Methods and Materials for Subterranean Fluid Forming Barriers in Materials Surrounding Wells

摘要

Disclosed is a method and material for forming a fluid barrier in the material surrounding a wellbore. The method involves temporarily opening a fracture extending from the wellbore and then depositing particulates in the fracture which will swell when exposed to the fluid. The particles are deposited in the fracture without causing appreciable swelling thereof and then, after the fracture closes, the particles are allowed to swell when contacted with the fluid to form a fluid barrier.