Abstract: Method of treating a hydrocarbon-bearing formation having brine and treated hydrocarbon-bearing formations. The method includes contacting a hydrocarbon-bearing formation with a composition comprising solvent and a polymer. The polymer comprises divalent units represented by formula: (formula I); and a plurality of alkyleneoxy groups. In some embodiments, the solvent at least one of solubilizes or displaces the brine in the formation. In some embodiments, the solvent includes at least one of a polyol or polyol ether independently having from 2 to 25 carbon atoms and at least one of water, a monohydroxy alcohol, an ether, or a ketone, wherein the monohydroxy alcohol, the ether, and the ketone each independently have up to 4 carbon atoms. Hydrocarbon-bearing formations and proppants treated with the polymer are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of increasing the fracture complexity in a treatment zone of a subterranean formation is provided. The subterranean formation is characterized by having a matrix permeability less than 1.0 microDarcy. The method includes the step of pumping one or more fracturing fluids into a far-field region of a treatment zone of the subterranean formation at a rate and pressure above the fracture pressure of the treatment zone. A first fracturing fluid of the one or more fracturing fluids includes a first solid particulate, wherein: (a) the first solid particulate includes a particle size distribution for bridging the pore throats of a proppant pack previously formed or to be formed in the treatment zone; and (b) the first solid particulate comprises a degradable material. In an embodiment, the first solid particulate is in an insufficient amount in the first fracturing fluid to increase the packed volume fraction of any region of the proppant pack to greater than 73%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to encapsulated breakers and the use of encapsulated breakers for breaking viscosified treatment fluids. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method of providing a viscosified treatment fluid having a first viscosity having a gelling agent, a crosslinking agent, a proppant, an aqueous-base fluid, and an encapsulated breaker composition having an encapsulant that has a poly(meth)acrylate blend; introducing the viscosified treatment fluid in the subterranean formation; creating or enhancing a fracture in a subterranean formation; and allowing the encapsulated breaker composition to release the breaker so as to reduce the viscosity of the viscosified treatment fluid to a second viscosity.

Abstract: A process for utilizing microwaves to heat H2O within a subterranean region wherein the heated H2O contacts heavy oil in the subterranean region to lower the viscosity of the heavy oil and improve production of the heavy oil.

Abstract: Treating a subterranean formation includes injecting a magnetically permeable material into the formation and energizing the magnetically permeable material using electromagnetic radiation. The magnetically permeable material reacts to the electromagnetic radiation by producing heat. In some embodiments, a fracturing fluid is made magnetically permeable, injected into the formation to fracture the formation, and heated in response to electromagnetic radiation applied to the magnetically permeable material. In some embodiments, electromagnetically heated material is caused to explode. In some embodiments, the magnetically permeable material is tracked or monitored for fluid or fracture propagation. A system includes a fluid treatment tool disposed on a tubing string for injecting magnetically permeable material and an electromagnetic wave generator disposed on the tubing string proximate the fluid treatment apparatus for applying electromagnetic radiation to the magnetically permeable material.

Abstract: This invention relates to a resin preparable by reaction of a phenol/formaldehyde novolak with tetraethyl orthosilicate in a mass ratio above 28:1, wherein the phenol of the phenol/formaldehyde novolak is substituted or unsubstituted hydroxybenzene or a mixture of two or more such phenols, and to a particulate material coated with said resin. Said particles can be used e.g. in the shell molding process for the production of shell molds and shell cores; and as proppants for use in the hydraulic fracturing process.

Abstract: The invention relates to the area of oil and gas production (especially, to the production in which the propping technique is used for the stimulation of a well) and can be used in the development of a composition and a method of production of propping agents (proppant), as well as a method of application of these propping agents. A new type of proppant, proppant production method and use of the proppant are based on allowing the production of proppant having an apparent density of 2.5 to 4.0 g/cm3, as well as a high mechanical strength and a high chemical durability. A proppant contains granules made of the sintered feedstock, wherein the charge mixture containing at least one of the following materials—silicon carbide, boron carbide, titanium carbide, silicon nitride, titanium nitride, boron nitride, silicon oxynitrides, SIALON-type compounds, was used as the feedstock.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing fracturing stimulation in subterranean formations using in situ foam generation and pressure pulsing including providing a jetting fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid; providing a fracturing fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid, a gelling agent, a proppant agent, a gas generating chemical, and a gas activator; introducing the jetting fluid into a subterranean formation to create or enhance at least one fracture therein; introducing the fracturing fluid into the at least one fracture; applying intermittent pressure pulsing to the fracturing fluid to extend the at least one fracture.

