Process for continuously supplying a fracturing fluid

Abstract

The present invention relates to a process of supplying a proppant-containing fracturing fluid to a wellhead, wherein the proppant-containing fracturing fluid can be continuously supplied during the fracture treatment.

1 - 14 . (canceled) 
     
     
         15 . A process of continuously supplying a proppant-containing fracturing fluid utilized in a fracturing operation, comprising:
 (a) pressurizing a stream of liquid CO 2 , and routing it through a first conduit;   (b) continuously providing an additive slurry stream of proppant and at least one co-solvent; and   (c) pressurizing the slurry stream of step (b) and adding it to the pressurized stream of liquid CO 2  thereby forming a proppant-containing fracture fluid which is continuously supplied to the wellhead.   
     
     
         16 . The process of  claim 15 , further comprising pressurizing a stream of polymer mix and adding it to the proppant-containing fracturing fluid which is continuously supplied to the wellhead. 
     
     
         17 . A fracturing apparatus, utilized in a continuous fracturing operation, comprising:
 (a) at least one tank for storing and supplying a liquid CO 2  through a main conduit to a high pressure fracturing pump; and   (b) second conduit for supplying a slurry of proppant and at least one co-solvent through at least one second high pressure pump, wherein the slurry is injected into the main conduit downstream of the at least one first high pressure pump.   
     
     
         18 . The fracturing apparatus of  claim 17 , further comprising a third conduit for supplying a polymer mix through at least one third high pressure pump disposed thereon, wherein the polymer mix is injected into the main conduit, downstream of the injection point in (a) to form a fracturing fluid which is continuously supplied to the wellhead. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , including a mixer vessel for mixing proppant and at least one co-solvent to form a slurry and supplying the slurry to the at least one second high pressure pump. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , including a continuous proppant blender for mixing proppant and at least one co-solvent to form a slurry and supplying the slurry to the at least one second high pressure pump. 
     
     
         21 . The apparatus of  claim 17 , including at least one intensifier for increasing the concentration of proppant in the slurry.