Abstract
A novel nanoparticle-enhanced VES fracturing system was proposed based on the conventional viscoelastic surfactant (VES) fracturing fluid composed of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and sodium salicylate (NaSal). Hydrophilic silica nanoparticles were used as the addition agent in this system for enhancing properties of VES fracturing fluid. The formation of wormlike micelles by CTAB and NaSal was investigated by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). Rheological properties of the nanoparticle-enhanced VES fracturing system were discussed in detail. With the addition of nanoparticles, the nanoparticle-enhanced VES fracturing system has higher viscosity and viscoelasticity than conventional VES fracturing fluid without nanoparticles. Constant shearing and variable shearing measurements showed the shear-resistant and restoration properties of nanoparticle-enhanced VES fracturing system. This enhancement was due to the formation of newly micelle-nanoparticle junctions and a mechanism was proposed. Formation dynamic filtration damage (DFD) measurement was conducted to study damage effects of the nanoparticle-enhanced VES fracturing system on the core. In addition, cores before and after DFD were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), showing the formation of nano-filter cake. The contact angle of water on the core surface decreased after DFD, showing stronger hydrophilicity. This work could further develop the application of nanotechnology and colloid on reservoir fracturing system.
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