Filling and/or propping fractures in subterranean strata
This process for propping an overburden above a subterranean fracture or cavity in a stratum around a well consists of introducing particles of a material which, in the fracture at the stratum temperature, occludes a gas under a pressure sufficient to prop the fracture with the particles. The particles consist of a foamable material such as plastic or resin, which is foamed prior to, or after, injection into the fracture. When lifting pressure of the surrounding fluid is released, the internal pressure of the foamed resin or plastic material exerts a substantial pressure against the upper and lower walls of the fracture. The great number of the small propping particles creates enough total resistance to closing of the fracture to be effective as propping agents. (10 claims)
- Assignee:
- Phillips Petroleum Co.
- Patent Number(s):
- US 3363691
- OSTI ID:
- 6093684
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Process for fracturing and propping an unconsolidated subterranean formation
Multiple fracturing of subterranean formations
Related Subjects
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
ADDITIVES
COMMINUTION
FRACTURED RESERVOIRS
FRACTURING
GEOLOGIC FISSURES
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
OIL WELLS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC POLYMERS
PETROCHEMICALS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
POLYMERS
PROPPING AGENTS
RESINS
STIMULATION
WELL COMPLETION
WELL STIMULATION
WELLS