Abstract

Abstract A case study comparing the performance of wells fractured with crosslinked guar and hydroxypropyl guar (HPG) is presented. Data indicates that for a given crosslinked system, guar and HPG polymers yield comparable proppant pack impairment and fracture conductivity. Detailed laboratory conductivity and well performance data are presented for both low and high temperature conditions. Laboratory conductivity data is reported for proppant placed with guar and HPG crosslinked fracturing fluids under in-situ conditions. The effects of proppant embedment, the gel filter cake, and long-term exposure to reservoir temperature and closure stress were determined in this study. Additionally, the effect of crosslinker, breaker system, and polymer load on fracture conductivity is discussed in detail. Subsequent to laboratory testing, numerous fracture design and production simulations were performed to determine the effect of guar and HPG crosslinked fluids on well performance. The data indicates the forecasted cumulative production of wells fractured with guar and HPG are similar. However, due to the relatively lower cost of guar, the Net Present Value (NPV) of wells fractured using guar is greater due to lower treatment costs. A case study of sixteen high-temperature wells located in Weld County, Colorado was performed to determine the "actual" effect of the fracturing fluid on well performance. A comparison of post-frac well production data indicates guar and HPG crosslinked fluid yield comparable proppant pack impairment, and thus similar well performance. A detailed discussion is presented.

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