Foam Stabilization Mechanism of a Novel Non-cross-linked Foam Fracturing Fluid

Abstract

Traditional foam hydraulic fracturing fluids used guar crosslinking technology. However, major production problems, such as high friction and difficulty to accurately control the cross-linking time, have influenced the large-scale application of cross-linked guar foam fracturing fluids. In this study, we developed a novel non-cross-linked foam fracturing fluid using a series of polymers synthesized with acrylamide and hexadecyl trimethylallyl ammonium chloride as monomers and improved the stability of foam by forming structures in solution through association. The results showed that the hydrophobic groups were the key factors that affect the foam stability, and the hydrolysis degree had a significant effect on the elasticity of the polymer solution. The model association polymer with 0.75% hydrophobic group content and 56% hydrolytic degree was optimal. The stability of our proposed foam was comparable to that of the cross-linked guar gum foam. The adsorption of associating polymers on the gas and water interface resulted in a high-stability foam. Our study demonstrates a new avenue to develop high-stability foams to satisfy the current hydraulic fracturing scheme.

Investigation of Foam Flooding Assisted by Non-Newtonian and Novel Newtonian Viscosifying Agents for Enhanced Oil Recovery

“…This supports the assumption that the presence of the polymer increases the foamability of the solution. This occurrence can be a result of slower gas diffusion and liquid drainage from foam bubbles because of higher viscosity . In Figure , only the pressure drop development is shown until it reaches its steady state to avoid various curves crossing each other and making the figure harder to read.…”

“…This occurrence can be a result of slower gas diffusion and liquid drainage from foam bubbles because of higher viscosity. 61 In Figure 17 , only the pressure drop development is shown until it reaches its steady state to avoid various curves crossing each other and making the figure harder to read. The final equilibrium pressure drop for the outlet section increases slightly as the HPAM concentration increases.…”

Preparation and properties of a clean, low‐damage waterproof locking damage multifunctional integrated water‐based fracturing fluid

“…In general, water‐based fracturing fluids such as guar gum and synthetic polymers are the most commonly used types 2–4 . However, guar gum lacks thermal stability and produces significant residue upon breaking which negatively impacts productivity 5,6 . Synthetic polymer‐based fracturing fluids in the oil and gas industry are composed of a polyacrylamide backbone and can be tailored to suit many applications, including clay stabilizers, scale inhibitors, asphaltene dispersants, and wax inhibitors 7,8 …”

“…[2][3][4] However, guar gum lacks thermal stability and produces significant residue upon breaking which negatively impacts productivity. 5,6 Synthetic polymer-based fracturing fluids in the oil and gas industry are composed of a polyacrylamide backbone and can be tailored to suit many applications, including clay stabilizers, scale inhibitors, asphaltene dispersants, and wax inhibitors. 7,8 Hydrophobic associated polyacrylamides (HAPs) are polymers that contain a few hydrophobic groups or chains (generally <2 mol%) incorporated into a hydrophilic backbone, giving them amphiphilic properties.…”

Molecular Viewpoint for the Stability Mechanism of SiO2/SDS Dispersion

“…Yang [10] et al studied the hydrophobic modi ed alumina nanoparticles stabilized foam by using Sodium isopropylbenzene sulfonate (SC) to modify the nanoparticle, which showed that SC concentration could improve the foaming and stability of the foam. Xiong [11] et al…”