Methods of fracturing using fly ash aggregates
AssigneeHalliburton Energy Services, Inc.
InventorsPhilip D. Nguyen, Thomas D. Welton
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Abstract
A method of propping at least one fracture in a subterranean formation is provided, the method comprising: forming a plurality of fly ash aggregates, each fly ash aggregate comprising an aqueous component and fly ash; introducing the plurality of fly ash aggregates into the at least one fracture; and curing at least a portion of the fly ash aggregates into at least one hardened mass. Also provided are methods of fracturing a subterranean formation and methods for the downhole formation of proppant particulates.
Claims65
A method of fracturing a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore, comprising:
- introducing a fracturing fluid into the well bore at or above a pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one fracture in the subterranean formation;
- forming a plurality of fly ash aggregates, each fly ash aggregate comprising an aqueous component and fly ash;
- wherein the plurality of fly ash aggregates are introduced into the at least one fracture so that each fracture is a high porosity propped fracture having a porosity of at least about 40%;
- and
- curing at least a portion of the fly ash aggregates into at least one hardened mass within the at least one fracture.
A method of propping at least one fracture in a subterranean formation, comprising:
- forming a plurality of fly ash aggregates, each fly ash aggregate comprising an aqueous component and fly ash;
- introducing the plurality of fly ash aggregates into the at least one fracture;
- wherein at least one fracture is a high porosity propped fracture having a porosity of at least about 40%;
- and
- curing at least a portion of the fly ash aggregates into at least one hardened mass within the at least one fracture.
A method for the downhole formation of proppant particulates, comprising:
- forming a plurality of fly ash aggregates, each fly ash aggregate comprising an aqueous component and fly ash;
- introducing the plurality of fly ash aggregates into at least one fracture in a subterranean formation;
- contacting at least a portion of the fly ash aggregates with a phosphoric acid;
- and allowing the portion of the fly ash aggregates to cure into a at least one hardened mass within the at least one fracture.
A method of propping at least one fracture in a subterranean formation, comprising:
- forming a plurality of fly ash aggregates, each fly ash aggregate comprising an aqueous component and fly ash;
- suspending the plurality of fly ash aggregates in a carrier fluid;
- introducing the carrier fluid into the at least one fracture, the carrier fluid containing the plurality of fly ash aggregates suspended therein;
- contacting at least a portion of the fly ash aggregates with a phosphoric acid;
- allowing the portion of the fly ash aggregates to cure into at least one hardened mass within the at least one fracture;
- and
- recovering at least a portion of the carrier fluid from the at least one fracture.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.