Abstract: A fracturing method comprises: pumping a first stream of liquefied petroleum gas and gelling agent with a first frac pressure pump; pumping a second stream of lubricated proppant with a second frac pressure pump; combining the first stream and the second stream within a wellhead into a combined stream; pumping the combined stream into a hydrocarbon reservoir; and subjecting the combined stream in the hydrocarbon reservoir to fracturing pressures. A fracturing apparatus comprises: a first frac pressure pump connected to a first port of a wellhead; a second frac pressure pump connected to a second port of the wellhead; a frac fluid source connected to simply a stream of frac fluid comprising liquefied petroleum gas to the first frac pressure pump; a gel source connected to supply a gelling agent into the frac fluid; and a proppant supply source connected to supply lubricated proppant to the second frac pressure pump.

Abstract: A vapor hood for a proppant blending system, with a proppant entrance port to receive proppant, the proppant entrance port having a one way valve to allow the flow of proppant but prevent the backflow of vapor when the proppant is not entering the vapor hood.

Abstract: A vapor hood for a proppant blending system, with a proppant entrance port to receive proppant, the proppant entrance port having a one way valve to allow the flow of proppant but prevent the backflow of vapor when the proppant is not entering the vapor hood.

Abstract: A fracturing method comprises: pumping a first stream of liquefied petroleum gas and gelling agent with a first frac pressure pump; pumping a second stream of lubricated proppant with a second frac pressure pump; combining the first stream and the second stream within a wellhead into a combined stream, pumping the combined stream into a hydrocarbon reservoir; and subjecting the combined stream in the hydrocarbon reservoir to fracturing pressures. A fracturing apparatus comprises: a first frac pressure pump connected to a first port of a wellhead; a second frac pressure pump connected to a second port of the wellhead; a frac fluid source connected to simply a stream of frac fluid comprising liquefied petroleum gas to the first frac pressure pump; a gel source connected to supply a gelling agent into the frac fluid; and a proppant supply source connected to supply lubricated proppant to the second frac pressure pump.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for fracturing a formation penetrated by a well comprises a frac pressure pump, a frac fluid source, and a proppant supply source. The frac pressure pump is connected to the well. The frac fluid source is connected to supply a stream of frac fluid to the frac pressure pump. The proppant supply source has a proppant receiver, a positive displacement pump, and at least an inlet into the proppant supply source. The at least an inlet is connected to one or more liquid hydrocarbon sources to supply liquid hydrocarbons to proppant in the proppant supply source. The positive displacement pump is connected to pump proppant into the stream of frac fluid before the frac pressure pump. Fluid lines connecting the frac pressure pump, the well, and the frac fluid source have isolation valves spaced so that the volume of fluid containable between any set of neighboring isolation valves is less than or equal to 500 L.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying proppant is disclosed, comprising a vessel and a level monitor. The vessel has an interior containing a mixture of proppant and liquid, an inlet for supplying proppant to the interior, and an outlet for supplying the mixture of proppant and liquid from the interior of the vessel. The level monitor is associated with the vessel for monitoring at least a level of liquid and has a discriminator for discriminating between the level of liquid and a level of proppant in the mixture of proppant and liquid. A method of supplying proppant is also disclosed. A vessel is provided at least partially filled with a mixture of proppant and liquid and having a level of liquid and a level of proppant. The level of liquid in the mixture of proppant and liquid is monitored. The mixture of proppant and liquid is supplied from the vessel through an outlet in the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for fracturing a formation penetrated by a well is disclosed comprising a frac pressure pump, a frac fluid source, and a proppant supply source. The frac pressure pump is connected to the well. The frac fluid source is connected to supply a stream of frac fluid to the frac pressure pump. The proppant supply source has a proppant receiver, a positive displacement pump, and at least an inlet into the proppant supply source. The at least an inlet is connected to one or more liquid hydrocarbon sources to supply liquid hydrocarbons to proppant in the proppant supply source. The positive displacement pump is connected to pump proppant into the stream of frac fluid before the frac pressure pump. Fluid lines connecting the frac pressure pump, the well, and the frac fluid source have isolation valves spaced so that the volume of fluid containable between any set of neighboring isolation valves is less than or equal to 500 L.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for fracture stimulating well bores using gaseous nitrogen and/or liquid carbon dioxide combined with a partially dehydrated proppant. The method includes mixing proppant with a fracturing fluid to create a proppant-laden slurry, removing the majority of the fluid from the proppant using centrifugal forces, blending the proppant with gaseous nitrogen and/or liquid carbon dioxide, and thereafter utilizing that combination to fracture-stimulate well bores. The method also includes the use of monitoring and flow control equipment to regulate and/or automate the method.