Increasing permeability of subsurface formations
This is a method of increasing permeability of a fractured formation to fluid flow by depositing in the fractures a single layer or less of solid particle-form, propping agents of preselected size and strength. A large volume of nonpenetrating fluid which has been treated to control leakoff is injected to lenghten and seal the fracture walls. Conventional size sand is added to the first part of a carrier fluid, in which the falling rate is less than 0.1 ft per min, and is deposited in the furthest extremeties of the fracture. Large size, from 0.03 to 0.25 in. diam. propping agents (such as metals, ceramics, and plastics) are then injected to deposit a sparse-population thereof in the fractures as close to the well bore as possible. An overflush is not employed in this treatment method. A few barrels of the carrier, containing the large-size propping material, are left in the well after treating is completed and are later circulated from the well. (13 claims)
- Assignee:
- TUL; EDB-81-025633
- Patent Number(s):
- US 3164208
- OSTI ID:
- 6683658
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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