An Intelligent Alternative in Combating Proppant Back-production: Multiple coats of uniquely formulated curable resin protect sand and ceramic propping materials from flowback and embedment, and greatly enhance conductivity and crush resistance

摘要

As a negative result of hydraulic fracturing, even minor instances of proppant flowback compromise the conductivity and permeability of the prop-pant pack. The flowback, which occurs during initial cleanup or after the well is put back into full production, ultimately robs proppant from the fractures, eventually restraining production flow. But it also can lead to costly, protracted well service operations. The ability to keep proppant flowback to an absolute minimum serves to stabilize frac tures, even under cyclical stresses, thereby helping conduct hydrocarbons into the well-bore at or near the rate designated in the frac plan. With proppant flowback at a minimum, the customer justifies the expense of the fracturing treatment i.e., he or she gets what is paid for and benefits from results of higher long term fracture conductivity, such as greater hydrocarbon recovery during the productive life of the well.