Porous materials may also be employed in selected combinations to optimize fracture or sand control performance, and/or may be employed as relatively lightweight materials in liquid carbon dioxide-based well treatment systems. | 01-08-2009 |
20090025934 | System and Method for Low Damage Fracturing - A system includes a wellbore in fluid communication with a formation of interest and a fracturing slurry include a carrier fluid with a low amount of a viscosifier, an amount of proppant including a first average particle size between about 200 and 2000 μm, an amount particulates including a second average particle size between about three and ten times smaller than the first average particle size, and a third amount of particulates having a third average particle size smaller than the second average particle size. A sum of all of the particulates in the fracturing slurry exceed about 16 pounds per gallon of the carrier fluid. They system further includes a pumping device that creates a propped fracture in the formation of interest with the fracturing slurry, and a removal agent that removes the second amount of particulates and/or the third amount of particulates from the propped fracture. | 01-29-2009 |
20090032252 | DEGRADABLE CEMENT COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING DEGRADING MATERIALS AND METHODS OF CEMENTING IN WELLBORES - A temporary matrix is provided in treating a subterranean formation by providing a composition comprising a matrix forming material and a matrix degrading material. The matrix degrading material is capable of degrading the matrix after a period of time when subjected to existing or induced conditions of the subterranean formation. The composition is placed into a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation. The composition is allowed to form a matrix within the wellbore, whereby the matrix at least one of significantly reduces the passage of fluid across or near the matrix or provides structural strength. A treatment operation is performed on the subterranean formation or wellbore and the degrading material is allowed to degrade the matrix. | 02-05-2009 |
20090032253 | Composition and Method For Making A Proppant - The present invention relates to proppants which can be used to prop open subterranean formation fractions. Proppant formulations are further disclosed which use one or more proppants of the present invention. Methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions are further disclosed. In addition, other uses for the proppants of the present invention are further disclosed, as well as methods of making the proppants. | 02-05-2009 |
20090032254 | Composition and Method For Making A Proppant - The present invention relates to proppants which can be used to prop open subterranean formation fractions. Proppant formulations are further disclosed which use one or more proppants of the present invention. Methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions are further disclosed. In addition, other uses for the proppants of the present invention are further disclosed, as well as methods of making the proppants. | 02-05-2009 |
20090038799 | System, Method, and Apparatus for Combined Fracturing Treatment and Scale Inhibition - A treatment fluid for a subterranean formation includes a carrier fluid and an amount of particles including a granular scale inhibitor. The carrier fluid includes a hydratable gel fluid, a crosslinked gel fluid, an acid-based fluid, an oil-based fluid, and/or a visco-elastic surfactant. The particles include a proppant impregnated with the scale inhibitor, a solid particle formed largely from the scale inhibitor, or both. The proppant includes scale inhibitor adsorbed on porous surfaces within the proppant, and/or a porous proppant with scale inhibitor embedded in the bulk porosity of the proppant. The scale inhibitor is present in an amount between about 1% and 5% of a total weight of particles. The particles include scale inhibitor at a sufficient concentration and dissolution rate to provide acceptable scale inhibitor concentrations in produced fluids for production volumes exceeding 500 pore volumes. | 02-12-2009 |
20090044942 | Cellulosic Particulates and Method of Manufacture and Use Thereof - Spherical porous and non-porous cellulose particulates for use in sand control as well as stimulation procedures, may be prepared by first dissolving cellulosic materials (such as fibrous cellulose, wood pulp linters, cotton balls and/or paper), in the substantial absence of water or a nitrogen-containing base, in an ionic liquid. The solution is then combined with a cellulose-insoluble liquid to render the spherical particulates. The surface of the cellulosic particulates may be treated with a coating or penetrating layer. | 02-19-2009 |
20090095473 | Method of Fracturing Hydrocarbon-Bearing Formation With Coated Porous Polyolefin Particulate - Methods and compositions useful for subterranean formation treatments, such as hydraulic fracturing treatments and sand control that include porous materials. Such porous materials may be selectively configured porous material particles manufactured and/or treated with selected glazing materials, coating materials and/or penetrating materials to have desired strength and/or apparent density to fit particular downhole conditions for well treating such as hydraulic fracturing treatments and sand control treatments. Porous materials may also be employed in selected combinations to optimize fracture or sand control performance, and/or may be employed as relatively lightweight materials in liquid carbon dioxide-based well treatment systems. | 04-16-2009 |
20090107673 | Nano-Sized Particle-Coated Proppants for Formation Fines Fixation in Proppant Packs - A fracturing fluid, gravel pack fluid and/or frac pack fluid containing particles such as proppants, gravel and/or sand, may contain an effective amount of a nano-sized particulate additive to fixate or reduce fines migration, where the particulate additive is an alkaline earth metal oxide, alkaline earth metal hydroxide, alkali metal oxides, alkali metal hydroxides, transition metal oxides, transition metal hydroxides, post-transition metal oxides, post-transition metal hydroxides piezoelectric crystals and pyroelectric crystals. The nano-sized particulate additive is bound to the particles with a coating agent such as an oil. The particle size of the magnesium oxide or other agent may be nanometer scale, which scale may provide unique particle charges that help fixate the formation fines. The carrier fluid used in the treating fluid may be aqueous, brine, alcoholic or hydrocarbon-based. | 04-30-2009 |
20090107674 | Method of Treating Subterranean Formations Using Mixed Density Proppants or Sequential Proppant Stages - An increase in effective propped lengths is evidenced in hydraulic fracturing treatments by the use of ultra lightweight (ULW) proppants. The ULW proppants have a density less than or equal to 2.45 g/cc and may be used as a mixture in a first proppant stage wherein at least one of the proppants is a ULW proppant. Alternatively, sequential proppant stages may be introduced into the formation wherein at least one of the proppant stages contain a ULW proppant and where at least one of the following conditions prevails:
| 04-30-2009 |
20090114390 | HIGH TEMPERATURE AQUEOUS-BASED ZIRCONIUM CROSSLINKING COMPOSITION AND USE - A fracturing fluid or crosslinking composition suitable for use at high temperature (275-340° F., 135-171° C.) comprising (a) an aqueous liquid, (b) brine, (c) a thermal stabilizer, (d) a non-delaying alkaline buffer sufficient to provide a pH less than 9, (e) an organic acid, (f) hydroxypropyl guar and (g) a zirconium crosslinking agent. The composition is useful as a fracturing fluid in oil field applications, for example, for hydraulically fracturing a subterranean formation or selectively plugging a permeable zone or leak in a subterranean formation. | 05-07-2009 |
20090120642 | METHODS TO ENHANCE GAS PRODUCTION FOLLOWING A RELATIVE-PERMEABILITY-MODIFIER TREATMENT - Provided embodiments relate to introducing a water-drainage-rate-enhancing agent into a subterranean formation to enhance gas production following a relative-permeability-modifier treatment to decrease undesired water production. An exemplary embodiment provides a method of treating a subterranean formation such that initiation of gas production is enhanced following the treatment, the method comprising: introducing a relative-permeability modifier into at least a portion of the subterranean formation such that the relative-permeability modifier reduces permeability of the portion to aqueous fluids; and introducing a water-drainage-rate-enhancing agent into at least a portion of the subterranean formation. Another exemplary embodiment provides a treatment fluid comprising a carrier fluid, a relative-permeability modifier, and a water-drainage-rate-enhancing agent. | 05-14-2009 |
20090139719 | Cement-based particulates and methods of use - Methods of making particulates for use in a subterranean application comprising: providing particulates of a settable composition comprising a cementitious material, a filler material, and an activator of the cementitious material; and pre-curing the particulates until the particulates reach a crush strength of about 50 psi or greater; and curing the pre-cured particulates at a temperature in the range of about 230° F. to about 600° F., so that at least a portion of the particulates comprise a newly formed crystalline phase. | 06-04-2009 |
20090151944 | Use of Polyimides in Treating Subterranean Formations - A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is carried out by forming a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous carrier fluid and a solid-form polyimide homopolymer or copolymer capable of hydrolyzing to form polycarboxylates and/or polycarboxylic acids. The treatment fluid is introduced into the formation through the wellbore. In another method, a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous carrier fluid, a solid-form polysuccinimide homopolymer or copolymer and at least one of a viscosifying agent, proppant and an acid capable of dissolving materials of the formation is formed. This is introduced into the formation through the wellbore. A method of treating a sandstone-containing formation penetrated by a wellbore may also be carried out by forming a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous solution containing a hydrogen fluoride source, ammonium hydroxide and at least one of a polyimide and a polycarboxylate, which is introduced into the formation through the wellbore. | 06-18-2009 |
20090151945 | Process to prepare borozirconate solution and use as a cross-linker in hydraulic fracturing fluids - A process to prepare a stable solution of a borozirconate complex is disclosed and use of the solution in oil field applications such as hydraulic fracturing and plugging of permeable zones. The process comprises contacting zirconium complex with alkanolamine, then water and optionally and preferably a hydroxyalkylene diamine, then with a boron compound. The solution is particularly suitable for use in a cross-linking composition in hydraulic fracturing and plugging of permeable zones of subterranean formations at temperatures of 275° F. (135° C.) and higher in the formation. | 06-18-2009 |
20090151946 | Process to prepare borozirconate solution and use as a cross-linker in hydraulic fracturing fluids - A process to prepare a stable solution of a borozirconate complex is disclosed and use of the solution in oil field applications such as hydraulic fracturing and plugging of permeable zones. The process comprises contacting zirconium complex with a first alkanolamine, then water and optionally hydroxyalkylene diamine, then with a solution of a boron compound and a second alkanolamine. The solution is particularly suitable for use in a cross-linking composition in hydraulic fracturing and plugging of permeable zones of subterranean formations at temperatures of 275° F. (135° C.) and higher in the formation. | 06-18-2009 |
20090151947 | Process to prepare zirconium-based cross-linker compositions and their use in oil field applications - A process to prepare a solution of zirconium-alkanolamine-hydroxycarboxylic acid complex is disclosed and use of the solution in oil field applications such as hydraulic fracturing and plugging of permeable zones. The process comprises contacting an alcohol solution of a zirconium complex with an alkanolamine, then with an α-hydroxycarboxylic acid to produce a solution of zirconium-alkanolamine-hydroxycarboxylic acid complex. The solution is particularly suitable for use in a cross-linking composition in hydraulic fracturing and plugging of permeable zones of subterranean formations at temperatures of 275° F. (135° C.) and higher in the formation. | 06-18-2009 |
20090159280 | Solid borozirconate and borotitanate cross-linkers - A process is provided to prepare solid borozirconate and solid borotitanate cross-linkers, which comprises contacting zirconium or titanium complex with alkanolamine at particular mole ratios of boron, zirconium or titanium and alkanolamine. Use of the cross-linkers in compositions for oil field applications such as hydraulic fracturing and plugging of permeable zones are also disclosed. | 06-25-2009 |
20090205826 | Method for Increasing the Fluid Productivity of a Hydraulically Fractured Well - A method for increasing the fluid productivity of a hydraulically fractured well and reducing the production of particulate proppant plugging during production of fluids from a hydraulic fracture in a subterranean formation penetrated from an earth surface by a well by the use of smart memory particles and dissolvable proppant particles in the fracturing fluid. | 08-20-2009 |
20090250216 | PROPPANTS CONTAINING DISPERSED PIEZOELECTRIC OR MAGNETOSTRICTIVE FILLERS OR MIXTURES THEREOF, TO ENABLE PROPPANT TRACKING AND MONITORING IN A DOWNHOLE ENVIRONMENT - In one aspect, the invention relates to a method for “tagging” proppants so that they can be tracked and monitored in a downhole environment, based on the use of composite proppant compositions containing dispersed fillers whose electromagnetic properties change at a detectable level under a mechanical stress such as the closure stress of a fracture. In another aspect, the invention relates to composite proppant compositions containing dispersed fillers whose electromagnetic properties change under a mechanical stress such as the closure stress of a fracture. The currently preferred embodiments use substantially spherical thermoset nanocomposite particles where the matrix comprises a terpolymer of styrene, ethylvinylbenzene and divinylbenzene, a PZT alloy manifesting a strong piezoelectric effect or Terfenol-D manifesting giant magnetostrictive behavior is incorporated to provide the ability to track in a downhole environment, and carbon black particles possessing a length that is less than 0.5 microns in at least one principal axis direction may optionally be incorporated as a nanofiller. | 10-08-2009 |
20090288828 | Non-flammable, non-aqueous group IVB metal alkoxide crosslinkers and fracturing fluid compositions incorporating same - A non-aqueous, non-flammable Group IVB metal alkoxide crosslinker composition includes a non-aqueous, non-flammable Group IVB metal alkoxide, wherein the metal is chemically bonded to a glycol containing 4 or more carbons, to an alkoxy group containing 6 or more carbons, or a mixture of both. A fracturing fluid employed in the hydraulic fracturing of subterranean formations is formulated through mixture of the non-aqueous, non-flammable Group IVB metal alkoxide crosslinker composition with a polymer solution. | 11-26-2009 |