Abstract: In stimulating a subterranean zone surrounding a well bore, a perforation trajectory is identified that is transverse to a predicted direction of primary fracture propagation in the subterranean zone. A perforating gun in the well bore is aimed to perforate in the perforation trajectory, and then operated to perforate the well bore in the perforation trajectory. Thereafter, a fracture treatment is performed on the subterranean zone through the perforations.

Abstract: Methods of consolidating proppant particulates in a subterranean formation comprising providing a proppant slurry comprising a carrier fluid, proppant particulates, and a curable resin composition. The curable resin composition comprises a solid curable resin particulate, a curing agent, and a silane coupling agent. The proppant slurry is introduced into a fracture within a subterranean formation and thereafter solid curable resin particulate softens so as to coat the proppant particulates and then is cured so as to consolidate the proppant particulates into a permeable proppant pack.

Abstract: Methods of treating a subterranean formation including introducing a fracturing fluid into the subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one fracture therein; providing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid, proppant particulates, a crosslinking agent, and a stress-activated resin comprising a stress-activated moiety, wherein the stress-activated resin does not substantially react with the crosslinking agent until placed under stress; introducing the treatment fluid into the at least one fracture of the subterranean formation; removing the pressure in the subterranean formation such that the fracture closes on the treatment fluid and applies a stress to the stress-activated resin; and crosslinking the resin with the crosslinking agent, thereby forming a resinous proppant pack therein.

Abstract: Methods of propping subterranean fractures using swellable particulates. Some methods alternate the placement into a fracture of proppant and swellable particulates. Other methods alternate the placement into a fracture of proppant-free fluid and swellable particulates. Still other methods combine proppant and swellable particulates into a single fluid and place that fluid into a subterranean fracture. The methods are useful for treatment of low closure stress formations.

Abstract: A method for treating a well includes positioning a seat within the well that is capable of catching an obstruction which will prevent flow of fluid downstream of the seat. According to one embodiment of the invention, the seat is formed by expanding a sleeve with a ring positioned around its periphery or as a subsequent step in the process. As the sleeve is expanded over the ring, the seat is formed. Once the seat is formed, an obstruction in the form of a ball or dart is dropped down to the seat. In another embodiment the sleeve acts as a stop for a secondary valve seat which catches the obstruction. The casing uphole of the seat is perforated so that fluid under pressure will enter the formation surrounding the perforations. The process is particularly useful for fracing a formation in a horizontal well where numerous stages are required to complete the stimulation of the well. There is also potential application in vertical wells.

Abstract: Methods of forming highly conductive pillars and channels in propped fractures in a subterranean formation including a) introducing high-density proppants into a fracture within a subterranean formation, wherein the fracture has a lower portion and an upper portion; b) introducing a spacer gel into the fracture; c) introducing low-density proppants into the fracture; d) repeating any sequence of a), b), and c) until a predetermined amount of high-density proppants, spacer gel, and low-density proppants has been introduced into the fracture; e) allowing the high-density proppants to migrate to the lower portion of the fracture and form a high-density proppant pack; and f) allowing the low-density proppants to migrate to the upper portion of the fracture and form a low-density proppant pack.

Abstract: Methods comprising providing a carrier fluid having a density; providing a proppant aggregates having a density higher than that of the carrier fluid; and, providing low-density particulates having a density lower than that of the carrier fluid. Then the carrier fluid, proppant aggregates, and low-density particulates are combined to create a propping fluid. The propping fluid then is placed into a fracture within a subterranean formation wherein the low-density particulates slow the settling of the proppant aggregates within the fracture.

Abstract: Methods, fluids, equipment and/or systems for treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, which use less water, less energy, less equipment, have a smaller wellsite footprint, a reduced carbon dioxide emission, an improved distribution of proppant among a plurality of flow paths, an improved stimulation of reservoir fluid production, an improved risk management method, or the like, or any combination thereof, relative to comparable conventional treatment methods, fluids, equipment and/or systems such as, for example, hydraulic fracture treatments of subterranean formations using slickwater and/or high-viscosity treatment fluids.

