Tackifier-Coated Fracture Faces for Proppant Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for creating microfractures in subterranean formations using low viscosity fluids and small proppant particles often result in uneven distribution and closure of fractures, leading to reduced conductivity and increased costs due to complex processes and high viscosity fluids that can damage fracture conductivity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a composition with a tackifier and small proppant particles, applied as a low-viscosity fluid to coat fracture faces and maintain proppant adhesion, ensuring even distribution and adherence of proppant particles within the fractures, thereby enhancing conductivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If low viscosity fluid and small proppant are used to create microfractures, then fracture penetration and distribution are improved, but proppant settling and fracture closure increase, reducing conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
A tackifier is introduced as an intermediary substance that coats the fracture surfaces and binds proppant particles to the fracture walls. This mediator prevents proppant settling and maintains fracture aperture, thereby preserving conductivity while allowing the use of low viscosity fluids for effective fracture penetration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface energy parameters of the fracture walls by applying a tackifier coating. This parameter change increases the adhesion between proppant and fracture surface, preventing proppant migration and maintaining stable fracture conductivity without requiring high viscosity fluids.
2Reliability
If crosslinked gel carrier fluid is used to mitigate proppant settling, then proppant suspension is improved, but fluid complexity and cost increase, and fracture conductivity may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the proppant suspension function from the carrier fluid by introducing a separate tackifier substance. Instead of relying on high viscosity gel to suspend proppant, the tackifier is applied to coat fracture surfaces and bind proppant in place, allowing the use of simple low viscosity carrier fluids.
Solution Approach 2:
The tackifier serves as an intermediary that provides the suspension and adhesion function without requiring complex gel chemistry. It enables proppant to remain suspended and adhered to fracture walls using simple aqueous or oil-based carrier fluids, eliminating the need for crosslinked gels.
3Manufacturing precision
If lower density proppant is used to prevent sinking, then proppant distribution is improved, but selection complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent counteracts the effect of proppant density by using a tackifier that provides adhesive bonding force. This allows the use of conventional density proppant while the tackifier prevents gravitational settling by binding proppant to the fracture surfaces, eliminating the need to carefully select low-density proppant.
4Reliability
If high viscosity fluid is used to prevent proppant settling, then proppant suspension is improved, but fracture conductivity is permanently damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The tackifier acts as a mediator that provides proppant adhesion without requiring high viscosity fluids. By coating the fracture surfaces with tackifier, proppant remains suspended and adhered using low viscosity carrier fluids, avoiding the conductive damage associated with high viscosity fluid injection.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method effectively prop open a greater proportion of fractures, maintaining higher conductivity and reducing costs by avoiding separate steps and using normal-density proppants, while preventing damage to fracture networks.
Implementation Method 1
a composition including a tackifier... substantially coating at least part of a face of the fracture with the composition to form at least one adhered layer of the proppant on the face
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments disclosed relate to methods of treating a subterranean formations that provide enhanced fracture conductivity over other methods. In various embodiments, the present invention provides a method of treating a subterranean formation. The method can include obtaining or providing a composition including a tackifier. The composition can have a viscosity less than about 20 cP. The method can include placing the composition in a subterranean formation downhole. The method can also include fracturing the subterranean formation with the composition.