Rheological characterization of hydraulic fracturing slurries

Journal Article · Sat May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1993 · SPE Production and Facilities (Society of Petroleum Engineers); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/22839-PA· OSTI ID:6024501

Shah, S N ^[1]

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1. Halliburton Services, Duncan, OK (United States). Research and Engineering Dept.

Few studies have dealt with the flow behavior of concentrated suspensions or slurries prepared with non-Newtonian carrier fluids. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation is to present experimental results obtained by pumping various hydraulic fracturing slurries into a fracture model and gathering data on differential pressure vs. flow rate. Several concentrations of hydroxypropyl guard (HPG), a wide range of proppant concentrations, and three test temperatures were studies. The effects of such variables as polymer gelling-agent concentration, proppant concentration, test temperature, and fracture-flow shear rate on the rheological properties of slurries were investigated. The correlations for predicting the relative slurry viscosity for these HPG fluids are presented. Substantial increases in viscosity of fracturing gels were observed, and results are discussed in light of several affecting variables. Results also are compared with those available for Newtonian and non-Newtonian concentrated suspensions. Applications of these correlations to estimate the hindered particle-settling velocity in the fracture caused by the presence of surrounding particles also is discussed. The correlations presented can easily be included in any currently available 2D or 3D fracture-design simulators; thus, the information can be applied directly to predict fracture geometry and extension.

• OSTI ID: 6024501
• Journal Information: SPE Production and Facilities (Society of Petroleum Engineers); (United States), Journal Name: SPE Production and Facilities (Society of Petroleum Engineers); (United States) Vol. 8:2; ISSN 1064-668X; ISSN SPRFEZ
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
DISPERSIONS
ENHANCED RECOVERY
FLOW RATE
FLUID FLOW
FLUID MECHANICS
FLUIDS
FRACTURING
FRACTURING FLUIDS
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
MECHANICS
MIXTURES
OIL WELLS
PROPPING AGENTS
RHEOLOGY
ROCK MECHANICS
SLURRIES
STIMULATION
SUSPENSIONS
VISCOSITY
WELL STIMULATION
WELLS