20090301719 | Methods of Treating Subterranean Formations Utilizing Servicing Fluids Comprising Liquefied Petroleum Gas and Apparatus Thereof - Methods relating to servicing fluids that comprise gelled liquefied petroleum gas or servicing fluids that comprise a conventional gelled hydrocarbon fluid with liquefied petroleum gas are provided. In one embodiment, the methods of the present invention comprise providing a LPG servicing fluid comprising LPG and a gelling agent; pressurizing the LPG servicing fluid with one or more high-pressure pumps; introducing proppant particulates into at least a portion of the LPG servicing fluid using one or more high pressure pumps; and introducing the LPG servicing fluid comprising proppant particulates into at least a portion of a subterranean formation at a rate and pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one or more fractures therein. In one embodiment, a gelling agent may be metered into the LPG on-the-fly. | 12-10-2009 |
20090308610 | PROPPANTS AND ANTI-FLOWBACK ADDITIVES MADE FROM SILLIMANITE MINERALS, METHODS OF MANUFACTURE, AND METHODS OF USE - Spherical and rod-shaped proppants and anti-flowback agents made from sillimanite minerals possess high strength and high conductivity. The sillimanite minerals may be selected from the group consisting of kyanite, sillimanite, and andalusite and may be used alone or in combination with other materials, such as bauxite, kaolin, meta-kaolin, pure or technical grade alumina (about 98%-99.9% alumina by weight), alumina-containing slag, zirconia, silica, iron, alkali elements (such as calcium, magnesium, and sodium), and virtually any other mineral containing alumina. The starting material may optionally be milled to achieve better compacity and crush resistance in the final proppant or anti-flowback agent. A fracturing fluid may comprise the rods or spheres alone, or in combination with each other or other proppants or anti-flowback agents of different shapes. | 12-17-2009 |
20100000734 | Controlling Coal Fines in Coal Bed Operations - The migration of coal fines within a bed is reduced, inhibited or constrained by contacting the fines with nanoparticles, such as magnesium oxide crystals having an average particle size of about 30 nm. These nanoparticles may coat a proppant during the fracturing of a subterranean formation to produce methane from a coal bed therein. The nanoparticles may also treat a proppant pack in a fractured coal bed. The nanoparticles cause the coal fines to thus bind to or associate with the proppants. Thus, most of the coal fines entering fractures away from the near-wellbore region will be restrained or controlled near their origin or source and the production of methane at a desired level will be maintained much longer than a similar situation than where the nanoparticles are not used. | 01-07-2010 |
20100000735 | Methods and Compositions for Enhancing Guar Hydration Rates and Performing Guar Derivitization Reactions - Methods are provided that include, but are not limited to, methods of treating guar splits comprising: exposing guar splits to a treatment chemical to create treated guar splits, wherein the treatment chemical comprises at least one treatment chemical selected from the group consisting of: an aqueous salt solution; a caustic solution, and a derivatizing agent; and grinding the treated guar splits to create ground, treated guar splits. | 01-07-2010 |
20100018710 | FRACTURING FLUID COMPOSITIONS, METHODS OF PREPARATION AND METHODS OF USE - The invention describes improved fracturing compositions, methods of preparing fracturing compositions and methods of use. Importantly, the subject invention overcomes problems in the use of mists as an effective fracturing composition particularly having regard to the ability of a mist to transport an effective volume of proppant into a formation. As a result, the subject technologies provide an effective economic solution to using high ratio gas fracturing compositions that can be produced in a continuous (i.e. non-batch) process without the attendant capital and operating costs of current pure gas fracturing equipment. | 01-28-2010 |
20100038083 | PROPPANTS COATED BY PIEZOELECTRIC OR MAGNETOSTRICTIVE MATERIALS, OR BY MIXTURES OR COMBINATIONS THEREOF, TO ENABLE THEIR TRACKING IN A DOWNHOLE ENVIRONMENT - A method for “tagging” proppants so that they can be tracked and monitored in a downhole environment, based on the use of composite proppant compositions comprising a particulate substrate coated by a material whose electromagnetic properties change at a detectable level under a mechanical stress such as the closure stress of a fracture. In another aspect, the invention relates to composite proppant compositions comprising coatings whose electromagnetic properties change under a mechanical stress such as the closure stress of a fracture. The substantially spherical composite proppants may comprise a thermoset nanocomposite particulate substrate where the matrix material comprises a terpolymer of styrene, ethylvinylbenzene and divinylbenzene, and carbon black particles possessing a length that is less than 0.5 microns in at least one principal axis direction incorporated as a nanofiller; upon which particulate substrate is placed a coating comprising a PZT alloy manifesting a strong piezoelectric effect or Terfenol-D manifesting giant magnetostrictive behavior to provide the ability to track in a downhole environment. | 02-18-2010 |
20100051273 | System, Method, and Apparatus for Breaking Fracture Fluids - A method includes identifying application parameter(s) including a subterranean formation temperature, determining a breaker particle size in response to the application parameter(s), providing a treatment fluid including a carrier fluid and a granular breaker sized according to the breaker particle size, and treating the subterranean formation with the treatment fluid. The granular breaker is a metallic peroxide which may be an alkaline peroxide and/or zinc peroxide. The application parameter(s) may further include a flowback wait time, a composition of the metallic peroxide, a gel loading of the carrier fluid, and a permeability of the subterranean formation. The breaker particle size may include a breaker large particle size that is not greater than 25% larger than a breaker small particle size. At least 90% of the breaker particles may be sized between the breaker small particle size and the breaker large particle size. | 03-04-2010 |
20100051274 | METHODS, APPARATUS AND PRODUCTS FOR DRILLING WELLS - A well fluid additive having a heavier first bead and a lighter second bead, with the first bead having a specific gravity that exceeds the specific gravity of the second bead by at least 1 percent. | 03-04-2010 |
20100059224 | METHODS FOR PRODUCING SINTERED PARTICLES FROM A SLURRY OF AN ALUMINA-CONTAINING RAW MATERIAL - Methods for producing substantially round, spherical and sintered particles from a slurry of a calcined, uncalcined or partially calcined raw material having an alumina content of more than 55% by weight, and a mullite growth promoter in an amount of from about 2 to about 10% dry weight of the total solids in the slurry. Methods for using such substantially round, spherical and sintered particles in hydraulic fracturing operations. | 03-11-2010 |
20100071901 | Sintered proppant made with a raw material containing alkaline earth equivalent - A method of making a proppant is provided, wherein the method includes the steps of: (a) forming a particulate comprising: (i) a binder; and (ii) a filler; and (b) sintering the particulate to form a sintered proppant, wherein the sintered proppant comprises: (i) at least 20 wt % of alkaline earth oxide equivalent; and (ii) at least 20 wt % of silicon dioxide equivalent. A method of treating (e.g., fracturing) a subterranean formation is provided, the method including the steps of: (a) suspending a sintered proppant in a treatment fluid, wherein the sintered proppant comprises: (i) at least 20 wt % of alkaline earth oxide equivalent; and (ii) at least 20 wt % of silicon dioxide equivalent; and (b) introducing the sintered proppant into the subterranean formation (e.g., into a fracture). In addition, a sintered proppant is provided comprising: (i) at least 20 wt % of alkaline earth oxide equivalent; and (ii) at least 20 wt % of silicon dioxide equivalent. The sintered proppant is made with a raw material selected from the group consisting of: unhydrated cement, hydrated cement (e.g., construction cement or concrete waste), kiln dust, fly ash, limestone, lime, talc, olivine, dolomite, clay that contains a substantial concentration of alkaline earth oxide equivalent, and any combination thereof in any proportion. | 03-25-2010 |
20100071902 | METHOD OF MAKING PROPPANTS USED IN GAS OR OIL EXTRACTION - A method of making frac sand having a selected grade from a naturally occurring, mined sand having a SiO | 03-25-2010 |
20100089580 | METHOD OF ENHANCING FRACTURE CONDUCTIVITY - The method disclosed herein includes the introduction of proppant-free stage and a proppant laden stage into the wellbore and/or subterranean formation. The method increases the effective fracture width and enhances fracture conductivity within the formation. Either the proppant-free stage or the proppant laden stage contains a breaker. The other stage contains a viscosifying polymer or viscoelastic surfactant to which the breaker has affinity. The proppant-free stage may be introduced prior to introduction of the proppant laden stage into the wellbore and/or formation. Alternatively, the proppant laden stage may be introduced into the wellbore and/or formation prior to introduction of the proppant-free stage. | 04-15-2010 |
20100089581 | Methods for treating a subterranean formation by introducing a treatment fluid containing a proppant and a swellable particulate and subsequently degrading the swellable particulate - A method is provided for treating at least a portion of a subterranean formation. The method includes the steps of: (a) introducing a treatment fluid into the subterranean formation, wherein the treatment fluid comprises a proppant and a swellable particulate; (b) swelling the swellable particulate, wherein the step of swelling is performed prior to, during, or after the step of introducing the treatment fluid; and (c) degrading the swellable particulate in the subterranean formation, wherein the step of degrading is performed after the steps of introducing and swelling. | 04-15-2010 |
20100122815 | FOAMED GEL SYSTEMS FOR FRACTURING SUBTERRANEAN FORMATIONS, AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING SAME - An aqueous, foamable composition useful for formation fracturing is disclosed, which includes an ionically coupled gel system. These compositions are well suited in fracturing formation where there are insufficient or non-existent hydration units. Methods for making the compositions and methods using the foamable compositions to fracture formation with insufficient hydration units. | 05-20-2010 |
20100122816 | Density-Matched Suspensions and Associated Methods - Of the many compositions and methods provided herein, an example method includes a method of treating a subterranean formation that comprises combining components comprising water and a density-matched suspension to prepare a treatment fluid, wherein the density-matched suspension comprises a suspending liquid and a solid particle suspended in the suspending liquid, and introducing the treatment fluid into a well bore. An example composition includes a suspension that comprises a suspending liquid comprising a hydrophobic liquid, wherein the hydrophobic liquid hydrolyzes when placed in contact with an aqueous fluid to form hydrophilic products, and a solid particle suspended in the suspending liquid, wherein the suspension is a density-matched suspension. | 05-20-2010 |
20100132943 | Resin Compositions and Methods of Using Resin Compositions to Control Proppant Flow-Back - The present invention includes methods and compositions that include a resin composition comprising from about | 06-03-2010 |
20100193189 | PROPPANT AND METHOD FOR HIGHER PRODUCTION OF A WELL - This invention relates to the oil and gas industry and can be used to prevent fracture closure by pumping special particulates (proppant) into the fracture after reservoir hydraulic fracturing. According to the invention, the proppant is particulates of sintered ceramic material which are shaped ideal spheres. The use of this type of proppant may increase the well production by 25%. | 08-05-2010 |
20100200234 | In Situ Conversion of Heavy Hydrocarbons to Catalytic Gas - A method of producing natural gas from a heavy hydrocarbon-containing subterranean formation includes: placing a catalyst comprising a transition metal into the formation, injecting an anoxic stimulation gas into the formation, and collecting the natural gas generated in the formation. The method may be performed outside the context of a subterranean formation under controlled conditions. Thus, a method of producing natural gas from bitumen includes: providing an anoxic mixture of heavy hydrocarbons and a catalyst having a transition metal, adding an anoxic stimulation gas to the mixture, and heating the mixture in the presence of the stimulation gas. | 08-12-2010 |
20100252263 | PROPPANT, A METHOD FOR PRODUCTION THEREOF AND FORMATION HYDRAULIC FRACTURING METHOD USING THUS PRODUCED PROPPANT - This invention refers to the oil and gas production industry and can be employed to enhance the productivity of wells by preventing the closure of fractures through application of proppant granular material during the formation fracturing operation. | 10-07-2010 |
20100276142 | METHOD OF TREATING PROPPANTS AND FRACTURES IN-SITU WITH FLUORINATED SILANE - Method of treating proppant particles present in a fractured subterranean geological formation comprising hydrocarbons in-situ with fluorinated silane. | 11-04-2010 |
20100300688 | HIGH SOLIDS CONTENT METHODS AND SLURRIES - A composition and method are disclosed. The composition includes a carrier fluid and a solids mixture combined to form a slurry, wherein the solids mixture comprises a plurality of volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes, wherein a first PSD mode comprises solids having a volume-average median size at least three times larger than the volume-average median size of a second PSD mode such that a packed volume fraction of the solids mixture exceeds 0.75, and wherein the solids mixture comprises a degradable material and includes a reactive solid. The method includes circulating the slurry through a wellbore to form a pack in a fracture and/or a screen-wellbore annulus; degrading the degradable material to increase porosity and permeability of the pack; and producing a reservoir fluid through the permeable pack. | 12-02-2010 |
20100326657 | Treatment of particles for improved performance as proppants - The disclosed invention relates to a process of using molten salt ion exchange to treat particles such as spherically shaped soda-lime-silica glass particles. The treated particles may be used as proppants in hydrofractured oil and natural gas wells. | 12-30-2010 |
20110000667 | METHOD OF STIMULATING OIL AND GAS WELLS USING DEFORMABLE PROPPANTS - A method of fracturing using deformable proppants minimizes proppant pack damage, without compromising the fracturing fluid's proppant transport properties during pumping, by use of deformable proppants. Selection of proppant is dependent upon the mechanical properties of the formation rock. The strength of the deformable proppant is dependent upon the modulus of the formation rock being treated such that the proppant is capable of providing, at the very least, a minimum level of conductivity in in-situ stress environments. The maximum elastic modulus of the deformable proppant is less than the minimum modulus of the formation rock which is being treated. The method is particularly applicable in fracturing operations of subterranean reservoirs such as those comprised primarily of coal, chalk, limestone, dolomite, shale, siltstone, diatomite, etc. | 01-06-2011 |