Abstract: Methods of treating subterranean formations with treatment fluids comprising foam particulates are provided. One embodiment provides a method of fracturing a subterranean formation comprising introducing a fracturing fluid into the subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one fracture therein; providing proppant aggregates themselves comprising proppant particles coated with a binding fluid and having foamed particulates adhered thereto; and placing the proppant aggregates suspended in gelled treatment fluid into at least a portion of the fracture so as to form a proppant pack therein.

Abstract: Methods are provided that include a method of a) placing a hydrojetting tool into a subterranean formation; b) introducing a jetting fluid that includes an aqueous base fluid, a stabilizing agent, and a cutting agent into the subterranean formation by use of the hydrojetting tool at a rate sufficient to create at least one fracture; c) introducing a slug fluid that includes an aqueous base fluid and a degradable diverting agent into an annulus formed between the hydrojetting tool and the subterranean formation; d) introducing a propping fluid that includes an aqueous base fluid and proppants coated with a consolidating agent into the annulus formed between the hydrojetting tool and the subterranean formation; and e) placing the proppants in the fracture.

Abstract: A method for minimizing the amount of metal crosslinked viscosifier necessary for treating a wellbore with proppant or gravel is given. The method includes using fibers to aid in transporting, suspending and placing proppant or gravel in viscous carrier fluids otherwise having insufficient viscosity to prevent particulate settling. Fibers are given that have properties optimized for proppant transport but degrade after the treatment into degradation products that do not precipitate in the presence of ions in the water such as calcium and magnesium. Crosslinked polymer carrier fluids are identified that are not damaged by contaminants present in the fibers or by degradation products released by premature degradation of the fibers.

Abstract: Methods of controlling fluid loss, providing fluid diversion, or plugging a portion of a well bore using a treatment fluid including relatively insoluble borate material particulates that are placed into a subterranean formation to provide the desired action and then degrade over time in the subterranean formation in the presence of an aqueous fluid such as water.

Abstract: Methods for placing proppant aggregates using a diverting fluid comprising a diverting agent and a packing fluid. Proppant aggregates are introduced into a fracture that is fluidically connected to a wellbore through a plurality of perforations. Thereafter, a diverting diverting fluid is introduced into the wellbore to seal some perforations and leave at least one unsealed perforation. Once some perforations are sealed, a packing fluid is introduced into the fracture through the at least one unsealed perforation, thereby forming the proppant aggregates to move together and form a proppant bed within the fracture.

Abstract: A method includes treating a first formation intersecting a wellbore, preparing a diversion fluid including an inactivated viscosifier and an inactivated thinning agent, and positioning an amount of the diversion fluid to isolate the first formation. An activator is then delivered to the diversion fluid, thereby activating the inactivated viscosifier and triggering a thinning agent activation process.

Abstract: A subterranean zone surrounding a well bore is fractured with a fracturing fluid. Micro proppant of 200 mesh or smaller is pumped into far field fractures of the subterranean zone and props the far field fractures open.

Abstract: A method of heterogeneous proppant placement in a subterranean fracture is disclosed. The method comprises injecting well treatment fluid including proppant (16) and proppant-spacing filler material called a channelant (18) through a wellbore (10) into the fracture (20), heterogeneously placing the proppant in the fracture in a plurality of proppant clusters or islands (22) spaced apart by the channelant (24), and removing the channelant filler material (24) to form open channels (26) around the pillars (28) for fluid flow from the formation (14) through the fracture (20) toward the wellbore (10). The proppant and channelant can be segregated within the well treatment fluid, or segregated during placement in the fracture. The channelant can be dissolvable particles, initially acting as a filler material during placement of the proppant in the fracture, and later dissolving to leave the flow channels between the proppant pillars.

Abstract: A proppant discharge system has a container with an outlet formed at a bottom thereof and a gate slidably affixed at the outlet so as to be movable between a first position covering the outlet to second position opening the outlet, and a support structure having an actuator thereon. The container is removably positioned on the top surface of the support structure. The actuator is engageable with gate so as to move the gate from the first position to the second position. A conveyor underlies the container so as to receive proppant as discharged from the container through the outlet. The container is a ten foot ISO container.

