Patent ID: 11827846

Abstract:
Proppant embedment can sometimes be problematic during fracturing operations. A partially oxidized, amine-functionalized polysaccharide comprising a plurality of oxidatively opened monosaccharide units and bearing an amine moiety at one or more sites of oxidative opening may lessen the amount of proppant embedment that occurs. Fracturing methods may comprise providing a fracturing fluid comprising such a partially oxidized, amine-functionalized polysaccharide and a plurality of proppant particulates, introducing the fracturing fluid into a subterranean formation at a hydraulic pressure sufficient to create or extend one or more fractures therein, such that at least a portion of the plurality of proppant particulates become localized in the one or more fractures, and releasing the hydraulic pressure. Upon releasing the hydraulic pressure, embedment of the proppant particulates in a face of the one or more fractures is about 10% to about 40% of a grain size of the proppant particulates.