The control of proppant flowback following fracturing operations can be obtained by several different methods such as resin coated proppant, inorganic fibres or polymer strips. However, each one of the presently available technologies has its limitations, e.g. resin coated proppant cannot generally be used above 190 C (374 F) and requires an activator below about 70 C (158 F), and thermoplastic strips cannot be used above their melting point. Current fibre technology is normally limited to reservoir temperatures below 150 C (302 F), provides only short term control in carbonate reservoirs and cannot be used in situations where the fibres may be exposed to HF. A new high performance fibre for proppant flowback control has been developed to overcome these limitations. Laboratory testing has shown that these fibres are resistant to steam, diesel, xylene, Hcl, and mud acid at temperatures up to 250 C (482 F) for periods up to 7 months. In addition, proppant flowback control measurements at high temperatures have confirmed that the fibres retain excellent proppant flowback control properties. Results of field testing in deep, hot (177 C (350 F) carbonate reservoirs have confirmed the performance of the new fibre.
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