Fracturing process employing a heterogeneous propping agent

Patent · Tue Mar 16 04:00:00 EST 1965

OSTI ID:7057336

Huitt, J L; Papaila, J

This is a process for hydraulically fracturing formations with the aid of solid-propping agents suspended in the carrying liquid. A low-penetrating fluid is injected into the oil-producing formation under enough pressure to cause a fracture. A fluid carrying a propping agent composed of 2 or more solid materials of dissimilar solubilities is displaced into the induced fracture to serve as props to support the overburden upon release of the injection pressure. Thereafter, one of the solid- propping materials is selectively removed from the fracture. This removal is accomplished by a variety of methods, one being dissolution in a solvent liquid. Upon removal of one constituent of the propping agent, voids or flow channels are produced within the fracture for passage of well fluids, which results in the fracture's having a high flow capacity. (2 claims)

• Assignee: TUL; EDB-81-025548
• Patent Number(s): US 3173484
• OSTI ID: 7057336
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
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Plowshare-- (-1989)
COMMINUTION
ENERGY SOURCES
ENHANCED RECOVERY
FLUID FLOW
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FRACTURED RESERVOIRS
FRACTURING
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
MINERAL RESOURCES
NATURAL GAS
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
NATURAL GAS FIELDS
OIL FIELDS
PETROLEUM
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
PROPPING AGENTS
RECOVERY
RESOURCES
STIMULATION
WELL STIMULATION