Development and Field Applications of Highly Conductive Proppant-free Channel Fracturing Method

Abstract

Abstract Various methods are used to overcome choking effects in propped fractures to enhance and maintain well productivity (particularly in low-permeability reservoirs). Choking effects can result from permeability damage caused by fracturing gel residues, low-proppant concentrations, proppant crushing from high closure stresses or use of low-quality fracturing sand, or embedment/intrusion of formation materials into the proppant pack. This paper describes the development and field applications of a new well stimulation method for generating stable and highly conductive channels within a propped fracture to help maximize the transport capability of hydrocarbons from the formation reservoir to the wellbore. Extensive laboratory experiments and large-scale testing were performed to evaluate the formation and stability of proppant aggregates and proppant-free channels (PFCs). Proppant-laden slurry (prepared by mixing fracturing sand coated with an agglomerating agent in a gel fluid) and crosslinkable proppant-free spacer fluid were pulsed intermittently to form proppant aggregated masses surrounded by proppant-free gel slugs. Highly conductive channels were formed surrounding the proppant aggregates after crosslinked gel slugs were broken and removed from the propped fracture, leaving behind proppant aggregated masses that supported the closed fracture. Field trials were performed in unconventional and conventional oil formations. Injection pressures of proppant-laden slurry and proppant-free spacer using the pulsing approach were found to be significantly lower than those applied with conventional hydraulic fracturing treatments, indicating this new method helps alleviate the risks of screenout, as the proppant-free spacer sweeps and mitigates the proppant buildup in the near-wellbore (NWB) area. Field results showed production in wells treated with the proppant-free channel fracturing method increased significantly, even using 40% less total proppant, compared to production of offset wells in which conventional fracturing treatments were performed.