| 摘要 |
A method is given for heterogeneous proppant placement in fracturing by in situ aggregation of fine mesh proppant particulates or other materials such as fibers in a subterranean fracture. A polymer is injected into a subterranean formation and is subsequently subjected to a chemical reaction, for example hydrolysis, under downhole conditions, which leads to formation of either a cationic or an anionic polyelectrolyte. Alternatively, the polyelectrolyte is synthesized downhole by, for example, a Hofmann degradation or a Mannich reaction. The polyelectrolyte acts as a flocculant and provides aggregation of solid particulates such as sand, mica, silica flour, ceramics and the like, which leads to formation of proppant micropillars deep in the fracture. Methods of aggregation of fibers to enhance bridging, and other applications of controlled flocculation are also given. |
