Abstract: A proppant includes a particle and a hybrid coating disposed about the particle. The particle is present in an amount of from about 90 to about 99.5 percent by weight based on the total weight of the proppant and the hybrid coating is present in an amount of from about 0.5 to about 10 percent by weight based on the total weight of the proppant. The hybrid coating comprises the reaction product of an isocyanate component and an alkali metal silicate solution including water and an alkali metal silicate. A method of forming the proppant includes the steps of providing the particle, the isocyanate composition, and the alkali metal silicate solution. The method also includes the steps of combining the isocyanate composition and the alkali metal silicate solution to react and form the hybrid coating and coating the particle with the hybrid coating to form the proppant.

Abstract: Electrically conductive sintered, substantially round and spherical particles and methods for producing such electrically conductive sintered, substantially round and spherical particles from an alumina-containing raw material. Methods for using such electrically conductive sintered, substantially round and spherical particles in hydraulic fracturing operations.

Abstract: Methods of treating an ultra-low permeability subterranean formation having a fracture complexity comprising interconnected fractures including providing a fracturing fluid comprising a base fluid and coated proppant, wherein the coated proppant comprise proppant coated with a degradable material; introducing the fracturing fluid into the ultra-low permeability subterranean formation at a rate and pressure above a fracture gradient of the ultra-low permeability subterranean formation; placing the coated proppant into a fracture of the interconnected fractures so as to form a temporarily impermeable proppant pack comprising the coated proppant therein and reduce or prevent the extension of the fracture; reducing the pressure below the fracture gradient; and degrading the degradable material coated onto the coated proppant so as to cause the temporarily impermeable proppant pack to become a permeable proppant pack.

Abstract: Coacervate gels having excellent shear viscosities and other properties are made with anionic or cationic polymers, a smaller amount of a surfactant having a charge opposite that of the polymer, and a hydrophobic alcohol and an effective amount of a phosphorus-containing compound sufficient to increase the viscosity of coacervate gels up to 3 times as compared to the gels in the absence of the phosphorus-containing compound. The Zeta Potential of the gel is maintained at an absolute value of at least 20. Optional gel promoting additives include betaines and amine oxides. A preferred gel comprises poly diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, a lesser amount of sodium lauryl sulfonate, and lauryl alcohol. The gels are particularly useful in well drilling fluids and well fracturing fluids.

Abstract: A proppant comprises a particle and a polyamide imide coating disposed on the particle. A method of forming the proppant comprises the steps of providing the particle, providing the polyamide imide coating, and coating the particle with the polyamide imide coating.

Abstract: A lost circulation material and method for well treatment employing the material that is effective at sealing or plugging fractured zones and has utility over a wide range of temperatures, including high temperatures. The lost circulation material includes particulate material to quickly de-fluidize the fluid formulation, fibrous material to suspend particles in the slurrified form of the composition and increase the shear strength of the resultant seal, and non-Portland cement material for increasing the compressive strength.

Abstract: Methods of treating a subterranean formation having at least one fracture including providing a thermal thinning resistant treatment fluid comprising an aqueous base fluid, proppant particulates, and a thermally activated suspending agent; wherein the thermally activated suspending agent is hydratable above a threshold temperature; introducing the thermal thinning resistant treatment fluid into the subterranean formation; exceeding the threshold temperature so as to hydrate the thermally activated suspending agent; and placing the proppant particulates into the at least one fracture.

Abstract: Methods of treating a subterranean formation including providing proppant particulates; providing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and a surface modification agent; coating the proppant particulates with a functional agent so as to form functionalized proppant particulates; wherein the functional agent forms a partial molecular layer coating on the proppant particulates; introducing the functionalized proppant particulates into the treatment fluid; and placing the treatment fluid into the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean reservoir includes the steps of delivering a stabilized, non-explosive combustible oxidizing solution (COS) to a desired treatment area in the reservoir and activating the COS with an activator which reduces the pH of the COS. Upon activation, the COS reacts to produce sufficient heat and gas to stimulate the treatment area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lightweight high strength microsphere containing ceramic particles having controlled microsphere placement and/or size and microsphere morphology, which produces an improved balance of specific gravity and crush strength such that they can be used in applications such as proppants to prop open subterranean formation fractions. Proppant formulations are further disclosed which use one or more microsphere containing ceramic particles of the present invention. Methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions are further disclosed. In addition, other uses for the microsphere containing ceramic particles of the present invention are further disclosed, as well as methods of making the microsphere containing ceramic particles.

