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Title: High efficiency fracturing fluids for high temperature reservoirs

Conference · · Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States)
OSTI ID:5499194

The fracturing fluids used in Massive Hydraulic Fracturing (MHF) treatments are frequently subjected to excessive shear and prolonged exposure at high bottomhole temperatures. Early fracturing fluids proved unsuitable for these MHF treatments due to a rapid loss of viscosity at high temperatures. As a result, narrow fracture widths, excessive fluid loss and poor proppant transport occurred. Cool-down pads, increased polymer concentrations and delayed polymer hydration systems were employed in an attempt to improve the MHF treatment success ratio. A laboratory investigation was undertaken to develop a more efficient high temperature fracturing fluid. Rotational and pipe viscometers were used to evaluate thermal and shear stabilities at reservoir conditions. Fluid loss testing measured the control of fluid leakoff to the formation. Fluid breakout testing ensured a controlled loss of viscosity and rapid cleanup. As a result of this study, a more efficient high temperature fracturing fluid was developed. This paper presents laboratory data comparing the thermal stability, shear stability and fluid loss control of the High Temperature Gel (HTG) with those of a conventional titanate crosslinked gel. Field case histories are presented to demonstrate the efficiency with which HTG has been used to successfully stimulate wells with bottomhole temperatures in excess of 250/sup 0/F.

Research Organization:
Western Co. of North America
OSTI ID:
5499194
Report Number(s):
CONF-830236-
Journal Information:
Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States), Vol. SPE 11566; Conference: Production operations symposium of the Oklahoma City section of the Society of Petroleum Engineers of AIME, Oklahoma City, OK, USA, 27 Feb 1983
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English