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

Well fracturing method

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6345836
A well fracturing method employs liquid carbon dioxide as a part of the fracturing fluid. In the process, the fracturing fluid and propping agent slurry is prepared from sand, glass beads, metal particles, hard resin particles, and the like; silica flour, water, brines, crude oil, kerosine, naphtha and the like; and a gelling agent. The slurry is mixed with liquid carbon dioxide, and the resulting mixture is injected into the formation at fracturing pressure. About 5-7 volume units of liquid carbon dioxide to one unit of the slurry is used at fracturing pressure. Subsequently, the fracturing pressure is released at the wellhead whereby a substantial portion of the injected gelled liquid is carried back out of the well by the carbon dioxide which, upon release of pressure, tends to become a gas. (10 claims)
Assignee:
TUL; EDB-81-078492
Patent Number(s):
US 3310112
OSTI ID:
6345836
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English