20110030953 | GELLED LIQUID HYDROCARBON TREATMENT FLUIDS AND THEIR ASSOCIATED METHODS OF USE - The invention provides a method of forming a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid, comprising: combining a liquid hydrocarbon, a phosphoric acid ester and a pre-mixed solution comprising water, ferrous ion (Fe2+) and an amine; and forming the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid. A method of treating a portion of a subterranean formation is also disclosed and comprises: providing a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid, by combining a liquid hydrocarbon, a phosphoric acid ester and a pre-mixed solution comprising water, ferrous ion and an amine, and treating the portion of the subterranean formation with the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid. | 02-10-2011 |
20110056689 | METHODS FOR TREATING HYDROCARBON-BEARING FORMATIONS HAVING BRINE - Method of treating a hydrocarbon-bearing formation having brine and treated hydrocarbon-bearing formations. The method includes contacting a hydrocarbon-bearing formation with a composition comprising solvent and a polymer. The polymer comprises divalent units represented by formula: (formula I); and a plurality of alkyleneoxy groups. In some embodiments, the solvent at least one of solubilizes or displaces the brine in the formation. In some embodiments, the solvent includes at least one of a polyol or polyol ether independently having from 2 to 25 carbon atoms and at least one of water, a monohydroxy alcohol, an ether, or a ketone, wherein the monohydroxy alcohol, the ether, and the ketone each independently have up to 4 carbon atoms. Hydrocarbon-bearing formations and proppants treated with the polymer are also disclosed. | 03-10-2011 |
20110073309 | METHOD OF PROPPANT OIL OR GAS FORMATION FRACTURE - The invention is related to the field of oil and gas industry, particularly, to the methods of oil or gas formation fracture using proppants, i.e. to the technologies of making fracture cracks, and may be used for underground formations processing, particularly for oil formation fractures. In the method of oil formation fracture including high-rate fluid injection into the formation and addition of a proppant into the fluid, polydicyclopentadiene material is used as the proppant. The method enables ensuring a lower friction during the proppant injection into the well retaining the cracks permeability due to the specific density of the proppant close to 1, its high thermal stability and high crushing strength. | 03-31-2011 |
20110088900 | METHOD OF TREATING A FORMATION USING DEFORMABLE PROPPANTS - A substance and method for treating a subterranean formation using hydraulic fracturing. A non-metallic, substantially deformable, proppant particle is “elastically flexible” or “plastically compressible” and adapted for use at concentrations which will substantially create a partial monolayer. The method for treating a formation with a non-metallic deformable proppant, includes the steps of injecting a carrier fluid into the formation, the carrier fluid carrying an amount of the deformable proppant, wherein the carrier fluid is injected at a pressure and a flow rate sufficient to create or open an existing fracture or fracture network in the formation, and placing at least a portion of the deformable proppant in the fracture, the deformable proppant forming substantially a partial monolayer in the fracture, and reducing the pressure and/or the flow rate sufficient to allow the fracture in the formation to at least partially close, wherein at least a portion of the deformable proppant remains in the fracture to prop open at least a portion of the fracture. | 04-21-2011 |
20110146985 | Proppant Having A Glass-Ceramic Material - The present invention relates to glass-ceramic proppants which can be used to prop open subterranean formation fractions, as well as other uses. Proppant formulations are further disclosed which use one or more proppants of the present invention. Methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions are further disclosed. In addition, other uses for the proppants of the present invention are further disclosed, as well as methods of making the glass-ceramic proppants. | 06-23-2011 |
20110180259 | Hydraulic Fracturing Proppants - A method is given for treating a wellbore in a subterranean formation by hydraulic fracturing, slickwater fracturing, gravel packing, and the like, by using plate-like materials as some or all of the proppant or gravel. The plate-like materials are particularly useful in complex fracture systems, for example in shales. They may be used as from about 20 to about 100% of the proppant. Relative to conventional proppants, plate-like proppants demonstrate (a) enhanced crush resistance of the proppant due to better stress distribution among proppant particles, (b) diminished proppant embedment into formation fracture faces due to the greater contact surface area of proppant particles with the formation, (c) better proppant transport due to lower proppant settling rates, (d) deeper penetration into branched and fine fracture networks, and (e) enhanced proppant flowback control. Preferred plate-like proppants are layered rocks and minerals; most preferred is mica. | 07-28-2011 |
20110220355 | NON-SPHERICAL WELL TREATING PARTICULATES AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - Non-spherical particulates are useful in the stimulation of subterranean formations. A proppant pack composed of the non-spherical particulates exhibits greater porosity than a corresponding proppant pack composed of spherical particulates. Non-spherical particulates which are hollow and non-porous may further be at least partially filled with a chemical treatment agent including water-soluble or oil-soluble chemical treatment agents. | 09-15-2011 |
20110259588 | METHODS OF STABILIZING SHALE SURFACE TO MINIMIZE PROPPANT EMBEDMENT AND INCREASE PROPPANT-PACK CONDUCTIVITY - Embodiments of the invention relate to a method of treating a subterranean formation comprising shale comprising forming a fluid comprising potassium acetate, and introducing the fluid to a surface of the subterranean formation comprising shale, wherein geomechanical weakening of the formation is lower than if the formation were not in contact with the fluid. Embodiments of the invention relate to a method of treating a subterranean formation comprising shale, comprising forming a fluid comprising potassium chloride and ammonium acetate; and introducing the fluid to a surface of the subterranean formation comprising shale, wherein geomechanical weakening of the formation is lower than if the formation were not in contact with the fluid. | 10-27-2011 |
20120000653 | HIGH SOLIDS CONTENT SLURRY METHODS AND SYSTEMS - A system and method are disclosed for low damage gravel packing. The system comprises a well bore; a gravel packing slurry comprising a carrier fluid and a solids mixture, wherein the solids mixture comprises a plurality of volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes such that a packed volume fraction (PVF) exceeds 0.75, wherein the solids mixture comprises at least a proppant PSD mode and a fines PSD mode; a pump to circulate the slurry in the wellbore and form a proppant pack; and a dispersant source effective to facilitate fines flowback from the pack. The method comprises circulating the slurry through a wellbore to form a proppant pack; contacting fines in the pack with a dispersant; and passing fluid through the pack to remove fines from the pack. Dispersants disclosed as present in the slurry or in another treatment fluid include polyelectrolyte, polysulfonate, polycarboxylate, lignosulfonates, polymelamine sulfonates, polystyrene sulfonates, polynaphthalene sulfonates, polyacrylates having a weight average molecular weight less than 10,000 Daltons, anionic, cationic, amphoteric and zwitterionic surfactants, and nonionic surfactants. | 01-05-2012 |
20120012313 | METHOD OF FRACTURING A SUBTERRANEAN FORMATION AT OPTIMIZED AND PRE-DETERMINED CONDITIONS - Prior to a hydraulic fracturing treatment, the requisite apparent viscosity of a transport fluid, μ | 01-19-2012 |
20120138295 | Well Bore Operations Using Reactive Proppant - An improved proppant and method of use are shown for use in wellbore operations in which a well is hydraulically fractured with a suitable fluid to create fractures in a surrounding subterranean formation where the proppant is used to hold the fracture open and provide a conduit for the production of fluids or gases. The improved proppant has associated therewith a chemically active adjunct material designed to react with the fracturing fluid, with the surrounding subterranean formation or with a fluid produced from the subterranean formation. The chemically active adjunct material may be an ion exchange resin which reacts with any multivalent ions released into solution by reaction of the fracturing fluid with the surrounding formation or with any multivalent ions dissolved in formation fluids, in order that these fluids being produced from the well will not contain these ions, requiring more exotic treatment procedures on the well surface. | 06-07-2012 |
20120138296 | HIGH SOLIDS CONTENT SLURRIES AND METHODS - A slurry and method are disclosed for low damage gravel packing. The slurry comprises a solids mixture comprising a plurality of volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes such that a packed volume fraction (PVF) exceeds 0.75; a carrier fluid in an amount to provide a solids volume fraction (SVF) less than the PVF of the solids mixture; and a stability additive to inhibit settling of the solids mixture. The method comprises circulating the slurry into a wellbore to deposit the slurry downhole; terminating the slurry circulation for a period of time, wherein the stability additive inhibits settling of the solids mixture; and thereafter circulating the deposited slurry in contact with a surface of a screen. Stability additives disclosed include colloidal particles, hydratable polymer particles, and particles having an aspect ratio above 6. | 06-07-2012 |
20120205101 | METHOD FOR MAKING RESIN-COATED PROPPANTS AND A PROPPANT - A method for making resin-coated proppants comprising applying epoxy and phenol resins with a curing agent onto the surface of proppants. The epoxy and phenol resins with the curing agent are applied onto the surface of the mix of proppants. The mix of proppants is obtained by blending heavy proppants with bulk density of 1.4 g/cm3 and more, with lightweight proppants with bulk density of less than 1.4 g/cm3. The application of the epoxy and phenol resins is performed at temperatures from 5 to 35. degrees Celsius. | 08-16-2012 |
20120227968 | Proppant Particles Formed From Slurry Droplets and Method of Use - Proppant material for hydraulic fracturing is provided. The particles of the proppant are formed by drip casting. A slurry of finely divided ceramic particles is flowed through nozzles and formed into droplets under the influence of vibration. Uniform sized, smooth surface, spherical green particles are formed. The green particles are dried and sintered to form the proppant. The proppant is used in the process of hydraulic fracturing of wells. | 09-13-2012 |
20120241152 | METHOD OF FRACTURING A SUBTERRANEAN FORMATION AT OPTIMIZED AND PRE-DETERMINED CONDITIONS - During a hydraulic fracturing treatment operation, one of three operational parameters may be modified in a successive stage by adjustment of another operational parameter to attain a fracture of length D | 09-27-2012 |
20120241153 | Method of Enhancing Fracture Conductivity - The method disclosed herein includes the introduction of proppant-free stage and a proppant laden stage into the wellbore and/or subterranean formation. The method increases the effective fracture width and enhances fracture conductivity within the formation. Either the proppant-free stage or the proppant laden stage contains a breaker. The other stage contains a viscosifying polymer or viscoelastic surfactant to which the breaker has affinity. The proppant-free stage may be introduced prior to introduction of the proppant laden stage into the wellbore and/or formation. Alternatively, the proppant laden stage may be introduced into the wellbore and/or formation prior to introduction of the proppant-free stage. | 09-27-2012 |
20120247764 | PROPPANT PILLAR PLACEMENT IN A FRACTURE WITH HIGH SOLID CONTENT FLUID - A method of placing proppant into a fracture formed in a subterranean formation from a wellbore is disclosed. The method comprises injecting through the wellbore a first treatment fluid to initiate the fracture in the subterranean formation; injecting through the wellbore a second treatment fluid comprising a particulate blend slurry made of proppant; the particulate blend comprising at least a first amount of particulates having a first average particle size between about 100 and 5000 μm and at least a second amount of particulates having a second average particle size between about three and twenty times smaller than the first average particle size; and forming with the particulate blend slurry a plurality of proppant-rich clusters spaced apart by proppant-free regions forming open channels. | 10-04-2012 |
20120247765 | High Permeability Frac Proppant - Disintegrative particles are designed to be blended with and pumped with typical proppant materials, e.g. sand, ceramics, bauxite, etc, into the fractures of a subterranean formation. With time and/or change in wellbore or environmental condition, these particles will either disintegrate partially or completely, in non-limiting examples, by contact with downhole fracturing fluid, formation water, or a stimulation fluid such as an acid or brine. Once disintegrated, the proppant pack within the fractures will lead to greater open space enabling higher conductivity and flow rates. The disintegrative particles may be made by compacting and/or sintering metal powder particles, for instance magnesium or other reactive metal or their alloys. Alternatively, particles coated with compacted and/or sintered nanometer-sized or micrometer sized coatings could also be designed where the coatings disintegrate faster or slower than the core in a changed downhole environment. | 10-04-2012 |
20120279704 | Particulate Materials Coated With a Relative Permeability Modifier and Methods for Treating Subterranean Formations Using Treatment Fluids Containing the Same - Reduction of the water permeability within a subterranean formation, particularly within a proppant pack or a gravel pack, can be achieved through the use of a relative permeability modifier (RPM) coated on a particulate material. Methods for reducing the water permeability include providing RPM-coated particulates that contain a RPM coating on the particulates, and placing a treatment fluid containing a base fluid and the RPM-coated particulates in at least a portion of a subterranean formation. The treatment fluid can also contain a companion polymer that serves to further reduce the water permeability compared to that achievable when using the RPM alone. | 11-08-2012 |
