US3757862A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Multilayer propping of fractures
Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Co
•
Filing: 1972-08-11
•
Granted: 1973-09-11
•
Expires: 1992-08-11
Abstract
Abstract A method for increasing the permeability of a formation whereby alternate layers of substantially insoluble particles (propping agent) and essentially soluble particles are emplaced in a fracture in said formation. At least one of the layers of substantially insoluble particles is treated with a stabilizing resin which can be hardened or otherwise set up to physically stabilize that layer to resist movement of the insoluble particles back toward the wellbore during the production of fluid through the fracture and into the wellbore.
Inventors
- 👤 L Kern
- 👤 F Martin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 18:33
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/25; E21B43/26; E21B43/267; C; C09; C09K; C09K8/00; C09K8/56; C09K8/565
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
32 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein each layer of said insoluble particles is provided with said stabilizing resin before the next adjacent layer of soluble particles is emplaced in said fracture.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said stabilizing resin is a thermosetting resin, and setting said resin by heating same after emplacement of said resin in said fracture.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 3 wherein said heating is provided by geothermal heat.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said stabilizing resin is a catalytic setting resin, and setting said resin by treating same with a catalyst after emplacement of said resin in said fracture.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said stabilizing resin is a catalytic setting resin, and setting said resin by treating same with a catalyst which also dissolves at least part of said soluble particles.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 6 wherein hydrochloric acid is both said catalyst and said soluble particle solvent.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said insoluble particles, resin, and catalyst are mixed together on the earth''s surface and then introduced into said fracture after which said resin is set up.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
A method according to claim 8 wherein said resin is set up by geothermal heating in said fracture.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
43 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said stabilizing resin is both a thermosetting and a catalytic setting resin, and setting said resin by treating said resin with at least one of heat and catalyst after emplacement of said resin in said fracture.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
53 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said stabilizing resin is at least one resin selected from the group consisting of phenolic resin, urea aldehyde, amine aldehyde, acrylic resin, vinyl resin, allyl resin, alkyl resin, furan resin, polyepoxide resin, polyisocyanate resin, polyester resin, silicone resin, styrene resin, furfuryl alcohol resin, and furfural resin.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 11 wherein said at least one resin is set up using at least one of heat and a catalyst.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
43 words
A method according to laim 11 wherein said resin and insoluble particles are intimately mixed with one another in the absence of carrier fluid to resin wet the insoluble particles with said resin before said insoluble particles are exposed to said carrier fluid.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
35 words
A method according to claim 13 wherein said resin and insoluble particles are mixed in the presence of an effective amount of at least one coupling agent and in the absence of said carrier fluid.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said stabilizing resin is mixed with said insoluble particles on the earth''s surface before emplacement of said insoluble particles into said fracture.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 15 wherein said mixture of resin and insoluble particles is additionally mixed with carrier fluid before emplacement into said fracture.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method according to claim 15 wherein said resin is mixed with both said insoluble particles and an effective amount of at least one coupling agent.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said stabilizing resin is at least one of phenol formaldehyde, urea formaldehyde, and phenol furfural.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
44 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said stabilizing resin is at least one of furfuryl alcohol resin and polyepoxide resin, and said resin is set up by contacting same with a catalyst after emplacement of said resin and insoluble particles in said fracture.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
21 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein said insoluble particle slugs contain an effective amount of at least one coupling agent.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-09-10 | 1977-03-12 | 1977-09-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-09-10 | 1981-03-12 | 1981-09-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-09-10 | 1985-03-12 | 1985-09-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |