Paper: Light Weight Proppant, A New Innovation in Hydraulic Fracturing

The well stimulation process of hydraulic fracturing has existed in the oil & gas industry for over 50 years. During this time, many innovations and technologies have been employed that have substantially enhanced the process. In recent history, the industry has focused on the creation of cleaner fracturing fluids, while propping agents have remained relatively unchanged. Recently, water frac treatments have found success in some niche areas. The widespread use of water fracs has lead to the research of improved proppant transport and the subsequent development of lightweight proppants. This paper will discuss lightweight proppants, their development, what they are, and why they work. The paper will also examine the settling velocity of proppant in a hydraulic fracture and the positive effects of reducing this velocity. Additionally, improvements in overall proppant transport will be documented. Case histories will also be provided which will support the claims made by the authors.