20120325473 | CATALYTIC POLYMER BEAD COMPOSITIONS; PROCESSIING FOR THEIR PRODUCTION; AND THEIR USE IN GENERATING AND EXTRACTING NATURAL GAS, LIGHT CRUDE OIL, OR SEQUENCES OR MIXTURES THEREOF - In one aspect, this invention provides a method for the in-situ production of natural gas, light crude oil, or sequences or mixtures thereof, comprising the steps of: (a) suspending a catalytic polymer bead in a fracturing medium, wherein said catalytic polymer bead is nearly neutrally buoyant in said fracturing medium; (b) introducing said suspension into a formation at sufficiently high rates and pressures that the formation fails and fractures to accept said suspension; and (c) collecting the natural gas, light crude oil, or sequences or mixtures thereof, generated by the subterranean formation. In another aspect, this invention provides compositions of matter for said catalytic polymer beads. In yet another aspect, this invention provides processing methods for producing said catalytic polymer beads. | 12-27-2012 |
20120325474 | METHOD FOR THE FRACTURE STIMULATION OF A SUBTERRANEAN FORMATION HAVING A WELLBORE BY USING IMPACT-MODIFIED THERMOSET POLYMER NANOCOMPOSITE PARTICLES AS PROPPANTS - A method for fracture stimulation of a subterranean formation includes providing a thermoset polymer nanocomposite particle precursor composition comprising a polymer precursor mixture, dispersed within a liquid medium, containing at least one of an initiator; at least one of a monomer, an oligomer or combinations thereof, said monomer and oligomer having three or more reactive functionalities capable of creating crosslinks between polymer chains; at least one of an impact modifier; and nanofiller particles substantially dispersed within the liquid medium; subjecting the nanocomposite particle precursor composition to suspension polymerizing conditions; subjecting the resulting nanocomposite particles to heat treatment; forming a slurry comprising a fluid and a proppant that includes the heat-treated nanocomposite particles; injecting the slurry into a wellbore; and emplacing the proppant within a fracture network in the formation. | 12-27-2012 |
20130000901 | Methods for Stimulating Oil or Gas Production Using a Viscosified Aqueous Fluid with a Chelating Agent to Remove Calcium Carbonate and Similar Materials from the Matrix of a Formation or a Proppant Pack - Methods for treating a subterranean formation can comprise introducing a treatment fluid comprising dicarboxymethyl glutamic acid (GLDA) or a salt thereof into a subterranean formation, the treatment fluid having a pH equal to or greater than about 2. Fluids suitable for treating a subterranean formation can comprise water, GLDA or a salt thereof, and a surfactant. | 01-03-2013 |
20130000902 | Methods for Stimulating Oil or Gas Production Using a Viscosified Aqueous Fluid with a Chelating Agent to Remove Calcium Carbonate and Similar Materials from the Matrix of a Formation or a Proppant Pack - Methods for treating a subterranean formation can comprise introducing a treatment fluid comprising dicarboxymethyl glutamic acid (GLDA) or a salt thereof into a subterranean formation comprising a carbonate mineral, and at least partially dissolving the carbonate mineral in the subterranean formation using the GLDA. Treatment fluids containing GLDA or a salt thereof may be used to increase the permeability of a subterranean formation. | 01-03-2013 |
20130014946 | HYDRAULIC FRACTURING SYSTEMAANM Makarychev-Mikhailov; Sergey MikhailovichAACI St. PetersburgAACO RUAAGP Makarychev-Mikhailov; Sergey Mikhailovich St. Petersburg RUAANM Hutchins; Richard D.AACI Sugar LandAAST TXAACO USAAGP Hutchins; Richard D. Sugar Land TX USAANM Fredd; Christopher N.AACI AshvilleAAST NYAACO USAAGP Fredd; Christopher N. Ashville NY US - A method is given for fracturing a formation, in particular far-field in a tight formation, in which at least a portion of the proppant is crushable in situ at some point during pumping, during fracture closure, or at higher Fluid flow stresses experienced later during fracture closure. The closure stress or hydrostatic stress is estimated, then a proppant is selected that is at least partially crushable at that closure stress, and then the fracturing treatment is performed with at least a portion of the total proppant being the selected crushable proppant. | 01-17-2013 |
20130025862 | Proppant Particles Formed From Slurry Droplets and Method of Use - Proppant material for hydraulic fracturing is provided. The particles of the proppant are formed by drip casting. A slurry of finely divided ceramic particles is flowed through nozzles and formed into droplets under the influence of vibration. Uniform sized, smooth surface, spherical green particles are formed. The green particles are dried and sintered to form the proppant. The proppant is used in the process of hydraulic fracturing of wells. | 01-31-2013 |
20130032346 | METHOD OF FRACTURING USING ULTRA LIGHTWEIGHT PROPPANT SUSPENSIONS AND GASEOUS STREAMS - In a method of hydraulically fracturing a hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formation, a proppant stage is introduced into the fracture which contains a gaseous fluid and an ultra lightweight proppant suspended in a viscosified aqueous fluid. The gaseous fluid of the proppant stage contains at least about 90 volume percent of the combination of gaseous fluid and aqueous fluid. A pad fluid may first be introduced into the formation, the pad fluid containing a gaseous fluid and, optionally, an aqueous fluid. The gaseous fluid of the pad fluid mixture typically contains at least 70 volume percent of the mixture. | 02-07-2013 |
20130048283 | Subterranean Reservoir Treatment Method - A method is given for heterogeneous proppant placement in fracturing by in situ aggregation of fine mesh proppant particulates or other materials such as fibers in a subterranean fracture. A polymer is injected into a subterranean formation and is subsequently subjected to a chemical reaction, for example hydrolysis, under downhole conditions, which leads to formation of either a cationic or an anionic polyelectrolyte. Alternatively, the polyelectrolyte is synthesized downhole by, for example, a Hofmann degradation or a Mannich reaction. The polyelectrolyte acts as a flocculant and provides aggregation of solid particulates such as sand, mica, silica flour, ceramics and the like, which leads to formation of proppant micropillars deep in the fracture. Methods of aggregation of fibers to enhance bridging, and other applications of controlled flocculation are also given. | 02-28-2013 |
20130068460 | PROPPANT - A proppant comprises a particle and a polycarbodiimide coating disposed on the particle. The polycarbodiimide coating comprises the reaction product of an isocyanate reacted in the presence of a phospholene oxide catalyst. A method of forming the proppant comprises the steps of providing the particle, providing the isocyanate, providing the phospholene oxide catalyst, reacting the isocyanate in the presence of the phospholene oxide catalyst to form the polycarbodiimide coating, and coating the particle with the polycarbodiimide coating. | 03-21-2013 |
20130087332 | Composite formulations and methods of making and using same - A method of servicing a wellbore comprising placing a composition comprising an emulsified resin composite into a fluid loss zone of the wellbore, wherein the emulsified resin composite comprises a nonaqueous external phase (NEP) and an aqueous internal phase (AIP), and allowing the composition to cure to form a composite material. | 04-11-2013 |
20130118741 | THERMOSET NANOCOMPOSITE PARTICLES, PROCESSING FOR THEIR PRODUCTION, AND THEIR USE IN OIL AND NATURAL GAS DRILLING APPLICATIONS - Use of two different methods, either each by itself or in combination, to enhance the stiffness, strength, maximum possible use temperature, and environmental resistance of thermoset polymer particles is disclosed. One method is the application of post-polymerization process steps (and especially heat treatment) to advance the curing reaction and to thus obtain a more densely crosslinked polymer network. The other method is the incorporation of nanofillers, resulting in a heterogeneous “nanocomposite” morphology. Nanofiller incorporation and post-polymerization heat treatment can also be combined to obtain the benefits of both methods simultaneously. The present invention relates to the development of thermoset nanocomposite particles. Optional further improvement of the heat resistance and environmental resistance of said particles via post-polymerization heat treatment; processes for the manufacture of said particles; and use of said particles in the construction, drilling, completion and/or fracture stimulation of oil and natural gas wells are described. | 05-16-2013 |
20130126160 | CROSSLINKED EPOXY VINYL ESTER PARTICLES AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THE SAME - A plurality of particles comprising a crosslinked aromatic epoxy vinyl ester polymer, wherein a particle from the plurality of proppant particles swells not more than 20 percent by volume when submerged in toluene for 24 hours at 70° C. is disclosed. A plurality of particles comprising a crosslinked aromatic epoxy vinyl ester polymer, wherein a particle from the plurality of particles maintains at least 75 percent of its height under a pressure of 1.7×10 | 05-23-2013 |
20130126161 | ELASTOMER-MODIFIED CROSSLINKED EPOXY VINYL ESTER PARTICLES AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING THE SAME - A plurality of particles comprising an elastomer-modified crosslinked aromatic epoxy vinyl ester polymer, wherein a particle from the plurality of particles maintains at least 50 percent of its height under a pressure of 1.7×10 | 05-23-2013 |
20130175032 | Method of Enhancing Fracture Conductivity - The method disclosed herein includes the introduction of proppant-free stage and a proppant laden stage into the wellbore and/or subterranean formation. The method increases the effective fracture width and enhances fracture conductivity within the formation. Either the proppant-free stage or the proppant laden stage contains a breaker. The other stage contains a viscosifying polymer or viscoelastic surfactant to which the breaker has affinity. The proppant-free stage may be introduced prior to introduction of the proppant laden stage into the wellbore and/or formation. Alternatively, the proppant laden stage may be introduced into the wellbore and/or formation prior to introduction of the proppant-free stage. | 07-11-2013 |
20130233545 | SELF-SUSPENDING PROPPANTS FOR HYDRAULIC FRACTURING - The present invention provides modified proppants, and methods for their manufacture. In embodiments, the modified proppant comprises a proppant particle and a hydrogel coating, wherein the hydrogel coating is applied to a surface of the proppant particle and localizes on the surface to produce the modified proppant. In embodiments, formulations are disclosed comprising the modified particles, and methods are disclosed for using the formulations. | 09-12-2013 |
20130255945 | CERAMIC PROPPANTS - A sintered, generally spherical ceramic body, having an alumina content of from about 52 to about 58 weight percent distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the body, a silica content from about 32 to about 39 weight percent distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the body, an apparent specific gravity of about 2.63 to about 2.67, and a bulk density of about 1.48 to about 1.56 grams per cubic centimeter. | 10-03-2013 |
20130333889 | METHOD FOR THE FRACTURE STIMULATION OF A SUBTERRANEAN FORMATION HAVING A WELLBORE BY USING IMPACT-MODIFIED THERMOSET POLYMER NANOCOMPOSITE PARTICLES AS PROPPANTS - A method for fracture stimulation of a subterranean formation includes providing a thermoset polymer nanocomposite particle precursor composition comprising a polymer precursor mixture, dispersed within a liquid medium, containing at least one of an initiator; at least one of a monomer, an oligomer or combinations thereof, said monomer and oligomer having three or more reactive functionalities capable of creating crosslinks between polymer chains; at least one of an impact modifier; and nanofiller particles substantially dispersed within the liquid medium; subjecting the nanocomposite particle precursor composition to suspension polymerizing conditions; subjecting the resulting nanocomposite particles to heat treatment; forming a slurry comprising a fluid and a proppant that includes the heat-treated nanocomposite particles; injecting the slurry into a wellbore; and emplacing the proppant within a fracture network in the formation. | 12-19-2013 |
20140000891 | SELF-SUSPENDING PROPPANTS FOR HYDRAULIC FRACTURING | 01-02-2014 |
20140008067 | Well Treatment Fluids and Methods Utilizing Nano-Particles - Disclosed embodiments relate to well treatment fluids and methods that utilize nano-particles. Exemplary nano-particles are selected from the group consisting of particulate nano-silica, nano-alumina, nano-zinc oxide, nano-boron, nano-iron oxide, and combinations thereof. Embodiments also relate to methods of cementing that include the use of nano-particles. An exemplary method of cementing comprises introducing a cement composition into a subterranean formation, wherein the cement composition comprises cement, water and a particulate nano-silica. Embodiments also relate to use of nano-particles in drilling fluids, completion fluids, simulation fluids, and well clean-up fluids. | 01-09-2014 |
20140020893 | Use of Expandable Self-Removing Filler Material in Fracturing Operations - A method using a propping fluid comprising a first carrier fluid and a plurality of propping agents and a spacer fluid comprising a second carrier fluid and an expandable filler material. The method introduces the propping fluid into a fracture in a subterranean formation and introduces the spacer fluid into the fracture. Then the expandable filler material is exposed to an expanding agent that causes the expandable filler material to expand and press against the adjacent propping agents. | 01-23-2014 |
20140054034 | Methods and Compositions for Enhancing Well Productivity in Weakly Consolidated or Unconsolidated Formations - Methods of fracturing a subterranean formation that include the steps of placing a stabilizing fluid comprising a formation stabilizing agent and a degradable fluid loss controlling agent into the subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one fracture therein, wherein the degradable fluid loss controlling agent at least partially covers a face of the fracture; placing a treatment fluid comprising proppants into at least a portion of the fracture; bridging the fluid loss controlling agent, the proppants, or both at or near the tip of the fracture to induce a tip screenout; allowing the proppants to form a proppant pack in the portion of the fracture; and allowing the degradable fluid loss controlling agent to degrade. | 02-27-2014 |
20140054035 | Methods for Propping Fractures Using Proppant-Laden Aggregates and Shear-Thickening Fluids - Methods comprising first introducing a solids-free fracturing fluid into a subterranean formation at a rate sufficient to enhance or create at least one fracture therein. Once a fracture is created or enhanced, a treatment fluid comprising a carrier fluid and a shear-thickening fluid is placed into the fracture. The shear-thickening fluid comprises a propping material selected from the group consisting of: proppant, proppant aggregates, solids free gel bodies, and combinations thereof. The propping material forms a bed within the fracture. In some embodiments, solids-free gel bodies may also be included in the treatment fluid. | 02-27-2014 |
20140060832 | SELF-SUSPENDING PROPPANTS FOR HYDRAULIC FRACTURING - The invention provides for modified proppants, comprising a proppant particle and a hydrogel coating, wherein the hydrogel coating localizes on the surface of the proppant particle to produce the modified proppant, methods of manufacturing such proppants and methods of use. | 03-06-2014 |
