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Laboratory tests of polymer fluids at geothermal temperatures

Conference · · Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States)
OSTI ID:6405942

This paper describes work done to characterize by chemical methods the temperature/time degradation behavior of polymer based fluids that may be used in stimulating geothermal wells by fracturing. The polymers tested were hydroxypropylguar (HP guar), hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), and XC Polymer. Also two commercially available cross-linked HP guar systems were tested. The paper covers the development of analytical techniques for characterizing the polymers and the results of static and dynamic high temperature aging of the polymers in various salt water environments. The fluids were tested at 150, 200 and 250 degreees C. The paper covers the implications of these results based on the time/temperature degradation of the polymers and the relative ease of removing the degraded polymer from sandpacks. 4 refs.

Research Organization:
Vetter Res
OSTI ID:
6405942
Report Number(s):
CONF-820169-
Journal Information:
Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States), Journal Name: Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States); ISSN SEAPA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English