Development of a Nonresidue Polymer-Based Fracturing Fluid

Abstract

Abstract Good fracture conductivity is essential to the success of fracturing operations. It has become an important aspect in the development of fracturing fluid technology. To improve proppant conductivity, fracturing fluid systems with reduced polymer concentration have been developed. While reduced polymer concentration would result in less polymer residue upon polymer broken, the insoluble polymer residue generated from the broken polymer still causes blockage of generated conductive channels and a decrease in the formation production rate. Alternatively, a non-polymer fracturing fluid, i.e., a viscoelastic surfactant system has been developed in an effort to allow fracturing of a well with less formation damage. Although the absence of polymer residue presents fewer problems for fracture clean-up as compared to polymer based fracturing fluids, one disadvantage associated with such viscoelastic system relates to their ineffectiveness when applied to high permeability formations. In addition, the cost of surfactant based fracturing fluids is high. This paper highlights research work of a new polymer based fracturing fluid system. This fracturing fluid system utilizes an innovative polymer that would generate minimal or no residue upon being broken, thereby causing less damage to the formation and proppant bed. Laboratory testing has shown that this fracturing fluid system can provide efficient viscosity with 20 pounds polymer per one thousand gallon at about 200°F. Stim-Lab testing data of a certain formulation of such fracturing fluid display excellent retained conductivity of proppant bed.