20140060833 | PROCESS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF COATED PROPPANTS - The present invention relates to a process for the production of coated proppants, proppants obtainable by such a process, uses thereof and processes using the proppants. The process for the production of coated proppants comprises the following steps: (a) mixing a proppant with a polyol component and an isocyanate component, wherein the polyol component consists of a phenolic resin and optionally one or more other hydroxy group—containing compounds, wherein the isocyanate component consists of an isocyanate having at least 2 isocyanate groups and optionally one or more other isocyanate group—containing compounds, and (b) curing the mixture obtained in step (a) by treatment with a catalyst; and (c) optionally repeating steps (a) and (b) one or more times, wherein the mixture obtained in the preceding step (b) or the proppant isolated therefrom is used as a proppant in step (a), wherein the polyol component in step (a) is the same as or different from the polyol component used in the previous step (a), and wherein the isocyanate component in step (a) is the same as or different from the isocyanate component used in the previous step (a). | 03-06-2014 |
20140076558 | Methods and Compositions for Treating Proppant to Prevent Flow-Back - Methods of consolidating proppant particulates in a subterranean formation comprising providing a proppant slurry comprising a carrier fluid, proppant particulates, and a curable resin composition. The curable resin composition comprises a solid curable resin particulate, a curing agent, and a silane coupling agent. The proppant slurry is introduced into a fracture within a subterranean formation and thereafter solid curable resin particulate softens so as to coat the proppant particulates and then is cured so as to consolidate the proppant particulates into a permeable proppant pack. | 03-20-2014 |
20140076559 | Methods of Treating a Subterranean Formation with Stress-Activated Resins - Methods of treating a subterranean formation including introducing a fracturing fluid into the subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one fracture therein; providing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid, proppant particulates, a crosslinking agent, and a stress-activated resin comprising a stress-activated moiety, wherein the stress-activated resin does not substantially react with the crosslinking agent until placed under stress; introducing the treatment fluid into the at least one fracture of the subterranean formation; removing the pressure in the subterranean formation such that the fracture closes on the treatment fluid and applies a stress to the stress-activated resin; and crosslinking the resin with the crosslinking agent, thereby forming a resinous proppant pack therein. | 03-20-2014 |
20140083695 | METHODS OF ENHANCING FRACTURING STIMULATION IN SUBTERRANEAN FORMATIONS USING IN SITU FOAM GENERATION AND PRESSURE PULSING - Methods of enhancing fracturing stimulation in subterranean formations using in situ foam generation and pressure pulsing including providing a jetting fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid; providing a fracturing fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid, a gelling agent, a proppant agent, a gas generating chemical, and a gas activator; introducing the jetting fluid into a subterranean formation to create or enhance at least one fracture therein; introducing the fracturing fluid into the at least one fracture; applying intermittent pressure pulsing to the fracturing fluid to extend the at least one fracture. | 03-27-2014 |
20140083696 | Methods for Enhancing Well Productivity and Minimizing Water Production Using Swellable Polymers - Methods of treating a subterranean formation including providing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and proppant particulates coated with a swellable organic polymer to form swellable organic polymer coated proppant particulates, wherein the swellable organic polymer coated proppant particulates are water-swellable, having a swelled configuration when contacted with water and an unswelled configuration in the absence of water contact; introducing the treatment fluid into a fracture in the subterranean formation; swelling the swellable organic polymer coated proppant particulates so as to adopt the swelled configuration and form a proppant pack in the fracture; and unswelling the swellable organic polymer coated proppant particulates so as to adopt the unswelled configuration during hydrocarbon production. | 03-27-2014 |
20140110110 | Porous Proppants - A lightweight proppant with high crush strength can include a ceramic such as silicon carbide or silicon nitride. | 04-24-2014 |
20140110111 | Resin-Coated Proppant And Methods Of Use - A proppant comprises a particle and a polymeric coating disposed about the particle. The polymeric coating comprises the reaction product of a novolac polyol, an isocyanate, and an azole. The novolac polyol has a number average molecular weight of from about 200 to about 1000 g/mol. A method of forming the proppant comprises the steps of providing the particle, providing the novolac polyol, providing the isocyanate, and providing the azole. The method also includes the steps of combining the novolac polyol, the isocyanate, and the azole to react and form the polymeric coating and coating the particle with the polymeric coating to form the proppant. | 04-24-2014 |
20140116698 | Wellbore Servicing Fluids Comprising Foamed Materials and Methods of Making and Using Same - A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising: placing a wellbore servicing fluid comprising a proppant-associated foamed material into the subterranean formation via the wellbore wherein the proppant associated foamed material comprises (i) a proppant and (ii) a foamed material and wherein the proppant forms a proppant pack flow channel within the wellbore having a proppant pack flow channel space that is from about 10% to about 60% greater than the proppant pack flow channel space that would be created by the same amount of proppant in the absence of the foamed material. A wellbore servicing fluid comprising a proppant-loaded foamed material comprising a polylactide, a resin-coated sand, and a carrier fluid. | 05-01-2014 |
20140124200 | Oil and Gas Well Proppants Of Silicone-Resin-Modified Phenolic Resins - Proppant particles coated with an arylolic resin/silicone resin copolymer, wherein the silicon resin contains D units and T units, are suitable for fracturing operations in geological formations and retain their deformability over time without becoming excessively brittle. | 05-08-2014 |
20140131040 | PROPPANT PILLAR PLACEMENT IN A FRACTURE WITH HIGH SOLID CONTENT FLUID - A method of placing proppant into a fracture formed in a subterranean formation from a wellbore is disclosed. The method comprises injecting through the wellbore a first treatment fluid to initiate the fracture in the subterranean formation; injecting through the wellbore a second treatment fluid comprising a particulate blend slurry made of proppant; the particulate blend comprising at least a first amount of particulates having a first average particle size between about 100 and 5000 μm and at least a second amount of particulates having a second average particle size between about three and twenty times smaller than the first average particle size; and forming with the particulate blend slurry a plurality of proppant-rich clusters spaced apart by proppant-free regions forming open channels. | 05-15-2014 |
20140131041 | Methods of Forming and Placing Proppant Pillars Into a Subterranean Formation - Methods of treating a subterranean formation comprising providing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid, proppant particulates, a consolidating agent, a thermoplastic material, and a degradable polyester material; placing the treatment fluid into the subterranean formation; coating the proppant particulates and the consolidating agent with the thermoplastic material and the degradable polyester material together so as to form proppant pillars; and degrading the degradable polyester material. | 05-15-2014 |
20140131042 | Methods for Generating Highly Conductive Channels in Propped Fractures - Methods of forming conductive channels in a subterranean formation including providing a subterranean formation having a threshold fracture gradient; introducing a fracturing fluid at a rate above the threshold fracture gradient so as to enhance or create at least one fracture in the subterranean formation; introducing a proppant slurry into the at least one fracture at a rate above the threshold fracture gradient so as to propagate the at least one fracture and deposit the proppant slurry therein; wherein the proppant slurry comprises a base fluid and proppant particulates; injecting a substantially proppant-free resilient viscous fluid into the proppant slurry deposited in the at least one fracture at a rate below the threshold fracture gradient so as to generate a continuous channel within the proppant slurry; setting the proppant slurry; and removing the substantially proppant-free resilient viscous fluid from the at least one fracture in the subterranean formation. | 05-15-2014 |
20140144630 | Methods of Treating a Subterranean Formation with Thermally Activated Suspending Agents - Methods of treating a subterranean formation having at least one fracture including providing a thermal thinning resistant treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid, proppant particulates, and a thermally activated suspending agent; wherein the thermally activated suspending agent is hydratable above a threshold temperature; introducing the thermal thinning resistant treatment fluid into the subterranean formation; exceeding the threshold temperature so as to hydrate the thermally activated suspending agent; and placing the proppant particulates into the at least one fracture. | 05-29-2014 |
20140144631 | Methods of Forming Functionalized Proppant Particulates for Use in Subterranean Formation Operations - Methods of treating a subterranean formation including providing proppant particulates; providing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a surface modification agent; coating the proppant particulates with a functional agent so as to form functionalized proppant particulates; wherein the functional agent forms a partial molecular layer coating on the proppant particulates; introducing the functionalized proppant particulates into the treatment fluid; and placing the treatment fluid into the subterranean formation. | 05-29-2014 |
20140144632 | THERMO-GAS-GENERATING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OIL AND GAS WELL STIMULATION - A method of treating a subterranean reservoir includes the steps of delivering a stabilized, non-explosive combustible oxidizing solution (COS) to a desired treatment area in the reservoir and activating the COS with an activator which reduces the pH of the COS. Upon activation, the COS reacts to produce sufficient heat and gas to stimulate the treatment area. | 05-29-2014 |
20140190694 | Method of Treating Ultra-Low Permeable Subterranean Formations Using Proppant Particulates Coated with Degradable Material - Methods of treating an ultra-low permeability subterranean formation having a fracture complexity comprising interconnected fractures including providing a fracturing fluid comprising a base fluid and coated proppant, wherein the coated proppant comprise proppant coated with a degradable material; introducing the fracturing fluid into the ultra-low permeability subterranean formation at a rate and pressure above a fracture gradient of the ultra-low permeability subterranean formation; placing the coated proppant into a fracture of the interconnected fractures so as to form a temporarily impermeable proppant pack comprising the coated proppant therein and reduce or prevent the extension of the fracture; reducing the pressure below the fracture gradient; and degrading the degradable material coated onto the coated proppant so as to cause the temporarily impermeable proppant pack to become a permeable proppant pack. | 07-10-2014 |
20140196898 | Proppant - A proppant includes a particle and a hybrid coating disposed about the particle. The particle is present in an amount of from about 90 to about 99.5 percent by weight based on the total weight of the proppant and the hybrid coating is present in an amount of from about 0.5 to about 10 percent by weight based on the total weight of the proppant. The hybrid coating comprises the reaction product of an isocyanate component and an alkali metal silicate solution including water and an alkali metal silicate. A method of forming the proppant includes the steps of providing the particle, the isocyanate composition, and the alkali metal silicate solution. The method also includes the steps of combining the isocyanate composition and the alkali metal silicate solution to react and form the hybrid coating and coating the particle with the hybrid coating to form the proppant. | 07-17-2014 |
20140202696 | INTERPENETRATING POLYMER NETWORK DEFORMABLE PROPPANT - Embodiments of the present disclosure include a method for treating a subterranean formation including injecting into the subterranean formation a fluid composition that includes a fluid and a deformable proppant having an interpenetrating polymer network formed from a first polymer component and a second polymer component. | 07-24-2014 |
20140216740 | METHOD FOR REMOVING CONTAMINANTS FROM WASTEWATER IN HYDRAULIC FRACTURING PROCESS - A borehole is drilled from the surface to an underground shale matrix. A pipe is inserted into the borehole. Openings are created in the pipe in fluid communication with fractures in the shale matrix. The interior surface of at least one section of pipe is coated with a contaminant-capturing substance. Fracturing fluid including water, proppants and chemicals is pumped through the pipe and into the fractures in the shale matrix. The fluid re-enters the pipe from the shale matrix and moves toward the surface through the coated pipe section where contaminants are sequestered by the coating. Natural gas or oil from the fractured shale then enters the pipe and moves to the surface to be collected. The coated pipe section remains in the ground permanently such that the necessity of disposing of the captured contaminants is eliminated. | 08-07-2014 |
20140216741 | COMPOSITION AND METHOD FOR PRODUCING AN ULTRA-LIGHTWEIGHT CERAMIC PROPPANT - An ultra-lightweight, high strength ceramic proppant made from mixture of naturally occurring clays, preferably porcelain clay, kaolin and/or flint-clay, earthenware clay or other naturally occurring clays having an alumina content between about 5.5% and about 35%. The proppant has an apparent specific gravity from about 2.10 to about 2.55 g/cc, and a bulk density of from about 1.30 to about 1.50 g/cc. This ultra-lightweight proppant is useful in hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas wells, and has greater conductivity than sand at pressures up to 8,000 psi as measured by Stim-Lab after 50 hours and 275° F. on Ohio Sandstone, in the presence of deoxygenated aqueous 2% solution of KCI. | 08-07-2014 |
20140251611 | Methods of Transporting Proppant Particulates in a Subterranean Formation - Methods of treating a wellbore in a subterranean formation including providing an oil-external treatment fluid, wherein the oil-external treatment fluid is a 3D-network comprising a chemical interaction between a hydrocarbon fluid, an aqueous fluid, and a surface modification agent; providing proppant particulates; suspending the proppant particulates in the oil-external treatment fluid; and introducing the oil-external treatment fluid comprising the proppant particulates into the wellbore in the subterranean formation. | 09-11-2014 |
