Degradation of polymers used in geothermal fracturing
Long chain, water soluble polymers have been used for many years in hydraulic fracturing of oil wells. Recently their use has been attempted in geothermal wells. Very little is known about the high temperature degradation of these polymers other than an extreme viscosity drop as the temperature goes to 150/sup 0/C. This paper describes the development of methods in the laboratory to charaterize the degradation at temperatures of 150/sup 0/C and above. Examined were hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) and hydroxypropyl guar gum (HP Guar) at 150/sup 0/, 200/sup 0/ and 250/sup 0/C. The chemical tests performed on the samples were carbohydrate content, total organic carbon, and molecular weight distribution by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). Hopefully, these tests can be used in the future to predict physical properties of fracturing polymers such as viscosity loss and formation plugging.
- Research Organization:
- Vetter Research, Costa Mesa, CA
- OSTI ID:
- 6296994
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-800920-
- Journal Information:
- Trans. - Geotherm. Resour. Counc.; (United States), Journal Name: Trans. - Geotherm. Resour. Counc.; (United States) Vol. 4; ISSN TGRCD
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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