Enhancing the Conductivity of Propped Fractures

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.

The invention claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method comprising:
 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, the first treatment fluid comprising a first aqueous base fluid and a tackifier,
 wherein the first treatment fluid causes at least a portion of a fracture face to become tacky; and 
   introducing a second treatment fluid into the wellbore at a pressure sufficient to maintain or extend the fracture in the subterranean formation, the second treatment fluid comprising a second aqueous base fluid and a proppant particle.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second treatment fluid further comprises a second tackifier. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the first tackifier and the second tackifier are the same but at different concentrations in the first treatment fluid and the second treatment fluid, respectively. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the second treatment fluid further comprises a fiber. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the proppant particle has a coating that comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of the tackifier, a second tackifier, a compound capable of binding to the tackifier, and any combination thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first treatment fluid further comprises a second proppant particle and wherein the proppant particle has a coating that comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of the tackifier, a second tackifier, a compound capable of binding to the tackifier, and any combination thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the proppant particle is coated with a second tackifier and forms proppant aggregates or clusters. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the proppant particle is at least partially degradable. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the wellbore is in excess of about 55-degrees from a vertical inclination. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising:
 producing hydrocarbons from the subterranean formation. 
 
     
     
         11 . A method comprising:
 introducing a first treatment fluid into a subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to create or extend at least one fracture, the first treatment fluid comprising a first aqueous base fluid, a tackifier, and a first proppant particle,
 wherein the first treatment fluid causes at least a portion of a fracture face to become tacky; and 
   introducing a second treatment fluid into the subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to maintain or extend the fracture, the second treatment fluid comprising a second aqueous base fluid and a second proppant particle.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the first and/or second proppant particle has a coating that comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of the tackifier, a second tackifier, a compound capable of binding to the tackifier, and any combination thereof. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the first and/or second proppant particle is at least partially degradable. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein at least a portion of the wellbore is in excess of about 55-degrees from a vertical inclination. 
     
     
         15 . A method comprising:
 introducing a treatment fluid into a subterranean formation via a high rate water pack operation so as to create or extend at least one fracture, the treatment fluid comprising a tackifier and a low-viscosity carrier fluid; and
 wherein the treatment fluid causes at least a portion of a fracture face to become tacky. 
   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the treatment fluid further comprises a proppant particle. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the treatment fluid further comprises a fiber. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the proppant particle has a coating that comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of the tackifier, a second tackifier, a compound capable of binding to the tackifier, and any combination thereof. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising:
 introducing a second treatment fluid into the subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to maintain or extend the fracture, the second treatment fluid comprising a second low-viscosity carrier fluid and a proppant particle. 
 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the second treatment fluid further comprises a third tackifier.