20140262264 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR INCREASING FRACTURE CONDUCTIVITY - A method for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, comprising: providing a treatment slurry comprising a carrying fluid, a solid particulate and an agglomerant; injecting the treatment slurry into a fracture to form a substantially uniformly distributed mixture of the solid particulate and the agglomerant; and transforming the substantially uniform mixture into areas that are rich in solid particulate and areas that are substantially free of solid particulate, wherein the solid particulate and the agglomerant have substantially dissimilar velocities in the fracture and wherein said transforming results from said substantially dissimilar velocities is provided. | 09-18-2014 |
20140262265 | WELL STIMULATION WITH GAS HYDRATES - Various methods for performing treatment operations at a wellsite having a subterranean formation with a reservoir therein are provided. The method involves introducing a treatment fluid comprised of at least a gas hydrate slurry to the subterranean formation. | 09-18-2014 |
20140299317 | HYDRAULIC FRACTURING - An improvement over known hydraulic fracturing fluids. Boundary layer kinetic mixing material is added to components of fracturing fluid wherein kinetic mixing material is a plurality of particles wherein at least 25% of particles are several types, i.e., having surface characteristics of thin walls, three dimensional wedge-like sharp blades, points, jagged bladelike surfaces, thin blade surfaces, three-dimensional blade shapes that may have shapes similar to a “Y”, “V” or “X” shape or other geometric shape, slightly curved thin walls having a shape similar to an egg shell shape, crushed hollow spheres, sharp bladelike features, 90° corners that are well defined, conglomerated protruding arms in various shapes, such as cylinders, rectangles, Y-shaped particles, X-shaped particles, octagons, pentagon, triangles, and diamonds. The resulting fluid exhibits improved dispersion of additives as well providing stabilization to a hydraulic fracture by reducing incidents of proppant grain column collapse and by reducing proppant flow back. | 10-09-2014 |
20140299318 | METHOD OF INCREASING FRACTURE NETWORK COMPLEXITY AND CONDUCTIVITY - A complex fracture network within a hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formation is created by first pumping a first fluid into the formation to create or enlarge a primary fracture and then pumping a second fluid into the formation wherein the second fluid contains a viscous material and the first fluid. By diverting the flow of the second flow, a secondary fracture is created having a directional orientation distinct from the directional orientation of the primary fracture. | 10-09-2014 |
20140305643 | GRANULATED INORGANIC PARTICULATES AND THEIR USE IN OILFIELD APPLICATIONS - A granulated mica composition may include mica having an average particle size less than about 20 mesh, and 0.01% to about 1.0% of a water soluble binder. The granulated mica composition may have a granule size greater than about 20 mesh. A process for producing a granulated inorganic particulate composition for use in oilfield applications may include mixing at least one inorganic particulate having an average particle size of less than about 20 mesh with water and at least one binder, and agglomerating the resulting mixture to form a granulated inorganic particulate having an average particle size of greater than about 20 mesh. A method for treating a subterranean formation may include admixing a granulated inorganic particle composition into a fluid, such that the inorganic particulate is dispersed into the fluid as a suspended inorganic particulate, and injecting the fluid and suspended inorganic particulate into the subterranean formation. | 10-16-2014 |
20140318779 | Methods of Coating Proppant Particulates for Use in Subterranean Formation Operations - Methods including providing resin double-coated proppant comprising proppant coated with a first resin and thereafter coated with a second resin atop of the first resin; wherein the first resin is curable by a first curing agent and wherein the second resin is curable by a second curing agent that is different than the first curing agent; curing the second resin by exposing it to the second curing agent; introducing the resin double-coated proppant into at least a portion of a fracture within a subterranean formation; breaking the cured second resin to expose the first resin; introducing the first curing agent into the portion of the fracture where the resin double-coated proppant was placed; and curing the first resin by exposing it to the first curing agent to form a proppant pack. | 10-30-2014 |
20140326453 | Methods of Hydraulically Fracturing and Recovering Hydrocarbons - There is provided synthetic proppants, and in particular polysilocarb derived ceramic proppants. There is further provided hydraulic fracturing treatments utilizing these proppants, and methods of enhance hydrocarbon recovery. | 11-06-2014 |
20140332213 | HYDRAULIC FRACTURING COMPOSITION, METHOD FOR MAKING AND USE OF SAME - A hydraulic fracturing composition includes: a superabsorbent polymer in an expanded state and configured to break in response to a breaking condition; a plurality of proppant particles disposed in the superabsorbent polymer prior to release of the plurality of proppant particles from the superabsorbent polymer in response to breaking the superabsorbent polymer; and a fluid to expand the superabsorbent polymer into the expanded state. The hydraulic fracturing composition can be made by contacting a superabsorbent polymer with a fluid to expand the superabsorbent polymer into an expanded state; and disposing a plurality of proppant particles in the superabsorbent polymer to make the hydraulic fracturing composition. A process for disposing a plurality of proppant particles in a fracture comprises: disposing a hydraulic fracturing composition in a downhole environment; forming a fracture in the downhole environment; disposing the hydraulic fracturing composition in the fracture; breaking the superabsorbent polymer after forming the fracture; and releasing the plurality of proppant particles from superabsorbent polymer to dispose the plurality of proppant particles in the fracture. | 11-13-2014 |
20140332214 | HYDRAULIC FRACTURING COMPOSITION, METHOD FOR MAKING AND USE OF SAME - A hydraulic fracturing composition includes: a superabsorbent polymer in an expanded state; a plurality of proppant particles disposed in the superabsorbent polymer; an additive comprising a surfactant, a viscose polymer, or a combination thereof, and a fluid to expand the superabsorbent polymer into the expanded state. A process for disposing a plurality of proppant particles in a fracture comprises: disposing a hydraulic fracturing composition in a downhole environment; forming a fracture; disposing the hydraulic fracturing composition in the fracture; breaking the superabsorbent polymer after forming the fracture; and releasing the plurality of proppant particles from superabsorbent polymer. The process also comprises injecting a proppant-free fluid and a proppant-containing fluid in an alternating order into a subterranean formation. | 11-13-2014 |
20140338906 | Proppant With Enhanced Interparticle Bonding - Polymer-coated proppants for hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas wells have an outer layer portion that comprises an organofunctional coupling agent, preferably an organofunctional silane coupling agent. The use of an organofunctional silane coupling agent in the outer layer portion of the proppant coating is preferably chosen to expose functionalities that will be reactive towards similar functionalities of adjacent and similarly coated proppants so that, when introduced downhole, these proppants form interparticle bonds at the temperatures and crack closure pressures found downhole in fractured strata. Such enhanced interparticle bonding helps keep the proppant in the fracture and maintains conductivity with reduced flowback. The invention also helps proppants designed for low temperature well to bond more firmly and allows proppants designed for high temperature wells to bond well even at lower downhole temperatures, thereby extending their useful range. | 11-20-2014 |
20140345864 | METHOD FOR PRODUCING COATED PROPPANTS - The present invention relates to a process for the production of coated proppants as well as proppants obtainable by such a process, uses thereof and processes using the proppants. The process for the production of coated proppant comprises the following steps:
| 11-27-2014 |
20140352962 | Ampholyte Polymeric Compounds in Subterranean Applications - Ampholyte polymeric compounds that comprise at least one nonionic monomer, at least one sulfonic acid-containing monomer, and at least one cationic monomer may be useful as friction reducing agents in treatment fluids for use in subterranean operations at a concentration of about 0.001 v/v % to about 0.5 v/v % of the treatment fluid. Such operations may involve introducing the treatment fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation optionally at a rate and/or a pressure sufficient to create or extend at least one fracture in the subterranean formation. | 12-04-2014 |
20140367101 | Protected Scale Inhibitors and Methods Relating Thereto - Treatment fluids suitable for use in subterranean operations may include a base fluid; a protected scale inhibitor; and at least one selected from the group consisting of (1) a metal crosslinker and a gelling agent, (2) an amine-based resin curing agent and an epoxy-based composition, and (3) any combination thereof, wherein the protected scale inhibitor is a scale inhibitor with at least one chelating group functionalized with a protecting group. | 12-18-2014 |
20140374095 | NANOPARTICLE SLURRIES AND METHODS - Fluids comprising elongated nanoparticles and methods of using the fluids in treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore are disclosed. | 12-25-2014 |
20150027703 | SOLID STATE DISPERSION - A composition comprising, and methods of producing a solid state dispersion comprising particles dispersed in a water soluble polymer. Treatment fluids comprising, and methods of using the solid state dispersion are also disclosed. | 01-29-2015 |
20150034315 | VISCOSIFIED ACID FLUID AND METHOD FOR USE THEREOF - A method includes providing an oilfield treatment fluid including an aqueous HCl solution having greater than 15% HCl by weight, and a fixing agent (FA) in a molar ratio of FA:HCl of between 0.5 and 2.5 inclusive. The FA is urea and/or a urea derivative. The oilfield treatment fluid further includes a viscosifying agent that is not a plant-based polysaccharide gum. The method further includes providing the oilfield treatment fluid to a high pressure pump, and operating the high pressure pump to treat a formation fluidly coupled to a wellbore. | 02-05-2015 |
20150053403 | IN SITU CHANNELIZATION METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INCREASING FRACTURE CONDUCTIVITY - A method and system for increasing fracture conductivity. A treatment slurry stage has a continuous first solid particulate concentration and a discontinuous anchorant concentration between anchorant-rich substages and anchorant-lean substages within the treatment slurry stage. | 02-26-2015 |
20150053404 | SILOXANE SURFACTANT ADDITIVES FOR OIL AND GAS APPLICATIONS - A well treatment additive includes a siloxane surfactant, a solvent and an aqueous phase. The solvent is preferably a terpene hydrocarbon. Also disclosed is a method for using the well treatment additive to form and enhance the properties of terpene solvent based additives useful for the treatment of oil and gas wells. Methods of using the novel well treatment additives include using the additives in a variety of well treatment processes including, but not limited to, acidizing operations, hydraulic fracturing operations, well remediation operations and water removal operations. | 02-26-2015 |
20150060068 | ELECTROPHILIC ACID GAS-REACTIVE FLUID, PROPPANT, AND PROCESS FOR ENHANCED FRACTURING AND RECOVERY OF ENERGY PRODUCING MATERIALS - An electrophilic acid gas-reactive fracturing and recovery fluid, proppant, and process are detailed. The fluid expands in volume to provide rapid and controlled increases in pressure that enhances fracturing in subterranean bedrock for recovery of energy-producing materials. Proppants stabilize openings in fractures and fissures following fracturing. | 03-05-2015 |
20150068745 | CERAMIC PROPPANTS - A sintered, generally spherical ceramic body, having an alumina content of from about 52 to about 55 weight percent distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the body, a silica content from about 32 to about 38 weight percent distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the body, an apparent specific gravity of about 2.61 to about 2.65, and a bulk density of about 1.45 to about 1.56 grams per cubic centimeter. | 03-12-2015 |
20150068746 | CARBONATE BASED SLURRY FRACTURING USING SOLID ACID FOR UNCONVENTIONAL RESERVOIRS - A method of using a slurry-like fracturing fluid for hydraulic fracturing in an unconventional reservoir: injecting the slurry-like fracturing fluid into the unconventional reservoir, the slurry-like fracturing fluid comprises a particulate portion and a slurry water, the particulate portion comprises a solid acid component, injecting the slurry-like fracturing fluid is operable to generate a network of fractures, the slurry-like fracturing fluid is operable to reduce a reservoir temperature from a resting reservoir temperature, permitting the slurry-like fracturing fluid to cure into a permeable bed, allowing the reservoir temperature to return to the resting reservoir temperature to trigger the hydrolysis of the solid acid, hydrolyzing the solid acid to produce a liquid acid, and stimulating the network of fractures with the liquid acid to increase permeability of the permeable bed in the network of fractures in the unconventional reservoir, the increased permeability operable to create a sweet spot. | 03-12-2015 |
20150068747 | METHOD TO CONSOLIDATE SOLID MATERIALS DURING SUBTERRANEAN TREATMENT OPERATIONS - Compositions include (1) aggregating compositions capable of forming deformable partial or complete coatings on formation surfaces, formation particle surfaces, downhole fluid solid surfaces, and/or proppant surfaces, where the coatings increase aggregation and/or agglomeration propensities of the particles and surfaces to form particles clusters or pillars having deformable coatings, and (2) aggregation stabilizing and/or strengthening compositions capable of altering properties of the coated clusters or pillars to form consolidated, stabilized, and/or strengthened clusters or pillars. Methods for stabilizing aggregated particle clusters or pillars include (1) treating the particles with an aggregating composition to form aggregated clusters or pillars and (2) treating the aggregated particle clusters or pillars with a stabilizing or strengthening composition to form consolidated, stabilized, and/or strengthened clusters or pillars. | 03-12-2015 |
