Amphiphobic Proppant
AssigneeBP Corporation North America Inc.
InventorsHerbert M. Sebastian, Mark D. Glover, Philip S. Smith
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Abstract
Methods and compositions for forming a hydraulic fracture are disclosed herein. The methods and compositions make use of novel amphiphobic proppants. The amphiphobic properties of the disclosed proppant compositions provide several advantages over existing solutions. The hydrophobic nature of the proppant enhances recovery of fracture fluid from the fracture as well as prevents liquid build-up with the fracture. Additionally, the lipophobic nature of the proppant may enhance production of hydrocarbons from the fracture.
Claims18
A method of fracturing a subterranean formation comprising:
- a) coating a plurality of particles with an amphiphobic coating to form amphiphobic proppants;
- b) mixing the amphiphobic proppants with a carrier fluid to form a slurry;
- and
- c) introducing the slurry into a fracture in the subterranean formation to prevent build-up of fluid within the fracture and also enhance production of hydrocarbons from the fracture.
A method of fracturing a subterranean formation comprising:
- a) providing amphiphobic proppants made from one or more amphiphobic compounds;
- b) mixing the amphiphobic proppants with a carrier fluid to form a slurry;
- and
- c) introducing the slurry into the subterranean formation to open a fracture, wherein the amphiphobic proppants prevent build-up of fluid within the fracture and also enhance production of hydrocarbons with the fracture.
A proppant comprising:
- a particulate substrate material;
- and
- an amphiphobic coating at least partially covering said particulate substrate material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.