Progress of Development and Application of Drag Reduction Agents for Slick-Water Fracturing

Abstract

Fracturing technology is the key technology of shale oil and gas exploitation in the United States. The key of hydraulic fracturing lies in the formulation of fracturing fluid, which can improve the permeability of shale gas layer, reduce pumping resistance, optimize production conditions, reduce strata damage and other purposes. Slick-water is widely used in water-based fracturing for unconventional oil and gas exploitation, which can reduce the friction resistance. As the core of the slickwater fracturing fluid, the friction reducer determine the fluid’s performances. Combining with the related literature at home and abroad, this paper analyzes the mechanism of friction reducer, introduces the research and application progress of natural polysaccharide, surfactant and polyacrylamide. It is considered that both the instant powder polymer and W/W dispersion polymer have great application potential. The friction reducer with high-efficiency sand-carrying and salt resistance is the focus of future research.