20150083420 | METHOD FOR OPTIMIZING CONDUCTIVITY IN A HYDRAULIC FRACTURING OPERATION - A method of distributing proppant in a spatial arrangement throughout a created or enlarged fracture by pumping into a subterranean formation penetrated by a well multiple stages of fracturing fluid wherein a fluid laden with proppant is pumped into the well and a fluid substantially free of proppant is then pumped into the well; the fluid of the fluid laden with proppant and the fluid substantially free of proppant being the same. Vertically extending pillars are created within the formation. Fluid produced from the hydrocarbon-bearing reservoir is then flowed at least partially through channels between the vertically extending pillars. | 03-26-2015 |
20150096750 | HIGH INTERNAL PHASE RATIO INVERT EMULSION - A water-in-oil type emulsion having a dispersed particle volume fraction of greater than about 60 volume percent, based on the based on the total volume of the emulsion. Methods to produce the emulsion, treatment fluids comprising the emulsion, and uses thereof are also disclosed. | 04-09-2015 |
20150096751 | HYDRAULIC FRACTURING COMPOSITION, METHOD FOR MAKING AND USE OF SAME - A hydraulic fracturing composition includes: a superabsorbent polymer in an expanded state; a plurality of proppant particles disposed in the superabsorbent polymer; a well treatment agent, and a fluid to expand the superabsorbent polymer into the expanded state. A process for treating a well with well treatment agent includes disposing a hydraulic fracturing composition comprising the well treatment agent in a well. The well treatment agent can be a scale inhibitor, tracer, pH buffering agent, or a combination thereof. | 04-09-2015 |
20150101808 | METHODS AND SYSTEM FOR CREATING HIGH CONDUCTIVITY FRACTURES - Methods for forming proppant pillars in a formation during formation fracturing include include periods of pumping a first fracturing fluid including a proppant and an aggregating composition including a reaction product of a phosphate compound or a plurality of phosphate and an amine, periods of pumping a second fracturing fluid excluding a proppant and an aggregating composition including a reaction product of a phosphate compound and periods of pumping a third fracturing fluid including an aggregating composition including a reaction product of a phosphate compound, where the pumping of the three fracturing fluids may be in any order and may involve continuous pumping, pulse pumping, or non-continuous pumping. | 04-16-2015 |
20150114640 | PROPPANTS WITH IMPROVED STRENGTH - Cements, such as alkali activated aluminosilicate, may be used as coatings on proppants, such as brown sand and white sand, to improve the strength thereof. The resulting coated proppants show increased strength as well as produced fines of lower than about 10 wt % at 10,000 psi closure stress. | 04-30-2015 |
20150114641 | PROPPANTS WITH IMPROVED FLOW BACK CAPACITY - A deformable particulate material made of cement materials such as aluminosilicate cement and having an aspect ratio of greater than 1 to about 25 may be mixed with conventional proppants to give a blend with improved flow back capacity when the blend is injected into a hydraulic fracture created in a subterranean formation. | 04-30-2015 |
20150114642 | AGGREGATING REAGENTS AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING SAME - Methods including using fluid including an aggregating composition including heterocyclic aromatic amines, substituted heterocyclic aromatic amines, polyvinyl heterocyclic aromatic amines, co-polymers of vinyl heterocyclic aromatic amine and non amine polymerizable monomers (ethylenically unsaturated mononers and diene monomers), or mixtures or combinations thereof in the absence of phosphate esters or amine-phosphate reaction products during drilling or fracturing operations to alter self-aggregating properties and/or aggregation propensities of the particles, surfaces, and/or materials in or entrained in the fluid. | 04-30-2015 |
20150122494 | CONSOLIDATION COMPOSITIONS FOR USE IN SUBTERRANEAN FORMATION OPERATIONS - Embodiments disclosed herein include methods comprising providing a consolidation composition comprising the reaction product of a liquid curable resin and a liquid curing agent, wherein the liquid curable resin is an epoxy-functionalized alkoxysilane and wherein the liquid curing agent is selected from the group consisting of: a polyamine; a hydrophobically modified polyamine; a polyimine; a hydrophobically modified polyimine; a polyalcohol; hydrophobically modified polyacrylamide; a hydrophobically modified polyacrylate; and any combination thereof; coating proppant particulates with the consolidation composition, thereby creating coated proppant particulates; introducing the coated proppant particulates into a subterranean formation and placing the coated proppant particulates into a fracture therein; and curing the consolidation composition so as to consolidate the coated proppant particulates in the fracture and form a proppant pack therein. | 05-07-2015 |
20150129212 | METHOD TO UNDERDISPLACE HYDRAULIC FRACTURES IN HORIZONTAL OR DEVIATED WELL - A method for underdisplacing fracture proppant in a well bore. The method can include providing a set retainer having a passage configured to receive a wiper plug. The method may also include installing the set retainer in the well bore and injecting a proppant-laden fluid into the well bore, through the passage of the set retainer and through a perforation to create the fracture. The method may include providing a wiper plug configured to be received in the passage of the set retainer. The method may also include inserting the wiper plug into the well bore and allowing the wiper plug to wipe a portion of the proppant-laden fluid past the set retainer and into the fracture. Additionally, the method may include allowing the set retainer to receive the wiper plug. | 05-14-2015 |
20150129213 | METHODS OF TREATING SUBTERRANEAN FORMATIONS WITH FLUIDS COMPRISING PROPPANT CONTAINING PARTICLE - A method is provided for treating at least a portion of a subterranean formation. The method includes introducing a treatment fluid including a composite particle, which includes proppant incorporated into or attached to a swellable material and/or swellable materials, into a subterranean formation via a wellbore; and increasing the buoyancy of the composite particle including proppant by either mixing it with a treatment fluid or mixing it with a treatment fluid and triggering the swellable material and/or swellable materials to swell. | 05-14-2015 |
20150144339 | CONTROLLED INHOMOGENEOUS PROPPANT AGGREGATE FORMATION - A method to improve fluid flow in a hydraulic fracture from a subterranean formation which includes the steps of (1) formulating a slurry which comprises (a) proppant particles, (b) a carrier fluid, and (c) low density particles, wherein the fluid is capable of undergoing a transformation to cause an agglomeration of two or more proppant particles and/or low density particles; and (2) injecting the slurry into the formation; and (3) the agglomeration of the proppant particles and/or low density particles, is provided. | 05-28-2015 |
20150299560 | PROPPANT FOR USE IN HYDRAULIC FRACTURING TO STIMULATE A WELL - A proppant for use in hydraulic fracturing to stimulate a well is provided. The proppant is fly ash particles having a mean particle size (d50) of between 45 μm and 150 μm and a size distribution defined by (d10)≦5 μm and (d98)≦250 μm. | 10-22-2015 |
20150307773 | Proppant For Fracking Fluid - This invention is a fracturing component and method having a fluid and a plurality of three dimensional structures mixed in the fluid wherein each structure has a longitudinal axis, center of mass and center of pressure wherein the center of mass and the center of pressure do not align in a stable manner causing the structure to flutter in the fluid to reduce the structure from settling out of the fluid when injected into a fissure. Each three dimensional structure can include a first end of the structure having a first plane having an angle of incident θ | 10-29-2015 |
20150315458 | A Proppant - A proppant includes a surface treatment comprising an antistatic component and a hydrophilic component. The antistatic component comprises a quaternary ammonium compound. The hydrophilic component comprises a polyether polyol. A method of forming the proppant comprises the step of applying the surface treatment onto the proppant. | 11-05-2015 |
20150315892 | Proppant Mixtures - 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. | 11-05-2015 |
20150322335 | SILICONE-PHENOLIC COMPOSITIONS, COATINGS AND PROPPANTS MADE THEREOF, METHODS OF MAKING AND USING SAID COMPOSITIONS, COATINGS AND PROPPANTS, METHODS OF FRACTURING - A silicone phenolic coating composition is useful for coating silica containing substrates to form products useful in hydraulic fracturing. The coating composition comprises self crosslinking phenolic prepolymers, with the silica in the sand being bridged to the silica in the coating composition by oxygen. | 11-12-2015 |
20150337620 | METHODS OF MAKING AND USING CEMENT COATED SUBSTRATE - A method of treating a subterranean formation via well bore may include introducing a plurality of particles into the subterranean formation via the well bore, each particle having a substrate and a layer of cement on the substrate. The cement may be in a state of suspended hydration and the method may include introducing moisture to the subterranean formation via the well bore. The method may also include allowing the particles and the moisture to contact one another. Contact between the particles and the moisture may cause the cement to move from a state of suspended hydration to a state of secondary hydration. | 11-26-2015 |
20150361331 | A Proppant - A proppant comprises a particle and a polyoxazolidone isocyanurate coating disposed about the particle. The polyoxazolidone isocyanurate coating comprises the reaction product of a glycidyl epoxy resin and an isocyanate in the presence of a catalyst. A method of forming the proppant comprises the steps of providing the particle, providing the glycidyl epoxy resin, providing the isocyanate, and providing the catalyst. The method also includes the steps of combining the glycidyl epoxy resin and the isocyanate in the presence of the catalyst to react and form the polyoxazolidone isocyanurate coating and coating the particle with the polyoxazolidone isocyanurate coating to form the proppant. | 12-17-2015 |
20150368547 | HETEROGENEOUS PROPPANT PLACEMENT IN A FRACTURE WITH REMOVABLE CHANNELANT FILL - A method of heterogeneous proppant placement in a subterranean fracture is disclosed. The method comprises injecting well treatment fluid including proppant ( | 12-24-2015 |
20150369027 | WELL TREATMENT METHOD AND SYSTEM - An in situ channelization method, treatment fluid and system for stagewise reduction of the treatment fluid viscosity. A method involves injecting a treatment fluid into a fracture, decrosslinking a polymer in a first viscosity reduction stage to trigger channelization of a first solid particulate in the fracture prior to closure, and completing a break of the polymer following fracture closure. A treatment fluid may include a carrier fluid, a first solid particulate, anchorants, a delayed decrosslinker, and a further delayed breaker. A system may include a pump system to fracture a formation with a treatment fluid, a carrier fluid which is a continuous aqueous gel phase comprising a polysaccharide crosslinked with a polyvalent cation or a borate anion, a first solid particulate, a hydrolyzable acid-forming precursor, an anchoring system and a shut-in system. | 12-24-2015 |
20150369028 | COMPOUND CLUSTER PLACEMENT IN FRACTURES - Compound cluster placement in fractures. A fracture treatment method includes forming propped regions having a larger coverage area than channels between the propped regions, and channelizing the propped regions in situ. Also disclosed are systems to treat a fracture interval and to produce reservoir fluids from a formation. | 12-24-2015 |
20150369029 | COMPOUND CLUSTER PLACEMENT IN FRACTURES - Proppant cluster placement in fractures with foamed carrying fluid. A formation treatment method includes injecting a treatment fluid stage, having a particulate-containing substage containing a self-agglomerating solid composition and a foamed carrying fluid, above a fracturing pressure, and alternating pulses of a pumping parameter to transform the self-agglomerating composition into a channelized solids pack, and closing the fracture. Also disclosed are methods of modeling a fracture treatment interval for such a method, and methods of treatment and systems to treat with such a treatment fluid stage, wherein solid particulate-rich substages are larger than the solid particulate-lean substages to form particulate-rich island regions, an interconnected network of open channel regions between the island regions and the island regions are channelized to form particulate clusters within the island regions separated from adjacent particulate clusters by open voids in the island regions. | 12-24-2015 |
20160003021 | Hydraulic Fracturing Isolation Methods and Well Casing Plugs for Re-fracturing Horizontal Multizone Wellbores - A method for hydraulically isolating a portion of a multizone wellbore by providing a plug proximate the portion of the wellbore. The plug may be a proppant combined with a polymer. The proppant may be an ultra-lightweight proppant and the polymer may be cross-linked. The polymer may be a superabsorbent polymer or a hydrophobically modified polysaccharide. The plug may be formed by placing a pill of proppant and polymer within the wellbore and slowing pumping fluid down to cause the pill to bridge off and form a plug. The pill may also include a lightweight filler. The plug may be used to hydraulically isolate a portion of the wellbore during a fracturing or re-fracturing process. Multiple plugs may be placed along the wellbore to hydraulically isolate portions of the wellbore during the fracturing or re-fracturing process. | 01-07-2016 |
20160003022 | CEMENTITIOUS FRACTURE FLUID AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF - The present disclosure relates to cementitious fluids comprising additives configured to form a permeable cement matrix after curing of the cement. The cementitious fluids can comprise a cementitious medium (e.g., a cement slurry) with a plurality of fibers dispersed therein. The fibers can be hollow, can be porous, and can be degradable. The cementitious fluid particularly can be used in methods of stimulating hydrocarbon bearing formations. Specifically, the cementitious fluid can be injected into the formation to form or enlarge a fracture, and the fluid can be cured to form the permeable cement matrix, said permeability arising from a loosely assembled tubular network and/or passages remaining after degradation of the fibers. | 01-07-2016 |
20160017214 | PROPPANT PARTICLES FORMED FROM SLURRY DROPLETS AND METHODS OF USE - Proppant particles formed from slurry droplets and methods of use are disclosed herein. The proppant particles can include a sintered ceramic material and can have a size of about 80 mesh to about 10 mesh and an average largest pore size of less than about 20 microns. The methods of use can include injecting a hydraulic fluid into a subterranean formation at a rate and pressure sufficient to open a fracture therein and injecting a fluid containing a proppant particle into the fracture, the proppant particle including a sintered ceramic material, a size of about 80 mesh to about 10 mesh, and an average largest pore size of less than about 20 microns. | 01-21-2016 |