Abstract: An ultra-lightweight, high strength ceramic proppant made from mixture of naturally occurring clays, preferably porcelain clay, kaolin and/or flint-clay, earthenware clay or other naturally occurring clays having an alumina content between about 5.5% and about 35%. The proppant has an apparent specific gravity from about 2.10 to about 2.55 g/cc, and a bulk density of from about 1.30 to about 1.50 g/cc. This ultra-lightweight proppant is useful in hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas wells, and has greater conductivity than sand at pressures up to 8,000 psi as measured by Stim-Lab after 50 hours and 275° F. on Ohio Sandstone, in the presence of deoxygenated aqueous 2% solution of KCI.

Abstract: Methods of treating a subterranean formation comprising providing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid, proppant particulates, a consolidating agent, a thermoplastic material, and a degradable polyester material; placing the treatment fluid into the subterranean formation; coating the proppant particulates and the consolidating agent with the thermoplastic material and the degradable polyester material together so as to form proppant pillars; and degrading the degradable polyester material.

Abstract: A method of placing proppant into a fracture formed in a subterranean formation from a wellbore is disclosed. The method comprises injecting through the wellbore a first treatment fluid to initiate the fracture in the subterranean formation; injecting through the wellbore a second treatment fluid comprising a particulate blend slurry made of proppant; the particulate blend comprising at least a first amount of particulates having a first average particle size between about 100 and 5000 ?m and at least a second amount of particulates having a second average particle size between about three and twenty times smaller than the first average particle size; and forming with the particulate blend slurry a plurality of proppant-rich clusters spaced apart by proppant-free regions forming open channels.

Abstract: Methods of forming conductive channels in a subterranean formation including providing a subterranean formation having a threshold fracture gradient; introducing a fracturing fluid at a rate above the threshold fracture gradient so as to enhance or create at least one fracture in the subterranean formation; introducing a proppant slurry into the at least one fracture at a rate above the threshold fracture gradient so as to propagate the at least one fracture and deposit the proppant slurry therein; wherein the proppant slurry comprises a base fluid and proppant particulates; injecting a substantially proppant-free resilient viscous fluid into the proppant slurry deposited in the at least one fracture at a rate below the threshold fracture gradient so as to generate a continuous channel within the proppant slurry; setting the proppant slurry; and removing the substantially proppant-free resilient viscous fluid from the at least one fracture in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A method for diverting fluids across a perforation tunnel in high-rate water pack operations may include providing a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation, wherein a perforation tunnel provides a fluid connection between the wellbore and the subterranean formation; providing a diverting particulate that comprises a degradable plasticized polymer coating on a particulate; placing the diverting particulate into the perforation tunnel, wherein the step of placing the diverting particulate forms a particulate pack within the subterranean formation and the perforation tunnel; allowing the degradable plasticized polymer coating to deform and fill the interstitial spaces within the particulate pack in the perforation tunnel such that the fluid conductivity between the wellbore and the subterranean formation is substantially blocked; and allowing the plasticized polymer coating to degrade over time thereby substantially restoring the fluid conductivity between the wellbore and the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Proppant particles coated with an arylolic resin/silicone resin copolymer, wherein the silicon resin contains D units and T units, are suitable for fracturing operations in geological formations and retain their deformability over time without becoming excessively brittle.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising: placing a wellbore servicing fluid comprising a proppant-associated foamed material into the subterranean formation via the wellbore wherein the proppant associated foamed material comprises (i) a proppant and (ii) a foamed material and wherein the proppant forms a proppant pack flow channel within the wellbore having a proppant pack flow channel space that is from about 10% to about 60% greater than the proppant pack flow channel space that would be created by the same amount of proppant in the absence of the foamed material. A wellbore servicing fluid comprising a proppant-loaded foamed material comprising a polylactide, a resin-coated sand, and a carrier fluid.

Abstract: A lightweight proppant with high crush strength can include a ceramic such as silicon carbide or silicon nitride.

Abstract: A proppant comprises a particle and a polymeric coating disposed about the particle. The polymeric coating comprises the reaction product of a novolac polyol, an isocyanate, and an azole. The novolac polyol has a number average molecular weight of from about 200 to about 1000 g/mol. A method of forming the proppant comprises the steps of providing the particle, providing the novolac polyol, providing the isocyanate, and providing the azole. The method also includes the steps of combining the novolac polyol, the isocyanate, and the azole to react and form the polymeric coating and coating the particle with the polymeric coating to form the proppant.

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: Methods of treating a subterranean formation including providing a treatment fluid comprising a base fluid and proppant particulates coated with a swellable organic polymer to form swellable organic polymer coated proppant particulates, wherein the swellable organic polymer coated proppant particulates are water-swellable, having a swelled configuration when contacted with water and an unswelled configuration in the absence of water contact; introducing the treatment fluid into a fracture in the subterranean formation; swelling the swellable organic polymer coated proppant particulates so as to adopt the swelled configuration and form a proppant pack in the fracture; and unswelling the swellable organic polymer coated proppant particulates so as to adopt the unswelled configuration during hydrocarbon production.

