Methods of forming and maintaining conductive propped fractures in SAGD and geothermal well applications

Abstract

A method of forming propped fractures in a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is provided. The method includes injecting a fracturing fluid through a (e.g., geothermal, SAGD) wellbore into the subterranean formation, thus creating fractures in the subterranean formation, whereby the aggregates and dissolvable particulates are positioned in the created fractures. The fracturing fluid comprises a carrier fluid; aggregates; and dissolvable particulates (e.g., proppant, sand; that dissolves over time under downhole conditions, e.g., T≥230° C.). The method further includes allowing the aggregates to cure into hardened masses (e.g., for functioning as pillars); and dissolving the dissolvable particulates, whereby voids and/or (e.g., solids-free) channels are formed in the (e.g., highly conductive) propped fractures, wherein the voids and/or channels (e.g., surround the solid masses and) provide pathways (e.g., for fluid to flow) through the (e.g., highly conductive) propped fractures (e.g., from the wellbore to another wellbore).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.