Abstract: The stimulated rock volume (SRV) of a subterranean formation may be increased by pumping viscous fracturing fluid into the formation in a first stage to create or enlarge a primary fracture, decreasing the pumping in order for the fluid to increase in viscosity within the primary fracture, and then continuing to pump viscous fluid into the formation in a second stage. The fluid pumped into the second stage is diverted away from the primary fracture and a secondary fracture is created. The directional orientation of the secondary fracture is distinct from the directional orientation of the primary fracture. The fluid of the first stage may contain a viscosifying polymer or viscoelastic surfactant or may be slickwater.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to well treatment fluids and methods that utilize nano-particles. Exemplary nano-particles are selected from the group consisting of particulate nano-silica, nano-alumina, nano-zinc oxide, nano-boron, nano-iron oxide, and combinations thereof. Embodiments also relate to methods of cementing that include the use of nano-particles. An exemplary method of cementing comprises introducing a cement composition into a subterranean formation, wherein the cement composition comprises cement, water and a particulate nano-silica. Embodiments also relate to use of nano-particles in drilling fluids, completion fluids, simulation fluids, and well clean-up fluids.

Abstract: A method of hydraulic fracturing is provided which uses metal silicides to generate significant pressure inside a wellbore. The method comprises injecting a fracturing fluid and an aqueous or reacting fluid into the wellbore to react with the fracturing fluid. The fracturing fluid comprises metal silicide, which may be uncoated or coated, and hydrocarbon fluid. The aqueous fluid comprises water. The reacting fluid comprises water or a solvent. A method of removing buildup in pipelines such as subsea pipelines which uses metal silicides to generate heat and pressure inside the pipeline is also provided. The method comprises injecting an organic slug and an aqueous slug. The organic slug comprises metal silicide and hydrocarbon fluid. The aqueous slug comprises water. Alternatively, there is also provided a method for purifying flowback water produced from a hydraulic fracturing process comprising adding metal silicide to the flowback water produced from a hydraulic fracturing process.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of treating a subterranean formation of a well bore, including the steps of providing a first treatment fluid substantially free of macroscopic particulates; pumping the first treatment fluid into the well bore at different pressure rates to determine the maximum matrix rate and the minimum frac rate; subsequently, pumping the first treatment fluid above the minimum frac rate to initiate at least one fracture in the subterranean formation; providing a second treatment fluid comprising a second carrier fluid, a particulate blend including a first amount of particulates having a first average particle size between about 100 and 2000 ?m and a second amount of particulates having a second average particle size between about three and twenty times smaller than the first average particle size, such that a packed volume fraction of the particulate blend exceeds 0.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of treating a subterranean formation of a well bore, that provides a first treatment fluid; subsequently, pumps the first treatment fluid to initiate a network of low conductivity fractures in the subterranean formation; provides a second treatment fluid comprising a second carrier fluid, a particulate blend including a first amount of particulates having a first average particle size between about 100 and 2000 ?m and a second amount of particulates having a second average particle size between about three and twenty times smaller than the first average particle size, such that a packed volume fraction of the particulate blend exceeds 0.74; and subsequently, pumps the second treatment fluid to initiate at least one high conductivity fracture in the subterranean formation, wherein the high conductivity fracture has a conductivity higher than the average of the conductivity of the low conductivity fractures and connects the network of the low conductivity fractures.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a degradable latex comprising a stable dispersion of macromolecules in a liquid medium, wherein the macromolecules comprise a primary moiety comprising a plurality of functional groups, and a plurality of secondary moiety each chemically bonded through a labile linkage to the functional groups of the primary moiety, wherein at least a portion of residues of the secondary moiety are dispersible in the liquid medium. Methods of making and degrading the degradable latex, treating a formation and a treatment fluid are also disclosed.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a proppant core having an outer surface and polymeric microspheres attached to at least a portion of the outer surface are described. The compositions are useful, for example, to increase the productivity of a hydrocarbon oil or gas bearing well.

Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing method includes injecting a fluid containing a transitory binder and filler into a substantially horizontal well casing without any placement apparatus present in the substantially horizontal well casing, the filler containing particles of a solid material. The transitory binder and filler are placed over first perforations in the well casing. The method includes opening second perforations through the well casing, injecting additional fracturing fluid through the substantially horizontal well casing, and forming a plug over and through the first perforations with the transitory binder and filler.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing the conductivity of propped fractures in subterranean formations may involve using a tackifier to minimize particulate settling during particulate placement operations in subterranean formations. For example, methods may involve introducing a first treatment fluid into a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to create or extend at least one fracture in the subterranean formation; and introducing a second treatment fluid into the wellbore at a pressure sufficient to maintain or extend the fracture in the subterranean formation. The first treatment fluid may include at least a first aqueous base fluid and a tackifier. The second treatment fluid may include at least a second aqueous base fluid and a proppant particle.

Abstract: A method for hydraulically fracturing subterranean formations in a manner resulting in improved propping of fractures, particularly in ductile rock formations such as gas-containing shales having a high clay content. The method allows for improved hydrocarbon production. The method involves injecting a first fluid having a first proppant concentration into the subsurface formation to form a fracture, reducing the pressure in the fracture and allowing the fracture to substantially close, and injecting a second fluid having a second proppant concentration into the fracture to re-open the fracture. The second proppant concentration is greater than the first proppant concentration. A portion of the proppant is effectively retained in the reopened fracture.

Abstract: Delayed-tackifier coated particulates and treatment fluids comprising delayed-tackifier coated particulates wherein the tackifier is associated with a surfactant. The treatment fluids may be used in methods that include providing a treatment fluid that comprises an aqueous base fluid and a delayed-tackifier coated particulate and introducing that treatment fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. Once within the formation, forming a particulate pack, wherein the particulate pack is a gravel pack along a portion of the wellbore, a proppant pack within a portion of the subterranean formation, or both.

Abstract: The invention provides economically effective methods for hydraulic fracturing a subterranean formation that ensure improvement of the hydraulic fracture conductivity because of forming strong proppant clusters uniformly placed in the fracture throughout its length. One of these methods comprises: a first stage comprising injection of fracturing fluid into a borehole, the fluid containing thickeners to create a fracture in the formation; and a second stage comprising introduction of proppant into the injected fracturing fluid to prevent closure of the created fracture, and further, comprising introducing an agent into the fracturing fluid to provide formation of proppant clusters in the created fracture and channels for flowing formation fluids.

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 composition comprising a fluorinated pyridinium cationic compound of formula (I) wherein Rf is R1(CH2CH2)n—, R1 is a C7 to C20 perfluoroalkyl group interrupted by at least one catenary oxygen atom, each oxygen bonded to two carbon atoms, n is an integer of 1 to 3, and R is H, C1 to C5 linear or branched alkyl, or C1 to C5 linear or branched alkoxy, having surfactant properties for lowering surface tension in an aqueous medium or solvent medium, and for use as a foaming agent.

Abstract: The present invention involves methods of using particulates coated with a tackifying agent that need not be used immediately once they are prepared and that provide increased viscosity when placed into an aqueous fluid. The described methods include the steps of contacting particulates with a tackifying agent to create tackified particulates; contacting the tackified particulates with a partitioning agent to form coated particulates that are capable of being stored for a time period, wherein the partitioning agent comprises a hydratable polymeric material; and, placing the coated particulates in an aqueous treatment fluid whereby the partitioning agent hydrates and increases the viscosity of the treatment fluid.

Abstract: Generally, hydrophobic/oleophobic proppant particles may have hydrophobic and oleophobic surfaces. Hydrophobic/oleophobic proppant particles may be utilized for treating at least a portion of a subterranean formation with a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and the hydrophobic/oleophobic proppant particle. Treatments may involve the formation of proppant packs, gravel packs, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of generating a network of fractures in a rock formation for extraction of hydrocarbon or other resource from the formation. The method includes the steps of i) enhancing a network of natural fractures and incipient fractures within the formation by injecting a non-slurry aqueous solution into the well under conditions suitable for promoting dilation, shearing and/or hydraulic communication of the natural fractures, and subsequently ii) inducing a large-fracture network that is in hydraulic communication with the enhanced natural fracture network by injecting a plurality of slurries comprising a carrying fluid and sequentially larger-grained granular proppants into said well in a series of injection episodes.

