Biomimicry Surface-Coated Proppant with Self-Suspending and Targeted Adsorption Ability

Abstract

Proppant is a key material, which can increase the production of unconventional petroleum and gas. Excellent proppants with a long migration distance are required in the fracture network. Resin-coated proppants have been confirmed as a good choice because of the long migration and the self-suspending ability in fracturing fluids. However, the distribution of the resin-coated proppants in fracture networks is random. The design of proppants with targeted adsorption is urgently needed. In this study, a novel proppant coated with a phenolic resin shell doped with Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles on ceramic (coated proppant) was designed and investigated. Based on the results, the coated proppant was adsorbed on the magnetic component’s parts of the fracture network surface, which helps in enhancing the uniform distribution of the proppant in the fracture rock cracks. Meanwhile, the self-suspending ability of the coated proppant is five times higher than that of the uncoated proppant and can migrate a longer distance in the fracture network. Moreover, the liquid conductivity of the coated proppant is 30% higher than that of the uncoated ones at a closure pressure of 6.9 MPa. In summary, new insights into the design of functional proppants and further guidelines on the production of unconventional petroleum and gas have been provided in this study.

Review and Perspectives of Coated Proppant Technology

“…A polymer is a chemical material composed of a series of smaller monomers covalently bonded, and polymers can be made through addition and condensation reactions. Polymers are classified into organic and inorganic polymers, but they can also be classified into thermosetting polymers and thermoplastic polymers according to their temperature properties. ,, There has been a considerable amount of research on the application of polymers as proppant coatings. ,,− …”

“…In addition, Lan 32 et al reported a magnetic proppant. By adding Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles to the phenolic resin shell, this proppant can be adsorbed on the magnetic component sites on the surfaces of the fracture network, and its self-suspending ability is five times that of the conventional proppant.…”