Method of cleaning fractures and apparatus therefor
In a method for fracturing and propping open fractures in subsurface formations penetrated by a well, a liquid having a propping agent suspended in it is displaced down the well and into the formation by a compressed gas. After the liquid and propping agent are displaced into the fracture, the gas is held in the fracture for a period allowing dissipation of pressure within the fracture. Thereafter, the gas is discharged from the well into the fracture at a rate controlled to avoid displacement of propping agent in the fracture. Pressure on the well is reduced to cause the gas to flow from the formation to clean the fracture and formation. The apparatus includes a plug for placement between the gas and the liquid. The plug has a passage through it limiting the rate of flow of gas. The passage is closed by means which can be released to allow flow of the gas into the fracture at the desired time. (10 claims)
- Assignee:
- Gulf Research and Development Co.
- Patent Number(s):
- US 3412797
- OSTI ID:
- 5556809
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
ADDITIVES
CLEANING
CLOSURES
COMPRESSED GASES
CONTRACTS
ECONOMICS
EQUIPMENT
FLUID FLOW
FLUIDS
FRACTURED RESERVOIRS
GAS FLOW
GASES
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC FISSURES
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
LEGAL ASPECTS
MINERAL RESOURCES
OIL WELLS
OPERATION
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
PRESSURE DEPENDENCE
PROPPING AGENTS
RESOURCES
STIMULATION
WELL COMPLETION
WELL STIMULATION
WELLS