High Production from Low-Polymer Frac Fluid

TERRACINA, JOHN, Halliburton Energy Services

This paper presents case histories showing that the use of a novel fracturing fluid has increased oil and gas production in Western U.S. wells and around the world. Formation damage from gelling agent residue and filter cake is reduced when using this fluid, since the amount of guar polymer used to prepare the fracturing fluid is reduced. A borate crosslinker is used to provide an instant or delayed crosslink time. This fluid system is used in applications from 70°F to 200°F BHST. The fluid system provides higher viscosity with lower gelling agent concentrations than conventional borate-crosslinked fluids.Laboratory test results are also presented. Rheology, fluid efficiency, and proppant- transport data for the fluid system are compared to like properties of conventional borate-crosslinked fluids. In general, fluid properties of the system compare to properties of conventional borate-crosslinked fluids containing polymer concentrations 10 to 15 lb/Mgal greater. Since proppant pack cleanup after fracturing is an important component of production, the production increase seen in wells where this fluid is used is attributed to the lower gel loading. The field application of this fracturing fluid will also be provided. This paper will provide stimulation design engineers with the following information on the fracturing fluid: 1. Case histories showing global application. 2. Comparative laboratory data with conventional borate fluids including A. Rheology B. Fluid efficiency C. Proppant transport and 3. Field application details.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90911©2000 AAPG Pacific Section and Western Region Society of Petroleum Engineers, Long Beach, California