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

Process for fracturing and propping an unconsolidated subterranean formation

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6345983

A method for fracturing and propping an unconsolidated subterranean formation is described. There is first injected down the well bore and into the fracture a liquid containing lamellar or plate-like, solid or plastic particles to prevent movement of the formation particles into the fracture. Thereafter, the first liquid is displaced with a second liquid containing a propping agent consisting of granular solid particles that are displaced into the fracture to prop the fracture faces apart and sustain the lamellar particles in contact with the fracture faces. The lamellar supporting particles can be strips, sheets, flakes, shavings, strands and other analogous forms of plastic such as polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl acetate, cellulose acetate, cellulose nitrate, melamine formaldehyde, phenol formaldehyde, and urea formaldehyde. (17 claims)

Assignee:
TUL; EDB-81-078460
Patent Number(s):
US 3316967
OSTI ID:
6345983
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English