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Controlled release proppant

a proppant and controlled technology, applied in the direction of fluid removal, wellbore/well accessories, chemistry apparatus and processes, etc., can solve the problems of increasing production techniques and difficult hydrocarbon recovery from subterranean reservoirs, and achieve the effect of effective downhole delivery systems and complex production techniques

Inactive Publication Date: 2012-02-16
CONOCOPHILLIPS CO
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  • Summary
  • Abstract
  • Description
  • Claims
  • Application Information

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]Unfortunately, as oilfields become more difficult to produce, production techn

Problems solved by technology

Retrieving hydrocarbons from subterranean reservoirs is becoming more difficult as existing reserves are depleted and production becomes more expensive.
Unfortunately, as oilfields become more difficult to produce, production techniques become more complex and more effective downhole delivery systems are required.

Method used

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Examples

Experimental program
Comparison scheme
Effect test

example 1

In Situ Explosive Capsules

[0034]Delivering explosives to a formation can be risky. Explosives can detonate accidentally, get damaged during handling, or become disoriented during delivery. Downhole, explosives are typically delivered in the well bore and do not penetrate to a great extent into the formation. To improve explosive delivery to the formation, a binary explosive can be encapsulated within impermeable capsules that do not rupture prematurely and remain sealed until released by conditions within the formation.

[0035]In one embodiment an aluminum powder is pressed with paraffin to generate an aluminum powder pellet. The aluminum powder pellet is spray mist coated with one or more coats of a hard varnish or polyurethane encapsulating material. Aluminum nitrate is packaged separately in a polypropylene pellet. The aluminum nitrate powder pellet is coated with one or more coats of hard polypropylene or polyethylene to generate an encapsulated pellet. The aluminum powder pellet ...

example 2

Expansion Adhesive

[0040]In another embodiment, a binary chemical reaction can be used exsolve a foaming adhesive within the formation. A pellet comprising commercially available Gorilla Glue™ in a cellulose gel capsule is coated with a hard wax coating. The pellets are mixed with the fracturing fluid. If the fracturing fluid is aqueous, it should be kept below the melting temperature of the hard wax coating. The appropriate ratio of aqueous solution and Gorilla Glue™ are then delivered to the reservoir. Under the heat of the reservoir, the wax melts, the cellulose dissolves in the aqueous solution, and the Gorilla Glue™ is released. Once released, the glue is activated in aqueous solution. Once the foaming adhesive is activated it expands to adhere sand and loosely consolidated formation or maintain fracturing to greater distances within the formation. After the adhesive is cured, the fracturing pressure may be reduced and new fractures will be maintained.

[0041]In another embodiment...

example 3

Biologicals

[0042]Biological materials may be packaged using care when generating the protective capsules. Once the capsules are delivered, the biological material may be released and activated in situ to achieve desired byproducts, convert the heavy oils and bitumens into lighter oils and fuels that can be more easily produced. Species like acetobutylicum can live in an oxygen free environment (anaerobic) and will survive in the formation dependent upon the nutrients that are available or supplied. S. cerevisiae may live in either an aerobic or anaerobic environment producing different products dependent upon the growth conditions. E. coli will undergo rapid growth with oxygen (aerobic) generating products while oxygen is present but will grow more slowly or go dormant once oxygen is depleted.

[0043]In one embodiment, C. acetobutylicum containing a cellulase selection vector is grown to density under anaerobic conditions with a cellulose carbon source. On the cellulase selection vect...

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PUM

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Abstract

Materials are delivered into oil well reservoirs. Highly sensitive, mechanical, biological and chemical agents can be delivered to subterranean formations with rigid, impermeable capsules. A variety of treatments may be delivered to a subterranean formation.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a non-provisional application which claims benefit under 35 USC §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61 / 373,107 filed Aug. 12, 2010, entitled “CONTROLLED RELEASE PROPPANT,” which is incorporated herein in its entirety.STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH[0002]None.FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE[0003]The present disclosure generally relates to the delivery of materials into oil well reservoirs.BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE[0004]Retrieving hydrocarbons from subterranean reservoirs is becoming more difficult as existing reserves are depleted and production becomes more expensive. It has been estimated that mature fields account for up to 70% of the world's production or more. In order to increase production, reservoirs are often treated through chemical treatments, fractures, explosions, consolidations, and other treatments that improve the recovery of hydrocarbons, both oil and gas. A variety of delivery ...

Claims

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Application Information

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IPC IPC(8): E21B43/25
CPCC09K8/516C09K8/536C09K8/706C09K8/92E21B43/263
Inventor EICK, PETER M.BREWER, JOEL D.
Owner CONOCOPHILLIPS CO
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