The influence of fluid properties on the success of hydraulic fracturing operations
- Univ. of Melbourne, Victoria (Australia)
Hydroxypropylguar based fluids are the most commonly used fluids for hydraulic fracturing. Through the addition of borate ions the polymer present in the fluid can crosslink to form a high viscosity gel. Prior to placement in the fracture the fluid is required to have a low viscosity to minimize friction losses in the tubular goods. A high viscosity fluid is required in the fracture for several reasons, primarily to suspend the proppant and to minimize fluid loss into the formation. This paper describes a new method which can be used to model the gelation reaction of crosslinking fluids. By modeling the dynamic properties of the fluid it is possible to predict the physical state of the fluid at any time during a fracturing treatment. Small amplitude oscillatory measurements are applied to fluid samples in a cone-and-plate geometry. The change in the dynamic properties with time can be fitted to a simple model which can then be used to determine the gel time for the fluid. Methods used to distinguish between the liquid and gel state are also discussed.
- OSTI ID:
- 113448
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-941131-; TRN: IM9544%%408
- Resource Relation:
- Conference: Asia Pacific oil and gas conference: regional growth - meeting the change, Melbourne (Australia), 7-10 Nov 1994; Other Information: PBD: 1994; Related Information: Is Part Of Asia Pacific oil and gas conference: Proceedings; PB: 715 p.
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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