Hollow proppants and a process for their manufacture
Hollow, fine-grained ceramic proppants are less expensive and improve fracture control when compared to conventional proppants (dense alumina, mullite, bauxite, zirconia, etc.). Hollow proppants of the present invention have been fabricated by spray drying, followed by sintering in order to obtain a dense case and a hollow core. These proppants generally have high sphericity and roundness (Krumbein sphericity and roundness greater than 0.8), have diameters on average between 2,250 and 125 [mu]m, depending on proppant size required, and have strength equal to or greater than that of sand. The hollow core, the size of which can be controlled, permits better fracture control in hydraulic fracturing treatments since the proppant can be transported in lower viscosity fluids. Hollow proppants produced at the same cost/weight as conventional proppants also provide for lower costs, since less weight is required to fill the same volume. The fine-grained (preferably less than 5 [mu]m in diameter) ceramic case provides the strength necessary to withstand closure stresses and prevent crushing. 6 figs.
- Research Organization:
- Terra Tek Inc
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC19-79BC10038
- Assignee:
- Terra Tek, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT (United States)
- Patent Number(s):
- A; US 4547468
- Application Number:
- PPN: US 6-509991
- OSTI ID:
- 7147014
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Lightweight proppants for deep-gas-well stimulation. Third annual report, July 1, 1981-June 30, 1982
Lightweight proppants for deep gas-well stimulation. First annual report, July 1979-July 1980
Related Subjects
020300 -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
42 ENGINEERING
422000* -- Engineering-- Mining & Underground Engineering-- (1980-)
BULK DENSITY
CERAMICS
DENSITY
FABRICATION
FRACTURING
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
PARTICLE SIZE
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
POROSITY
PROPPING AGENTS
SHAPE
SIZE
WELLS