Methods for enhancing aqueous fluid recovery form subterranean formations
First Claim
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1. A method of enhancing the recovery of an aqueous treatment fluid from a subterranean formation comprising:
- providing a plurality of particulates;
coating the plurality of particulates with a hydrophobic coating agent so as to form a plurality of hydrophobically-coated particulates;
providing a carrier fluid;
mixing the plurality of hydrophobically-coated particulates with the carrier fluid so as to form a pumpable slurry;
introducing the plurality of hydrophobically-coated particulates into the subterranean formation;
placing the plurality of hydrophobically-coated particulates in the subterranean formation; and
allowing a treatment fluid to flow back through the plurality of hydrophobically-coated particulates to recover a treatment fluid that was previously-introduced into the subterranean formation.
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Abstract
Methods of improving load recovery using hydrophobic coatings to enhance the recovery of treatment fluids from subterranean formations may include the use of hydrophobic coating agents. In particular, such methods may include the steps of coating a plurality of particulates so as to form a plurality of hydrophobically-coated particulates. The presence of these hydrophobically-coated particulates downhole may enhance the recovery of aqueous treatment fluids.
79 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method of enhancing the recovery of an aqueous treatment fluid from a subterranean formation comprising:
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providing a plurality of particulates;
coating the plurality of particulates with a hydrophobic coating agent so as to form a plurality of hydrophobically-coated particulates;
providing a carrier fluid;
mixing the plurality of hydrophobically-coated particulates with the carrier fluid so as to form a pumpable slurry;
introducing the plurality of hydrophobically-coated particulates into the subterranean formation;
placing the plurality of hydrophobically-coated particulates in the subterranean formation; and
allowing a treatment fluid to flow back through the plurality of hydrophobically-coated particulates to recover a treatment fluid that was previously-introduced into the subterranean formation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of enhancing the recovery of an aqueous treatment fluid from a subterranean formation comprising:
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providing a plurality of hydrophobically-coated particulates;
placing the plurality of hydrophobically-coated particulates in the subterranean formation; and
allowing a treatment fluid to flow back through the plurality of hydrophobically-coated particulates to recover a treatment fluid that was previously-introduced into the subterranean formation. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 20)
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19. A method of recovering a previously-introduced aqueous treatment fluid from a subterranean formation comprising:
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providing a plurality of particulates;
introducing the plurality of particulates into a subterranean well bore;
introducing a hydrophobic coating agent into the subterranean well bore;
allowing the hydrophobic coating agent to coat the plurality of particulates so as to form a plurality of hydrophobically-coated particulates;
allowing the plurality of hydrophobically-coated particulates to be placed in a portion of the subterranean formation; and
allowing the previously-introduced aqueous treatment fluid to flow back through the plurality of hydrophobically-coated particulates.
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Specification