Foam-fracturing: application and history

Conference · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1975 · Proc. Annu. Southwest. Pet. Short Course; (United States)

OSTI ID:6669740

Blauer, R E; Holcomb, D L

Foam may be utilized at qualities between 55% and 95% gas to provide an efficient fracturing system causing little formation damage, good proppant placement, and large fracture areas. External fluid-loss additives or gelling agents are not required to achieve fluid efficiencies and viscosities which surpass conventional systems. The Bingham plastic nature of foam provides enhanced apparent viscosity and fluid efficiency. The low volume of liquid required for a foam-frac minimizes the amount of fracturing liquid exposed to the formation. However, it is still important to consider the chemical components of the liquid portion of the foam to insure compatibility. The high efficiency and effective viscosity of foam generates large fracture area and good proppant placement with low pumping rates. Field results have confirmed the theoretical productivity increases from foam-fracturing. Formations in the W. Texas area have responded better to foam than most conventional fracturing fluids. (13 refs.)

• Research Organization: Minerals Management Inc.
• OSTI ID: 6669740
• Report Number(s): CONF-7504146-
• Conference Information: Journal Name: Proc. Annu. Southwest. Pet. Short Course; (United States)
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
ADDITIVES
COLLOIDS
COMMINUTION
DISPERSIONS
FLUID FLOW
FLUID INJECTION
FOAMS
FRACTURED RESERVOIRS
FRACTURING
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
MINERAL RESOURCES
OIL FIELDS
OIL WELLS
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
PROPPING AGENTS
RESOURCES
STIMULATION
WELL STIMULATION
WELLS