Abstract: Generally, methods for propping complex fracture networks in tight subterranean formations may involve introducing a first treatment fluid comprising a first base fluid and a first propping agent having a mean particulate size distribution ranging from about 0.5 microns to about 20 microns into a fracture network in a subterranean formation; and then introducing a second treatment fluid comprising a second base fluid and a second propping agent having a mean particulate size distribution greater than about 35 microns into the fracture network.

Abstract: A method of fracturing a subterranean formation comprising at least in part shale formation, comprises providing a carrier fluid; providing a particulate blend including a first amount of particulates having a first average particle size between about 100 and 2000 microns and a second amount of particulates having a second average particle size between about three and twenty times smaller than the first average particle size, such that a packed volume fraction of the particulate blend exceeds 0.75; combining the carrier fluid and the particulate blend into a fracturing slurry; fracturing the formation with the fracturing slurry to create at least a fracture; and removing the second amount of particulates from the fracture.

Abstract: Hydraulic fracturing an individual reservoir fracturing layer of a subterranean formation to produce heterogeneous proppant placement is given in which pillars of proppant are placed such that the pillars do not extend the entire height of the fracture (for a vertical fracture) but are themselves interrupted by channels so that the channels between the pillars form pathways that lead to the wellbore. The method combines methods of introducing slugs of proppant-carrying and proppant-free fluids through multiple clusters of perforations within a single fracturing layer of rock, with methods of ensuring that the slugs exiting the individual clusters do not merge.

Abstract: Methods of treating a subterranean formation can comprise introducing a pre-flush fluid into a subterranean formation having particulate matter therein; introducing a curable adhesive composition comprising a silane coupling agent and a polymer, the polymer having a reactive silicon end group, into the subterranean formation subsequent to the pre-flush fluid; introducing an aqueous post-flush fluid into the subterranean formation subsequent to the curable adhesive composition; and allowing the curable adhesive composition to at least partially consolidate particulate matter within the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A method of producing oil which begins by drilling, casing and inserting a tubing string in a wellbore. The method then perforates both an upper portion and a lower portion of the casing to establish communication between the wellbore with a upper horizontal fracture and a lower horizontal fracture. A retrievable packer or a seal assembly is inserted horizontally between the tubing string and the casing and vertically between the upper horizontal fracture and the lower horizontal fracture for heat isolation. Steam is then injected into the wellbore both into the upper horizontal fracture and the lower horizontal fracture. Heavy oil is then produced from the lower horizontal fracture while injecting steam into the upper horizontal fracture.

Abstract: The invention describes improved fracturing compositions, methods of preparing fracturing compositions and methods of use. Importantly, the subject invention overcomes problems in the use of mists as an effective fracturing composition particularly having regard to the ability of a mist to transport an effective volume of proppant into a formation. As a result, the subject technologies provide an effective economic solution to using high ratio gas fracturing compositions that can be produced in a continuous (i.e. non-batch) process without the attendant capital and operating costs of current pure gas fracturing equipment.

Abstract: Methods and systems of fracturing subterranean formations are provided comprising pumping metacritical phase natural gas into a subterranean formation to create or extend one or more fissures in the formation. Methods and systems may further comprise maintaining or increasing pressure of the metacritical phase natural gas in the formation by pumping more metacritical phase natural gas into the fissures to hold the fissures open. Methods and systems may further comprise delivering a proppant into the subterranean formation. Disclosed methods and systems may be used to extract hydrocarbons from subterranean formations without the use of liquids.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for low damage gravel packing. The system comprises a well bore; a gravel packing slurry comprising a carrier fluid and a solids mixture, wherein the solids mixture comprises a plurality of volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes such that a packed volume fraction (PVF) exceeds 0.75, wherein the solids mixture comprises at least a proppant PSD mode and a fines PSD mode; a pump to circulate the slurry in the wellbore and form a proppant pack; and a dispersant source effective to facilitate fines flowback from the pack. The method comprises circulating the slurry through a wellbore to form a proppant pack; contacting fines in the pack with a dispersant; and passing fluid through the pack to remove fines from the pack.