Proptester, Inc.

Imerys Oilfields Minerals, Inc.

Donald Allen Anschutz

Ian J Renkes

Kimberly Schill

Robert J Pruett

Michael Burgess

John G Wick

Methods and systems that may be employed to dynamically test the effect of fluids (e.g., well treatment chemicals such as well stimulation treatment chemicals, enhanced oil recovery 'EOR' chemicals, etc.) on hydrocarbon recovery from crushed reservoir formation materials under conditions of applied stress. The disclosed methods and systems may be used in one embodiment to dynamically test types of low permeability formations (e.g., such as shale, limestone, quarried rock, etc.). In one embodiment, a fluid flow apparatus may be provided that has a conductor segment that defines an internally-heterogeneous fluid flow space in the form of an internal slot. Such an internally-heterogeneous fluid flow space may include one or more fluid flow diversion features and/or have a varying or non-consistent cross-sectional flow area. Individual fluid flow apparatus may be configured for assembly and disassembly from each other, and/or may be configured to capture and contain contents for future testing.

Fluid flow testing apparatus and methods

Methods and systems are disclosed that may be used for laboratory evaluation of the effectiveness of fluids and/or proppants such as those for hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas wells using a test system network. A test system network may include a reconfigurable network of conductor segments that may be arranged to simulate a fracture network matrix that exists downhole within an underground formation during a hydraulic fracturing treatment. Test fluids, including proppant-less as well as proppant-laden test fluids, may be flowed through the conductor segment network of a test system to measure, among other things, fluid and/or proppant distribution and proppant volume (or mass) during and after treatment within various parts of the test system network after the proppant is transported into the network by the introduced test fluid/s.

Fracture fluid and proppant transport testing systems and methods of using same

A method of making a sintered ceramic proppant may include providing a kaolin clay. The kaolin clay may include an AlOcontent no greater than about 46% by weight, and a KO content no greater than 0.1% by weight. The kaolin clay may have a particle size distribution such that greater than 70% of the particles have an equivalent spherical diameter of less than 0.5 microns as measured by Sedigraph, and a shape factor less than about 18. The method may further include blunging the kaolin clay, agglomerating the kaolin clay, and sintering the agglomerated kaolin clay to produce a sintered ceramic proppant. The kaolin clay may have an A-bob Hercules viscosity of at least about 3,300 rpm at 18 kilodyne-cm and 70% solids.

Proppants and anti-flowback additives including kaolin clay

Methods and systems useful for obtaining a representative sample of solid particles from a pneumatically conveyed stream of solid particles. One preferred method and system includes establishing a pneumatic flow of solid particles in a gas stream through a sampling conduit and diverting the steam through a second conduit; isolating an inlet of the sampling conduit from the second conduit substantially simultaneously with the step of diverting the entire stream through the second conduit and emptying material from the isolated sampling conduit, wherein the representative sample comprises the material emptied from the sampling conduit. The outlet end of the sampling conduit may be vented into the second conduit or the atmosphere. The system for accomplishing the method may include a controller for controlling, inter alia, a position of the means for diverting the stream through a second conduit, the means for isolating an inlet sampling conduit, or combinations thereof.

Growing community of inventors

Huffman, TX, United States of America

Donald Allen Anschutz