Fracturing method and propping agent

Patent · Tue Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1966

OSTI ID:6580223

Huitt, J L; Papaila, J

This is a method of fracturing a formation and creating fractures of high fluid-flow capacity in a well. It is an advantage to inject propping agents along with the hydraulic fracturing fluid, during fracturing operations. These propping agents enter the fractures and hold the fissures open after the pressure is released. The propping agents described consist of an inert core (such as sand, nut shells, glass, etc.) covered with a material that is insoluble in water or the fracturing fluid, but highly soluble in oil. Suitable coatings are naphthalene, petroleum asphalt, gilsonite, etc. After fracturing, the oil flows around the propping agents and dissolves the coating, leaving the inert particles spaced apart to provide for a more open flow channel. Water-soluble coatings can be used when oil is used as the fracturing fluid. A water flush is then needed to dissolve the coatings.

• Assignee: Gulf Research and Develop Co
• Patent Number(s): US 3237693
• OSTI ID: 6580223
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300 -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
04 OIL SHALES AND TAR SANDS
040401* -- Oil Shales & Tar Sands-- In Situ Methods
True & Modified
AROMATICS
ASPHALTS
BITUMENS
COATINGS
COMMINUTION
CONDENSED AROMATICS
FRACTURING
GLASS
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
HYDROCARBONS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
NAPHTHALENE
OIL WELLS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OTHER ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PROPPING AGENTS
SAND
TAR
WATER
WELLS