Hydraulic fracturing proppants

摘要: A method is given for treating a wellbore in subterranean formation by hydraulic fracturing, slickwater gravel packing, and the like, using plate-like materials as some or all of proppant gravel. The are particularly useful complex fracture systems, example shales. They may be used from about 20 to 100% proppant. Relative conventional proppants, proppants demonstrate (a) enhanced crush resistance due better stress distribution among particles, (b) diminished embedment into faces greater contact surface area particles with formation, (c) transport lower settling rates, (d) deeper penetration branched fine networks, (e) flowback control. Preferred layered rocks minerals; most preferred mica.