Method for Generating Self-Propped Hydraulic Fractures
AssigneeQuidnet Energy Inc.
InventorsHoward Schmidt, Scott Wright, Bunker Hill, Henry Lau
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Abstract
A method for generating self-propped hydraulic fractures. In one embodiment, the method comprises injecting three fluid stages sequentially, each with successively higher viscosity, comprising a pad, a sealing slurry, and a displacement fluid which may be referred to as a sweep. Compositions of each of the three fluid stages are provided, each of which may be selected based upon characteristics of the formation being treated or upon one or more characteristics of the desired fracture.
Claims26
A method of storing fluid in rock of a subterranean zone for energy storage purposes, comprising:
- injecting a first fluid into a wellbore, wherein the first fluid has a viscosity from one to one thousand centipoise;
- injecting a second fluid into the wellbore, wherein the second fluid has a viscosity from ten to five thousand centipoise;
- wherein the first fluid and the second fluid are injected such that the second fluid has a viscosity equal to or greater than the viscosity of the first fluid.
A method of storing fluid in rock of a subterranean zone for energy storage purposes, comprising:
- injecting a first fluid into a wellbore, wherein the first fluid has a viscosity from one to one thousand centipoise;
- injecting a second fluid into the wellbore, wherein the second fluid begins as a fluid with viscosity from ten to five thousand centipoise but becomes more viscous, or even solid, over time;
- wherein the first fluid and the second fluid are injected such that the second fluid has a viscosity equal to or greater than the viscosity of the first fluid, and may also exhibit greater shear thickening behavior.
A method of generating a self-propped hydraulic fracture in a rock formation, comprising:
- injecting a first fluid into a wellbore, wherein the first fluid has a viscosity from one to one thousand centipoise;
- injecting a second fluid into the wellbore, wherein the second fluid has a viscosity from ten to five thousand centipoise and is loaded between 5% and 30% by weight with particles of varying composition;
- wherein the first fluid and the second fluid are stored under pressure in the rock formation after injecting, and wherein stored fluids comprise the first fluid and the second fluid stored under pressure in the rock formation;
- and
- wherein thermal features of the rock formation provide heat to the stored fluids to provide heated stored fluids, and further wherein the heated stored fluids retain heat from the rock formation when flowing out of the rock formation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.