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 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: The application discloses a storable composition for oilfield application including a slurry of a carrier fluid and a particulate blend made of proppant; the particulate blend comprising at least a first amount of particulates having a first average particle size between about 100 and 5000 ?m and at least 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 the particulate blend volume is sufficient to substantially avoid settling of the particulate in the carrier fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the production of coated proppants, proppants obtainable by such a process, uses thereof and processes using the proppants.

Abstract: The invention provides for modified proppants, comprising a proppant particle and a hydrogel coating, wherein the hydrogel coating localizes on the surface of the proppant particle to produce the modified proppant, methods of manufacturing such proppants and methods of use.

Abstract: Methods of fracturing a subterranean formation that include the steps of placing a stabilizing fluid comprising a formation stabilizing agent and a degradable fluid loss controlling agent into the subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one fracture therein, wherein the degradable fluid loss controlling agent at least partially covers a face of the fracture; placing a treatment fluid comprising proppants into at least a portion of the fracture; bridging the fluid loss controlling agent, the proppants, or both at or near the tip of the fracture to induce a tip screenout; allowing the proppants to form a proppant pack in the portion of the fracture; and allowing the degradable fluid loss controlling agent to degrade.

Abstract: Methods comprising first introducing a solids-free fracturing fluid into a subterranean formation at a rate sufficient to enhance or create at least one fracture therein. Once a fracture is created or enhanced, a treatment fluid comprising a carrier fluid and a shear-thickening fluid is placed into the fracture. The shear-thickening fluid comprises a propping material selected from the group consisting of: proppant, proppant aggregates, solids free gel bodies, and combinations thereof. The propping material forms a bed within the fracture. In some embodiments, solids-free gel bodies may also be included in the treatment fluid.

Abstract: A method using a propping fluid comprising a first carrier fluid and a plurality of propping agents and a spacer fluid comprising a second carrier fluid and an expandable filler material. The method introduces the propping fluid into a fracture in a subterranean formation and introduces the spacer fluid into the fracture. Then the expandable filler material is exposed to an expanding agent that causes the expandable filler material to expand and press against the adjacent propping agents.

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: The invention provides for modified proppants, comprising a proppant particle and a hydrogel coating, wherein the hydrogel coating localizes on the surface of the proppant particle to produce the modified proppant, methods of manufacturing such proppants and methods of use.

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: Sintered, substantially round and spherical particles and methods for producing such sintered, substantially round and spherical particles from an alumina-containing raw material and a metal oxide sintering aid. The alumina-containing raw material contains from about 40% to about 55% alumina. Methods for using such sintered, substantially round and spherical particles in hydraulic fracturing operations.

Abstract: A method for fracture stimulation of a subterranean formation includes providing a thermoset polymer nanocomposite particle precursor composition comprising a polymer precursor mixture, dispersed within a liquid medium, containing at least one of an initiator; at least one of a monomer, an oligomer or combinations thereof, said monomer and oligomer having three or more reactive functionalities capable of creating crosslinks between polymer chains; at least one of an impact modifier; and nanofiller particles substantially dispersed within the liquid medium; subjecting the nanocomposite particle precursor composition to suspension polymerizing conditions; subjecting the resulting nanocomposite particles to heat treatment; forming a slurry comprising a fluid and a proppant that includes the heat-treated nanocomposite particles; injecting the slurry into a wellbore; and emplacing the proppant within a fracture network in the formation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to proppants which can be used to prop open subterranean formation fractions. Proppant formulations are further disclosed which use one or more proppants of the present invention. Methods to prop open subterranean formation fractions are further disclosed. In addition, other uses for the proppants of the present invention are further disclosed, as well as methods of making the proppants.

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 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: A method of forming a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid is disclosed. The method comprises combining a liquid hydrocarbon, a phosphoric acid ester and a pre-mixed solution comprising water, ferrous ion (Fe2+) and an amine; and forming the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid. A method of treating a portion of a subterranean formation is also disclosed and comprises: providing a gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid, by combining a liquid hydrocarbon, a phosphoric acid ester and a pre-mixed solution comprising water, ferrous ion and an amine, and treating the portion of the subterranean formation with the gelled liquid hydrocarbon treatment fluid.

Abstract: A sintered, generally spherical ceramic body, having an alumina content of from about 52 to about 58 weight percent distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the body, a silica content from about 32 to about 39 weight percent distributed substantially homogeneously throughout the body, an apparent specific gravity of about 2.63 to about 2.67, and a bulk density of about 1.48 to about 1.56 grams per cubic centimeter.

