Propping Agents

The propping agents should have high permeability at the respective formation pressures, high resistance to compression, low density, and good resistance to acids. Some propping agents are listed in Table 17-16. 

L. Sweet. Method of fracturing a subterranean formation with a lightweight propping agent. Patent US 5188175, 1993. 

Babcock, R.E., Prokop, C.L. and Kehle, R.O. "Distribution of Propping Agents in Vertical Fractures," paper No. 851 41-A, 1967 API Spring Meeting of the Mid-Continent District Division of Production, Oklahoma City, March 29 31. 

To select a suitable propping agent, the properties of the material must be characterized according to weU-known standards, e.g., the standards edited by the American Petroleum Institute (API) or other professional societies involved in the oil and gas industry (e.g., loP, IFP, or ASTM). The critical properties that must be measured to qualify a suitable propping agent with the explanation of the critical values are listed in Table 10.24. 

Propping agents/proppant—Silica sand or other particles pumped into a formation during a hydraulic fracturing operation to keep fractures open and maintain permeability. 

Hydraulic fracturing A well-stimulation method in which liquid under high pressure is pumped down a well to fracture the reservoir rock adjacent to the wellbore. Propping agents are used to keep the fractures open. 

About 10 years later, it was discovered that fractures could indeed be created. Fracturing theories soon developed. Since then, the development of fracturing technology, with and without propping agents, has been swift. 

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