Frac method stars super-thick fluids
Esso Production Research Co. has developed a radically new concept in hydraulic well fracturing which it claims could revolutionize the frac business and greatly increase oil production. The technique uses a novel method for injecting viscous oil as the frac fluid into the well bore at high rates. Esso injects both water and frac fluid simultaneously. The water moves down the tubing along the inner pipe wall, while the frac fluid flows in the center of the stream. The wall of water between the pipe and the viscous frac fluid reduces friction dramatically and permits injection at rates impractical before--but at pressures which sometimes are less than those required to pump water alone. The viscous frac fluid produces much wider and longer fractures than does conventional frac fluid. It also can carry large-diameter sand grains to hold the fracture open. Cost of the operation is comparable with that of conventional fracturing.
- OSTI ID:
- 5645827
- Journal Information:
- Oil Gas J.; (United States), Journal Name: Oil Gas J.; (United States) Vol. 66:47; ISSN OIGJA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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