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: The present invention provides modified proppants, and methods for their manufacture. In embodiments, the modified proppant comprises a proppant particle and a hydrogel coating, wherein the hydrogel coating is applied to a surface of the proppant particle and localizes on the surface to produce the modified proppant. In embodiments, formulations are disclosed comprising the modified particles, and methods are disclosed for using the formulations.

Abstract: The components of surfactant-laden fluids, such as those used in hydrocarbon recovery operations such as for stimulation, e.g. hydraulic fracturing, may be re-used and re-cycled into components for subsequent use in a wide range of similar or different operational fluids. In particular, aqueous fluids gelled with viscoelastic surfactants and having components therein to pseudo-crosslink the elongated VES micelles and for internal breaking may be separated into its component parts by relatively inexpensive methods such as filtration. One filtration method includes contacting the surfactant-containing fluid with a particle pack having particulate additives therein which filter out or extract fine solids from the fluid. In an alternate embodiment the surfactant-laden fluid is a nano- and/or micro-emulsion wellbore cleanup fluid.

Abstract: This invention refers to the oil and gas production industry and can be employed to enhance the productivity of wells by preventing the closure of fractures through application of proppant granular material during the formation fracturing operation.

Abstract: A composition and method are disclosed. The composition includes a carrier fluid and a solids mixture combined to form a slurry, wherein the solids mixture comprises a plurality of volume-averaged particle size distribution (PSD) modes, wherein a first PSD mode comprises solids having a volume-average median size at least three times larger than the volume-average median size of a second PSD mode such that a packed volume fraction of the solids mixture exceeds 0.75, and wherein the solids mixture comprises a degradable material and includes a reactive solid. The method includes circulating the slurry through a wellbore to form a pack in a fracture and/or a screen-wellbore annulus; degrading the degradable material to increase porosity and permeability of the pack; and producing a reservoir fluid through the permeable pack.

Abstract: A traceable treatment composition for treating a subterranean formation having multiple zones penetrated by a well bore comprising a homogenous blend of a tracking composition and a resin composition. The tracking composition comprises a substantially non-radioactive tracking material selected from the group consisting of a metal salt. The metal portion of the metal salt may be selected from the group consisting of gold, silver, lithium, molybdenum, and vanadium.

Abstract: The method disclosed herein includes the introduction of proppant-free stage and a proppant laden stage into the wellbore and/or subterranean formation. The method increases the effective fracture width and enhances fracture conductivity within the formation. Either the proppant-free stage or the proppant laden stage contains a breaker. The other stage contains a viscosifying polymer or viscoelastic surfactant to which the breaker has affinity. The proppant-free stage may be introduced prior to introduction of the proppant laden stage into the wellbore and/or formation. Alternatively, the proppant laden stage may be introduced into the wellbore and/or formation prior to introduction of the proppant-free stage.

Abstract: Use of two different methods, either each by itself or in combination, to enhance the stiffness, strength, maximum possible use temperature, and environmental resistance of thermoset polymer particles is disclosed. One method is the application of post-polymerization process steps (and especially heat treatment) to advance the curing reaction and to thus obtain a more densely crosslinked polymer network. The other method is the incorporation of nanofillers, resulting in a heterogeneous “nanocomposite” morphology. Nanofiller incorporation and post-polymerization heat treatment can also be combined to obtain the benefits of both methods simultaneously. The present invention relates to the development of thermoset nanocomposite particles.

Abstract: A method for fracture stimulation of a subterranean formation includes providing a thermoset polymer nanocomposite particle precursor composition comprising a polymer precursor mixture, dispersed within a liquid medium, containing at least one of an initiator; at least one of a monomer, an oligomer or combinations thereof, said monomer and oligomer having three or more reactive functionalities capable of creating crosslinks between polymer chains; at least one of an impact modifier; and nanofiller particles substantially dispersed within the liquid medium; subjecting the nanocomposite particle precursor composition to suspension polymerizing conditions; subjecting the resulting nanocomposite particles to heat treatment; forming a slurry comprising a fluid and a proppant that includes the heat-treated nanocomposite particles; injecting the slurry into a wellbore; and emplacing the proppant within a fracture network in the formation.

Abstract: A wellbore fluid is an aqueous carrier liquid with first and second hydrophobic particulate materials suspended therein. The first hydrophobic particles have a higher specific gravity than the second hydrophobic particles and the fluid also comprises a gas to wet the surface of the particles and bind them together as agglomerates. The fluid may be a fracturing fluid or gravel packing fluid and the first particulate material may be proppant or gravel. The lighter second particulate material and the gas both reduce the density of the agglomerates which form so that they settle more slowly from the fluid, or are buoyant and do not settle. This facilitates transport and placement in a hydraulic fracture or gravel pack. One application of this is when fracturing a gas-shale with slickwater. The benefit of reduced settling is better placement of proppant so that a greater amount of the fracture is propped open.