Shape memory polymer proppants, methods of making shape memory polymer proppants for application in hydraulic fracturing treatments
AssigneeBoard of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College
InventorsArash Dahi Taleghani, Amir Shojaei, Guoqiang Li
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The present disclosure provides for shape memory proppants, methods for making shape memory proppants, and methods of using shape memory proppants, and the like. The strong expandable proppants of the present disclosure may be used in maintaining fracture openings.
Claims17
(canceled)
The method of claim 16, wherein the shape memory polymer proppant further comprises a polymer material.
The method of claim 16, further comprising a mixture comprising sand, ceramic, or a combination thereof to be mixed with the shape memory polymer proppant.
(canceled)
(canceled)
(canceled)
(canceled)
(canceled)
(canceled)
A method, comprising:
- providing a shape memory polymer proppant, wherein the proppant has an activated state and a programmed state, wherein in the activated state of the proppant has an activated state diameter, wherein in the programmed state of the proppant has a programmed state diameter, wherein the activated state diameter is equal to or greater than the programmed state diameter, wherein the proppant in the programmed state will convert to the proppant in the activated state when an activation temperature is applied to the proppant in the programmed state, wherein the shape memory polymer proppant is in the programmed state;
- exposing the shape memory polymer proppant in the programmed state to the activation condition, wherein the activation condition is selected from the group consisting of:
- an activation temperature, a moisture, a light, a pH, a magnetic field, an ultrasonic current, electricity current, and a combination thereof;
- and
- converting the shape memory polymer proppant in the programmed state to the shape memory polymer in the activated state upon exposure to the activation condition, wherein the diameter of the shape memory polymer proppant in the activated state has a diameter that is equal to or greater than the diameter of the shape memory polymer proppant in the programmed state.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.