US 12,168,922 B2
Apparatus and process for fracture conductivity tuning
Arash Dahi Taleghani, University Park, PA (US)
Assigned to The Penn State Research Foundation, University Park, PA (US)
Filed by The Penn State Research Foundation, University Park, PA (US)
Filed on Aug. 1, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/363,003.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/422,178, filed on Nov. 3, 2022.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/407,426, filed on Sep. 16, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2024/0102372 A1, Mar. 28, 2024
Int. Cl. E21B 43/267 (2006.01); C09K 8/80 (2006.01)
CPC E21B 43/267 (2013.01) [C09K 8/80 (2013.01); Y02E 10/10 (2013.01)] 22 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A method of fracture conductivity tuning comprising:
positioning elements in a geological system for adjustable hydraulic conductivity based on surrounding temperature of fractures within a subsurface of the geological system to provide a uniform or substantially uniform heat extraction via working fluid passing through the fractures;
wherein the elements comprise thermally sensitive proppants and/or adjustable clogging material (ACM), wherein the thermally sensitive proppants comprise calcium carbonate, one or more shape memory polymers, and/or at least one metal, and wherein the ACM comprises one or more inorganic salts, one or more polymers and/or one or more organic salts; and
wherein the elements are placed in the fractures and at least one injection well in fluid communication with the fractures.