Development and Evaluation of Large-Size Phase Change Proppants for Fracturing of Marine Natural Gas Hydrate Reservoirs

The stimulation method of the marine natural gas hydrate (NGH) reservoir through hydraulic fracturing has been proposed to resolve problem low production capacity in conventional development pressure drawdown. Nevertheless, due strong plasticity and high argillaceous siltstone content NGH reservoir, small-particle-size proppant cannot form effective support for fractures after because serious embedding reservoir. To solve this problem, large-size phase change proppants were developed study. First, an epoxy resin curing system that can reduce time 40 min temperature humid environment was developed. Then, emulsified, optimization emulsification process, particle size be controlled 0.5–4.5 mm cementation between particles during process prevented. Finally, performances evaluated. performance evaluation shows cured have regular structure good compressive strength, emulsion transport capacity. Their large sizes provide propping effects generated weakly cemented clayey silt reservoirs.