A method for generating self-propped hydraulic fractures. In one embodiment, the method comprises injecting three fluid stages sequentially, each with successively higher viscosity, comprising a pad, a sealing slurry, and a displacement fluid which may be referred to as a sweep. Compositions of each of the three fluid stages are provided, each of which may be selected based upon characteristics of the formation being treated or upon one or more characteristics of the desired fracture.

Unconventional hydrocarbon source rock reservoirs can contain the organic material kerogen, intertwined with the rock matrix. The kerogen can alter the tensile strength of the rock and contribute to higher fracture energy needs. To degrade kerogen and other organic materials, oxidizing gasses are dissolved in carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) which is then used as part of a fracturing fluid. The oxidizing gasses can be dissolved directly in the CO.sub.2 or generated in situ using precursors.

A variety of systems, methods and compositions are disclosed, including, in one method, a method may comprise providing a proppant-free fracturing fluid; providing a proppant composition, wherein the proppant composition comprises proppant particulates and degradable thermoplastic particulates; introducing the proppant-free fracturing fluid into a subterranean formation at an injection rate above a fracture gradient to create or enhance at least one fracture in the subterranean formation; introducing the proppant composition into the at least one fracture; and allowing the proppant composition to form a proppant pack in the fracture, wherein the degradable thermoplastic particulates are degradable to generate voids in the proppant pack.

Unconventional hydrocarbon source rock reservoirs can contain the organic material kerogen, intertwined with the rock matrix. The kerogen can alter the tensile strength of the rock and contribute to higher fracture energy needs. To degrade kerogen and other organic materials, oxidizing gasses are dissolved in carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2) which is then used as part of a fracturing fluid. The oxidizing gasses can be dissolved directly in the CO.sub.2 or generated in situ using precursors.

A method for acid treatment of a wellbore in a carbonate formation is provided. The method includes dropping spacer solids into the well to fill the wellbore to perforations in a casing, dropping acidic solids into the wellbore on the top of the spacer solids, allowing the acidic solids to dissolve on top of the spacer solids forming an acidic solution, and injecting water into the wellbore to force the acidic solution into the carbonate formation.

This invention describes and claims the stimulation of several Wolfcamp and Bone Springs targeted wells in the northern Delaware Basin using fracturing treatments and a new method employing relatively small pre-pad pill volumes of Brine Resistant Silicon Dioxide Nanoparticle Dispersions ahead of each stage of treatment have been successfully performed. The invention includes a method of extending an oil and gas system ESRV comprising the steps of adding a Brine Resistant Silicon Dioxide Nanoparticle Dispersion (“BRINE RESISTANT SDND”) to conventional oil well treatment fluids. The invention also includes a method of increasing initial production rates of an oil well by over 20.0% as compared to wells either not treated with the BRINE RESISTANT SDND technology or treated by conventional nano-emulsion surfactants. The Method focuses on the steps of adding a Brine Resistant Silicon Dioxide Nanoparticle Dispersion to conventional oil well treatment fluids.

Methods of treating a subterranean formation. A pad fluid is introduced into a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation to create or enhance one or more fractures in the subterranean formation. A fracturing fluid is introduced into the wellbore. The fracturing fluid includes a polymer having a hydrophobic monomer and a hydrophilic monomer. The fracturing fluid further includes a proppant and a second aqueous base fluid. The fracturing fluid does not include a crosslinker or an oxidative breaker. The fracturing fluid is broken thereby settling the proppant in the fracture.

The present application describes compositions and methods for the controlled delivery of acid to a desired location, for example to a subterranean formation.

A variety of systems, methods and compositions are disclosed, including, in one method, a method may comprise providing a proppant-free fracturing fluid; providing a proppant composition, wherein the proppant composition comprises proppant particulates and degradable thermoplastic particulates; introducing the proppant-free fracturing fluid into a subterranean formation at an injection rate above a fracture gradient to create or enhance at least one fracture in the subterranean formation; introducing the proppant composition into the at least one fracture; and allowing the proppant composition to form a proppant pack in the fracture, wherein the degradable thermoplastic particulates are degradable to generate voids in the proppant pack.

A method of altering wettability of a subterranean formation penetrated by a well is described. A first oxidizer including a persulfate is introduced to the subterranean formation. A second oxidizer including a bromate is introduced to the subterranean formation. The well is shut in for a period of time to allow the first oxidizer and the second oxidizer to alter the wettability of the subterranean formation toward non-wetting of oil and of water.