Chemical evolution of a high-temperature fracturing fluid

Journal Article · Tue Oct 01 00:00:00 EDT 1985 · SPEJ, Soc. Pet. Eng. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/11794-PA· OSTI ID:6268305

La Grone, C C; Baumgartner, S A; Woodroof, R A

The use of conventional fracturing fluids has been limited traditionally to wells with BHT's of 250/sup 0/F (121/sup 0/C) or less. Above 250/sup 0/F (121/sup 0/C), high polymer concentrations and/or large fluid volumes are required to maintain effective fluid viscosities in the fracture. However, high polymer concentrations lead to high friction pressures, high costs, and high gel residue levels. The large fluid volumes also increase significantly the cost of the treatment. Greater understanding of fracturing fluid properties has led to the development of a crosslinked fracturing fluid designed specifically for wells with BHT's above 250/sup 0/F (121/sup 0/C). The specialized chemistry of this fluid combines a high-pH hydroxypropyl guar gum (HPG) solution with a high-temperature gel stabilizer and a proprietary crosslinker. The fluid remains stable at 250 to 350/sup 0/F (121 to 177/sup 0/C) for extended periods of time under shear. This paper describes the rheological evaluations used in the systematic development of this fracturing fluid. In field applications, this fracturing fluid has been used to stimulate successfully wells with BHT's ranging from 250 to 540/sup 0/F (121 to 282/sup 0/C). Case histories that include pretreatment and posttreatment production data are presented.

• Research Organization: The Western Co.
• OSTI ID: 6268305
• Journal Information: SPEJ, Soc. Pet. Eng. J.; (United States), Vol. 29:5
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
03 NATURAL GAS
FRACTURING FLUIDS
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
RHEOLOGY
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS
NATURAL GAS WELLS
HYDRAULIC FRACTURING
OIL WELLS
CROSS-LINKING
GELS
GUMS
HIGH TEMPERATURE
PERFORMANCE
SHEAR
WELL STIMULATION
WELL TEMPERATURE
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COLLOIDS
COMMINUTION
DISPERSIONS
FLUIDS
FRACTURING
POLYMERIZATION
RESERVOIR TEMPERATURE
STIMULATION
WELLS
020300* - Petroleum- Drilling & Production
030900 - Natural Gas- Artificial Stimulation
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