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U.S. Department of Energy
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Multiple fracturing of subterranean formations

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6798913
A method of fracturing subterranean formations is described wherein a formation is fractured and propped 2 or more times to increase the width of the propped fracture. The method involves the steps of propping the fracture with particulate material, consolidating the particulate material into a permeable mass, and thereafter refracturing the formation and then propping the fracture produced by the refracturing step. The process thus incrementally widens the fracture in a step-like manner--the net width of the propped fracture is increased by the successive fracturing and propping operations. In a preferred embodiment, the propping agent employed is a particulate material coated with a fusible thermosetting resin, such as a one-step phenolic resin. (9 claims)
Assignee:
Exxon Production Res. Co.
Patent Number(s):
US 3998271
OSTI ID:
6798913
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English