Well Treating Agents of Metallic Spheres and Methods of Using the Same

Abstract

Hollow non-porous metallic spheres may be used in treatment of subterranean formations, including hydraulic fracturing and sand control methods, such as gravel packing. The spheres typically having a diameter ranging from about 4 mesh to about 100 mesh. When employed in deep water environments having high closure stresses, the spheres have a thicker wall and are characterized by the higher ASG, typically between 2.5 to about 4.0. The ASG of the spheres, when less harsh environments are encountered, is generally ultra lightweight (ULW) with an ASG less than or equal to 2.0. Fracture conductivity may be increased by the placement of the hollow non-porous metallic spheres as a partial monolayer.

Description

[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60 / 897,679, filed on Jan. 26, 2007, wherein is herein incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]This invention relates to methods and compositions useful for subterranean formation treatments, such as hydraulic fracturing and sand control. In particular, this invention relates to the use of hollow substantially non-porous metallic spheres in sand control methods such as gravel packing, frac pack treatments, etc., as well as proppant material in hydraulic fracturing.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Stimulation procedures often require the use of well treating materials having high compressive strength. In hydraulic fracturing, such materials must further be capable of enhancing the production of fluids and natural gas from low permeability formations.[0004]In a typical hydraulic fracturing treatment, fracturing treatment fluid containing a solid proppant material is injected into the wellbore at...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is about a well treating agent composed of hollow non-porous metallic spheres. These spheres can be used as proppants in fracturing hydrocarbon-bearing formations. The spheres have high compressive strength, making them ideal for use in deep water environments. The agent can also capture and trap spalding fines formed during closure. The well treating agent and composite can be used in sand control to prevent the passage of formation particles from the subterranean formation into the wellbore. Overall, the invention provides a well-treating agent with improved properties for use in oil and gas wells.

Problems solved by technology

Proppant transport is often difficult with such proppants.

In conventional sand packs, tightly held packs often are characterized by insufficient interconnected interstitial spaces between abutting particulates.

Unfortunately, partial monolayer fracturing has been difficult to achieve with state-of-the-art proppants.

When such migration occurs, such grains and fines typically reduce the rate of hydrocarbon production from the well.

In addition, such grains and fines can cause serious damage to well tubulars and to well surface equipment.

Concerns exist however that ULW particulates do not demonstrate the chemical resistance properties required of particulates for use in gravel packing.

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