Fracture propping agents and methods
AssigneeHalliburton Energy Services, Inc.
InventorSteven R. Grundmann
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Abstract
Improved fracture propping agents and methods of using such agents are provided. The propping agents are basically comprised of a plurality of small pieces which are suspendable in a fracturing fluid and have adequate compressive strength to prevent the closure of a fracture into which they are carried. The propping agent pieces have passageways formed therethrough containing a dissolvable substance whereby when the substance is dissolved, the permeability of the propping agent to the flow of formation fluids is increased.
Claims4
An improved method of propping a fracture in a subterranean formation comprising the steps of:
- introducing a propping agent into said fracture consisting of a plurality of small pieces having sizes and densities such that they can be suspended in a fracturing fluid and carried into a fracture thereby, having adequate compressive strength to prevent the closure of said fracture and having passageways formed therethrough containing a dissolvable substance including a gel breaker dissolvable by said fracturing fluid whereby when said substance is dissolved, the permeability of said propping agent to the flow of formation fluids is increased;
- and
- allowing said substance to be dissolved.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.