Patent ID: 7004255
Filing Date: 2006-02-28
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A method of treating an existing fracture in a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore to reduce the fluid flow capacity of the fracture comprising: a. providing a particulate material comprising a quantity of coarse particles having diameters from about 0.20 mm to about 2.35 mm, and a quantity of smaller particles selected from the group consisting of medium particles, fine particles, and mixtures thereof; b. providing a carrier fluid capable of suspending said particulate material; c. mixing said particulate material and said carrier fluid to form a slurry; and d. pumping said slurry through said wellbore into said existing fracture, whereby a particulate pack comprising at least a monolayer of the coarse particles is formed in at least a portion of said existing fracture.