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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Method for fracturing subterranean formations

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5918450
This fracturing method is carried out by injecting a heavy petroleum fraction, a viscous water-in-oil emulsion, or other highly viscous fracturing fluid through a string of tubing or casing into a fracture (in the presence of sufficient water or other low-viscosity liquid) to form a film of the less-viscous liquid between the highly viscous fluid-stream and the tubing or casing wall. Injection of the high-viscosity fluid is continued until a fracture of sufficient width to produce a highly conductive channel has been formed. Particles of a propping agent suspended in the highly viscous liquid or in a fluid used to displace the high-viscosity material are carried into the fracture. The injected fluid is then permitted to leak off into the formation until the fracture has closed sufficiently to hold the particles in place. The fluid remaining in the fracture may then be produced back into the wellbore. (33 claims)
Assignee:
Esso production Research Co.
Patent Number(s):
US 3378074
OSTI ID:
5918450
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English