New insights into hydraulic fracturing fluids used for high-temperature wells

Tariq Almubarak Leiming Li Jun Hong Ng Hisham Nasr-El-Din Mohammed AlKhaldi

Current interest in deep, low-permeability formations (<10 md) demands accelerated development of high-temperature hydraulic fracturing technologies. Conventional guar systems break down above 300 °F and require higher polymer loadings to maintain thermal stability. However, higher polymer loadings generate more residue and damage to the proppant pack and the formation. To resolve these problems, a variety of high-temperature stabilizers are added to enhance the thermal stability of these fracturing fluids at temperatures above 300 °F. The focus of this work is to: (1) identify those additives that best enhance temperature stability of fracturing fluids and (2) study the rheological influence of incorporating these additives on the fracturing fluid systems.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petlm.2020.05.002