Abstract: A method for forming a subterranean thermal pathway includes injecting an initial fluid into a subterranean heat reservoir at a pressure above reservoir stress to create an opening of defined width. A slurry containing thermal particles in a carrier fluid is then injected into the opening to form a particle pack. Injection of the slurry is ceased, allowing the particle pack to be compressed under a particle pack stress load determined from the reservoir stress and slurry fluid pressure. The method ensures that the combined effect of opening width reduction under increasing stress to full closure stress, and the resulting increase in particle pack volume fraction, achieves or exceeds a target thermal pathway width. The target width is met by selecting particle size, compressive behavior, and initial solid volume fraction so the pack becomes the thermal pathway at full closure stress.

Abstract: A slurry for enhancing geothermal recovery in a subterranean heat reservoir comprises thermal particles and a carrier fluid. The thermal particles have a selected volume, composition and physical properties sufficient to form a thermal pathway in the reservoir with a particle pack thermal conductivity that meets or exceeds a target thermal conductivity at a thermal pathway stress load of the reservoir. The carrier fluid has a selected fluid volume and viscosity sufficient for the slurry to be injected into openings of the reservoir at an injection pressure higher than the reservoir stress value.

Abstract: A method for enhancing geothermal recovery in a subterranean heat reservoir is disclosed. The method comprises determining a thermal pathway stress load and a pore pressure; selecting a target thermal conductivity and target dimensions of the thermal pathway; selecting a volume of thermal particles; selecting a volume of carrier fluid; mixing the selected volume of thermal particles and the selected volume of carrier fluid to produce the slurry; injecting the slurry into the openings in the subterranean heat reservoir; and closing the openings containing the slurry to form the thermal pathway. Also disclosed are methods for producing a slurry for enhancing geothermal recovery in a subterranean heat reservoir and for preparing a volume of thermal particles for enhancing geothermal recovery in a subterranean heat reservoir. The resulting thermal pathway according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can enhance the geothermal energy recovery over a long period of time.

Abstract: A method of hydraulically fracturing a formation comprises controlling a pump rate during hydraulic fracturing of the first section of the horizontal well bore during a first period to break down the formation while reducing pick up of sand positioned in the well bore; during a subsequent second period to pick up the sand positioned in the well bore generally at a rate at which the formation will accept the sand; and, during a subsequent third period to fracture the formation.

Abstract: A method of hydraulically fracturing a formation comprises controlling a pump rate during hydraulic fracturing of the first section of the horizontal well bore during a first period to break down the formation while reducing pick up of sand positioned in the well bore; during a subsequent second period to pick up the sand positioned in the well bore generally at a rate at which the formation will accept the sand; and, during a subsequent third period to fracture the formation.