US 2006/0065398 A1 · Method of enhancing hydraulic fracturing using ultra lightweight proppants

Abstract

A subterranean formation having natural fractures, which is to be subjected to hydraulic fracturing, is first pre-treated with an ultra lightweight (ULW) proppant having an average particle size between from about 12/20 to about 40/70. The small ULW proppant flows into the natural fractures and packs the fractures. The formation is then subjected to hydraulic fracturing. The pre-treatment serves to enhance the effective propped fracture length of the formation during the hydraulic fracturing by reducing the loss of fluid from the subsequently pumped fracturing fluid. The method is applicable to hydrocarbon bearing formations as well as non-hydrocarbon bearing formations and has particular applicability to coal beds.

Claims27

Dependent claims

A method for enhancing the productivity of a formation having natural fractures comprising:

pumping into the formation a fluid or slurry containing a ULW proppant having an apparent specific gravity less than or equal to 2.45 and an average particle size between from about 12/20 to about 40/100 mesh, thereby reducing the fluid loss to at least some of the natural fractures in the formation;
and
subsequently extending the fractures created in the formation by subjecting the formation to hydraulic fracturing.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Method of enhancing hydraulic fracturing using ultra lightweight proppants

Life of this patent

Method of enhancing hydraulic fracturing using ultra lightweight proppants

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims27