Halliburton Company

Lawrence E Harris

Jimmie Dean Weaver, Jr

Weldon M Harms

Richard W Pauls

Marlin D Holtmyer

David Leslie Lord

J E Manrique

Buddy W McDaniel

The present invention provides methods of controlling the growth of one or more vertically oriented fractures in a subterranean formation during a fracturing treatment. A first fluid having a known density and containing a diverting agent is introduced into a formation to create a fracture. A second fluid which may contain proppant and having a known density different from the first fluid then is introduced into the fracture whereby the second fluid selectively overrides or underrides the first fluid. Such fluid control forces the first fluid to the bottom or top of the fracture whereby the diverting agent therein is caused to screen out and impede further downward or upward growth of the fracture. The introduction of the second fluid then can be continued to extend the fracture as desired.

Controlling fracture growth

The present invention provides a method of forming an easily pumpable gelled fluid which is capable of yielding an apparent viscosity of in excess of about 100 centipoise at a shear rate of 40 sec.sup.-1 for in excess of about six hours at a temperature in excess of 250.degree. F. An initial gel is formed by adding a selected basic aluminum compound and a phosphoric acid ester to a hydrocarbon liquid. This mixture is aged to form the initial gel and an additional quantity of a basic aluminum compound then is admixed with the initial gel. The crosslinked gel then is introduced into a subterranean formation at a rate and pressure sufficient to fracture the formation.

Method for fracturing subterranean formations

Several new treatment processes and compositions for practicing these processes are provided which substantially alter the fluid flow and surface characteristics of porous permeable particulate formations, especially subterranean formations intersected by an oil well. The compositions of this invention also provide methods of increasing viscosity or gelling aqueous fluids, especially acids, which can be used to treat such earthen formations. Treatment of the earthen formations with the compositions of this invention can substantially modify the permeability and surface characteristics of the formation to prevent or reduce the flow of aqueous fluids, especially water and formation brines through that portion of the formation, thereby reducing the water-oil ratio of fluid flowing through or produced from that formation and in some cases enhancing the hydrocarbon production. The treatment of this invention uses branched organic polymers of a wide molecular weight range. The branches are preferably hydrophilic and the polymer contains bonding groups (e.g. ionic bonding groups) which serve to attract or repel a substrate, a particular formation, suspended solids, other polymers or segments, carrier fluid or a fluid to be treated.

Polymeric well treating method

High viscosity acidic treating fluids comprised of aqueous acid solutions containing zirconium cross-linked hydrophilic organic polymers are provided having improved viscosity and temperature stability properties. Methods of forming such acidic treating fluids and treating subterranean well formations therewith are also provided.

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Duncan, OK, United States of America

Lawrence E Harris