IP Library Granted Patent US 9,151,125
Granted Patent B2
US 9,151,125 · App. 12/837,978 · Granted Oct 6, 2015

Temporary fluid diversion agents for use in geothermal well applications

Inventors: Larry Watters (Spring, TX); Daniel Bour (Granite Falls, WA)
Assignee: AltaRock Energy, Inc.
E21B21/003C04B28/32C09K8/473E21B33/13
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,151,125
App. No.
12/837,978
Granted
Oct 6, 2015
Kind
B2
Abstract

Systems, methods and compositions for temporary sealing fractures in subterranean formations employ at least one constituent for temporary sealing a fracture in a subterranean well. The degradation kinetics of the composition is dependent upon at least one degradation temperature-time parameter for designating a temperature range and a time at which the composition degrades.

Claims (13)

1. A method comprising:

introducing a temporary fracture sealing composition proximate a fracture within a wall of a subterranean well;

cementing a liner to the wall of the subterranean well with only the temporary sealing composition, wherein the liner blocks a face of the fracture;

permitting the temporary fracture sealing composition to substantially degrade; and

removing the liner to unblock the fracture and allow recovery of heat from the subterranean well by production of geothermal fluid.

2. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the temporary fracture sealing composition comprises magnesium oxychloride.

3. The method as recited in claim 2 , wherein the magnesium oxychloride is a solid comprising particles.

4. The method as recited in claim 2 , wherein the magnesium oxychloride is a liquid.

5. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein the temporary fracture sealing composition comprises magnesium oxysulfate.

6. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein permitting the temporary fracture sealing composition to substantially degrade comprises permitting the temporary fracture sealing composition to substantially degrade under heat in the subterranean well.

7. The method as recited in claim 1 , wherein introducing the temporary fracture sealing composition proximate the fracture within the wall of the subterranean well comprises injecting the temporary fracture sealing composition into the subterranean well with an operational fluid.

8. The method as recited in claim 7 , wherein the operational fluid is drilling fluid.

9. The method as recited in claim 7 , wherein the operational fluid is stimulation fluid.

Assignments (3)
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 21, 2025
From: ALTAROCK ENERGY, INC.
To: MAZAMA ENERGY, INC.
Reel/Frame 071768/0021 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jun 13, 2025
From: ALTAROCK ENERGY, INC.
To: MAZAMA ENERGY, INC.
Reel/Frame 071413/0918 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jul 21, 2010
From: WATTERS, LARRY; BOUR, DANIEL
To: ALTAROCK ENERGY INC.
Reel/Frame 024721/0840 →
Continuity (3)
Provisional Application 61226143 · Jul 16, 2009
Provisional Application 61258965 · Nov 6, 2009
Related Publication 20110011591A1 · Jan 20, 2011