Methods of forming and maintaining conductive propped fractures in sagd and geothermal well applications

Abstract

A method of forming propped fractures in a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore is provided. The method includes injecting a fracturing fluid through a (e.g., geothermal, SAGD) wellbore into the subterranean formation, thus creating fractures in the subterranean formation, whereby the aggregates and dissolvable particulates are positioned in the created fractures. The fracturing fluid comprises a carrier fluid; aggregates; and dissolvable particulates (e.g., proppant, sand; that dissolves over time under downhole conditions, e.g., T≥230° C.). The method further includes allowing the aggregates to cure into hardened masses (e.g., for functioning as pillars); and dissolving the dissolvable particulates, whereby voids and/or (e.g., solids-free) channels are formed in the (e.g., highly conductive) propped fractures, wherein the voids and/or channels (e.g., surround the solid masses and) provide pathways (e.g., for fluid to flow) through the (e.g., highly conductive) propped fractures (e.g., from the wellbore to another wellbore).