20160032177 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR INFUSING POROUS CERAMIC PROPPANT WITH A CHEMICAL TREATMENT AGENT - Methods and systems for infusing ceramic proppant and infused ceramic proppant obtained therefrom are provided. The method can include introducing ceramic proppant and a chemical treatment agent to a mixing vessel, mixing the ceramic proppant and the chemical treatment agent in the mixing vessel to provide a mixture, introducing microwave energy to the mixing vessel to heat the mixture to a temperature sufficient to produce infused ceramic proppant containing at least a portion of the chemical treatment agent, and withdrawing the infused ceramic proppant from the mixing vessel. | 02-04-2016 |
20160047933 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOVAL OF ELECTROMAGNETIC DISPERSION AND ATTENUATION FOR IMAGING OF PROPPANT IN AN INDUCED FRACTURE - Systems and methods for generating a three-dimensional image of a proppant-filled hydraulically-induced fracture in a geologic formation are provided. The image may be generated by capturing electromagnetic fields generated or scattered by the proppant-filled fracture, removing dispersion and/or an attenuation effects from the captured electromagnetic fields, and generating the image based on the dispersion and/or attenuation corrected fields. Removing the dispersion and/or attenuation effects may include back propagating the captured electromagnetic fields in the time domain to a source location. The image may be generated based on locations at which the back propagated fields constructively interfere or may be generated based on a model of the fracture defined using the back propagated fields. | 02-18-2016 |
20160053161 | RESIN COMPOSITION, INJECTION MATERIAL AND PACKING METHOD - The injection material | 02-25-2016 |
20160053163 | FIBERS AS DRAG-REDUCING PROPPING FIBERS IN LOW PERMEABILITY SUBTERRANEAN APPLICATIONS - Some embodiments described herein provide a method comprising providing a wellbore in a low permeability subterranean formation; providing a treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid and drag-reducing propping fibers; introducing the treatment fluid into the wellbore at a rate and pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one micro-fracture therein, wherein the drag-reducing propping fibers are capable of reducing the friction created within the treatment fluid as it is introduced into the wellbore; and placing the drag-reducing propping fibers into the at least one micro-fracture so as to prop open the micro-fracture. | 02-25-2016 |
20160053599 | FRACTURING FLUIDS COMPRISING FIBERS TREATED WITH CROSSLINKABLE, HYDRATABLE POLYMERS AND RELATED METHODS - A low-polymer-load fracturing fluid may include an aqueous carrier fluid, proppant, and polymer-treated degradable fibers. The polymer-treated degradable fibers may include degradable fibers that have been at least partially treated with a crosslinkable, hydratable polymer. In some instances, a method may involve placing a low-polymer-load fracturing fluid having an initial viscosity into a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore at a rate to generate pressure above fracture gradient to form or enhance at least one fracture in the formation matrix surrounding a designated portion of the wellbore; placing the low-polymer-load fracturing fluid into the fracture and allowing the polymer to crosslink and increase the initial viscosity to a gelled viscosity; and allowing the polymer-treated degradable fibers to degrade and reduce the gelled viscosity to a broken viscosity. | 02-25-2016 |
20160060503 | NANOPARTICLE MODIFIED FLUIDS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE THEREOF - Disclosed herein is a nanoparticle modified fluid that includes nanoparticles that are surface modified to increase a viscosity of the nanoparticle modified fluid and that have at least one dimension that is less than or equal to about 50 nanometers; nanoparticles that are surface modified to increase a viscosity of the nanoparticle modified fluid and that have at least one dimension that is less than or equal to about 70 nanometers; and a liquid carrier; wherein the nanoparticle modified fluid exhibits a viscosity above that of a comparative nanoparticle modified fluid that contains the same nanoparticles but whose surfaces are not modified, when both nanoparticle modified fluids are tested at the same shear rate and temperature. | 03-03-2016 |
20160060508 | A PROPPANT IMMOBILIZED ENZYME AND A VISOFIED FRACTURE FLUID - Provided is an enzyme immobilized on a proppant. Also provided is a viscofied fracture fluid | 03-03-2016 |
20160061017 | Methods for Enhancing and Maintaining Fracture Conductivity after Fracturing Shale Formations without Proppant Placement - A method of treating a subterranean shale formation includes placing a first treatment fluid comprising a fracturing fluid in the formation; forming fractures; placing a second fluid including a sloughing agent or eroding agent in the formation; allowing gaps in the fracture faces to form; placing a third fluid including a formation stabilizer and an agglomerating agent into the fractures; and allowing the third fluid to absorb into the formation, thereby stabilizing the shale formation fracture faces and transforming the solid shale particulates into proppant clusters. | 03-03-2016 |
20160068744 | METHODS FOR PRODUCING SOLID CERAMIC PARTICLES USING A MICROWAVE FIRING PROCESS - Methods for producing solid, substantially round, spherical and sintered particles from a slurry of a raw material having an alumina content of greater than about 40 weight percent. The slurry is processed to prepare green pellets which are sintered in a furnace with microwave energy at a temperature of 1480 to 1520° C. to produce solid, substantially round, spherical and sintered particles having an average particle size greater than about 200 microns, a bulk density of greater than about 1.35 g/cm | 03-10-2016 |
20160075940 | LOW TEMPERATURE CURABLE PROPPANT - There is provided a process for the production of low temperature curable proppant particles. The process includes: heating particles; adding a resin to coat the particles with the resin; partially curing the resin; and adding 0.1-2.0 parts of surfactant per 100 parts of the particles. | 03-17-2016 |
20160075941 | INFUSED AND COATED PROPPANT CONTAINING CHEMICAL TREATMENT AGENTS AND METHODS OF USING SAME - Proppant compositions and methods for using same are disclosed herein. In particular, a proppant composition for use in hydraulic fracturing is disclosed herein. The proppant composition can contain a plurality of particulates and at least one particulate of the plurality of particulates containing a chemical treatment agent. The at least one particulate having a long term permeability measured in accordance with ISO 13503-5 at 7,500 psi of at least about 10 D. The at least one chemical treatment agent can separate from the at least one particulate when located inside a fracture of a subterranean formation after a period of time. | 03-17-2016 |
20160076351 | Method For Hydraulic Fracking Of An Underground Formation - A method for hydraulic fracking of an underground formation comprises: a)introducing a fracking fluid (FF) through at least one well into an underground formation at a pressure greater than the minimum in-situ rock stress for formation of fracks (FR) in the underground formation, the fracking fluid (FF) comprising water and aluminum, and b)waiting for a rest phase in which an exothermic oxidation reaction between aluminum and the water from the fracking fluid (FF) takes place. | 03-17-2016 |
20160102245 | PARTICLE COATING PROCESS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR CERAMIC PROPPANT EXTRUSION - Methods include providing an aqueous slurry of ceramic forming raw materials, where at least a portion of the ceramic forming raw materials are enhanced particulates, and flowing the slurry through at least one extrusion die face to form slurry bodies while the slurry is under a hypotensive condition which is less than about 30 kPa, or otherwise pressure lower than conventional extrusion pressures using unenhanced raw materials. The slurry bodies may then be received in a collecting hopper, and thereafter sintering to form particles, such as ceramic proppant particles. Enhanced particulates may be raw material particulates that are coated, selectively shaped, of particular size(s), or any combination thereof. | 04-14-2016 |
20160108306 | Latent Curing Agent Compatible with Low pH Frac Fluids - A method of treating a subterranean formation including providing a treatment fluid comprising a hardenable acid curable resin and a hydrolysable strong acid ester. The treatment fluid is combined with a diluent fluid and is introduced into a subterranean formation. Upon the hydrolyzing of the ester in the formation and the contacting of unconsolidated proppants, the treatment method produces consolidated proppants. | 04-21-2016 |
20160108713 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF TREATING A SUBTERRANEAN FORMATION - A method and system for treating a subterranean formation, relating to a diluted stream of carrier fibers, and a high-loading stream of a diverting agent, and their use in a downhole diversion operation. | 04-21-2016 |
20160130499 | MAGNETIC PROPPANT PARTICULATES FOR USE IN SUBTERRANEAN FORMATION OPERATIONS - Preparing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and magnetic proppant particulates, wherein the magnetic proppant particulates comprise proppant particulates at least partially coated with a stabilization agent and magnetic particles, and preparing a spacer fluid comprising a base fluid, a gelling agent, and a breaker. Introducing the treatment fluid and the spacer fluid intermittently into a subterranean formation comprising a fracture so as to alternate placement of the magnetic proppant particulates in the treatment fluid with the spacer fluid in the fracture, and activating the magnetic particles, wherein the activated magnetic particles cause the magnetic proppant particulates to agglomerate. Propping open the fracture with the magnetic proppant particulates, and activating the breaker in the spacer fluid so as to at least partially remove the spacer fluid from the fracture, thereby leaving behind substantially magnetic proppant particulate-free channels between the magnetic proppant particulates. | 05-12-2016 |
20160137910 | COMPOSITIONS OF AND METHODS FOR USING HYDRAULIC FRACTURING FLUID FOR PETROLEUM PRODUCTION - A hydraulic fracturing fluid for use in oilfield applications is disclosed, the hydraulic fracturing fluid includes a spherical bead-forming liquid composition, the spherical bead-forming liquid composition comprised of a primary liquid precursor and a secondary liquid precursor, the primary liquid precursor comprises a micellar forming surfactant, a bead-forming compound, and a non-solids bearing liquid solvent; and the secondary liquid precursor comprises one or more curing agents, and one or more co-curing agents. | 05-19-2016 |
20160137911 | Polymer Coated Proppant - A cross-linkable thermoplastic resin coating that is suitable for use in a coated proppant material used in sand control in oil and gas wells. The cross-linkable thermoplastic exhibits improved stability and low temperature and pressure strength compared to current thermosetting resin formulations. | 05-19-2016 |
20160137912 | Structural Expandable Materials - A composite particle that incorporates a material and is designed to undergo a reaction and/or mechanical or chemical change with the environment to increase in volume. The composite particle can be combined with a constraining matrix to create an expandable particle upon reaction. These particles can be used in stimulating wells, including oil and gas reservoirs. | 05-19-2016 |
20160137913 | SELF-SUSPENDING PROPPANTS FOR HYDRAULIC FRACTURING - The invention provides for modified proppants, comprising a proppant particle and a hydrogel coating, wherein the hydrogel coating localizes on the surface of the proppant particle to produce the modified proppant, methods of manufacturing such proppants and methods of use. | 05-19-2016 |
20160145488 | ENCAPSULATED PROPPANTS - A capsule for carrying a proppant for emplaced in a formation containing formation fluid by a hydraulic fracture operation using a fracturing fluid. The capsule includes a capsule body. The capsule body includes a proppant. There is a surface layer on the capsule body that is permeable to the formation fluid or the fracturing fluid or is permeable to both the formation fluid and the fracturing fluid. The proppant material is dry cement that interacts with the formation fluid or the fracturing fluid or both the formation fluid and the fracturing fluid that migrate through the surface layer and is taken up by the dry cement causing the dry cement to harden. | 05-26-2016 |
20160152889 | LOW COST HIGH VALUE SYNTHETIC PROPPANTS AND METHODS OF HYDRAULICALLY FRACTURING AND RECOVERING HYDROCARBONS | 06-02-2016 |
20160153274 | FRACTURING FLUID FOR SUBTERRANEAN FORMATIONS | 06-02-2016 |
20160160119 | SMART FLUIDS FOR USE IN HYDRAULIC FRACTURING - Smart fluids for use in hydraulic fracturing are disclosed herein. The smart fluids can include a first particulate component containing a magnetic material and a second particulate component having a permeability and a conductivity. The first particulate component and the second particulate component can be mixed with a fluid selected from the group of water, mineral oil, and glycol and any mixture thereof. The first particulate component can include one or more nanoparticles, including one or more nanowires, formed from the magnetic material. The second particulate component can have a size from about 4 mesh to about 120 mesh. | 06-09-2016 |
20160168451 | WELL TREATMENT | 06-16-2016 |
20160186050 | COMPOSITIONS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVING PROPPANT CONDUCTIVITY - Compositions and methods for improving proppant conductivity are disclosed herein. The compositions can include a proppant composition for use in hydraulic fracturing, the composition containing a plurality of particulates. At least one particulate of the plurality of particulates can contain at least one nutrient. The at least one nutrient can separate from the at least one particulate located inside a fracture of a subterranean formation after a period of time. | 06-30-2016 |
20160200966 | SELF-SUSPENDING PROPPANTS FOR HYDRAULIC FRACTURING | 07-14-2016 |
20160201441 | SELECTION OF PROPPING AGENT FOR HETEROGENEOUS PROPPANT PLACEMENT APPLICATIONS | 07-14-2016 |
20160201442 | LEAKOFF MITIGATION TREATMENT UTILIZING SELF DEGRADING MATERIALS PRIOR TO RE-FRACTURE TREATMENT | 07-14-2016 |
20160376495 | LIQUID SLURRIES OF MICRON- AND NANO-SIZED SOLIDS FOR USE IN SUBTERRANEAN OPERATIONS - Compositions and methods for storing, transporting, and/or delivering micron- and/or nano-sized solid materials in subterranean operations are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: providing a fluid comprising an aqueous fluid and one or more gelling agents; mixing one or more small-sized solid materials into the fluid to form a slurry; storing the slurry for a period of storage time; mixing at least a portion of the slurry with a base fluid after the period of storage time to form a treatment fluid; and introducing the treatment fluid into a well bore penetrating at least a portion of a subterranean formation. | 12-29-2016 |
20190144738 | PROPPANT COATINGS CONTAINING ANTIMICROBIAL AGENTS | 05-16-2019 |
20220135871 | METHOD OF MITIGATING FRAC HIT PRODUCTION INTERFERENCE FROM ADJACENT OIL WELLS USING TREATMENT FLUIDS WITH NANOPARTICLES - A method for minimizing the creation and existence of frac hits in an oil field comprising the step of pumping treatment fluids into the Parent well before performing the frac on the Child well wherein the treatment fluids contain brine resistant silica nanoparticles is described and claimed. | 05-05-2022 |