Increased Breaker Concentration in Fracturing Fluids Results in Improved Gas Well Performance

Elbel, J.L.; Gulbis, Janet; King, M. T.; Manière, Jérôme

doi:10.2118/21716-ms

Cited by 24 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…In contrast, during this period, numerous advancements for breaking polymeric fluid systems were developed and have improved polymeric fluid cleanup (Gulbis et al 1992;Elbel et al 1991;Brannon and Tjoe-Joe-Pin 1994;Shuchart et al 1997;Brannon et al 2003). In 2005, an internal breaker technology was presented for VES fluid systems (Crews).…”

Section: Improved Performancementioning

confidence: 99%

New Technology Improves Performance of Viscoelastic Surfactant Fluids

Crews

Huang

Wood

2008

SPE Drilling &Amp; Completion

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For a number of years, viscoelastic surfactant (VES) fluids have been used for a variety of stimulation treatment applications, including hydraulic fracturing, acid diverting, and gravelpacking. VES fluid systems typically offer higher-retained permeability and conductivity of the formation sand and proppant pack than polymeric systems. However, preliminary cost, a 200°F temperature limit, excessive leakoff, and no internal breaker mechanism for dry gas applications have limited VES use.New VES fluid technology has been developed that substantially improves product performance and cost effectiveness. The temperature range has been extended to 300°F by using newly developed VES stabilizer technology. The system works with high-density brines up to 14.4 ppg. Internal breakers have been developed that permit a controlled viscosity break from ambient to 300°F. Laboratory tests have determined that an internally broken fluid rapidly achieves >90% returned permeability and conductivity of the formation sand and proppant pack without the presence or need for contacting hydrocarbons. Fluid loss-control technology has been developed that reduces VES fluid leakoff similar to wallbuilding fluids, but without filtercake damage.This paper discusses the development of the new VES system chemistry and its properties. The paper also addresses the merits of a viscous fluid that can work in a variety of base fluids for highpressure applications, such as managing surface-treating pressure or for gas-hydrate inhibition in deep gas or deepwater environments. Breaker technology discussion addresses the ability to ensure and enhance VES fluid-viscosity breaking. Fluid loss-control technology effective to at least 2,000 millidarcies (mD) is presented. This paper also presents rheological, return permeability and conductivity, fluid loss control, treating pressure, and financial results.

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Section: Improved Performancementioning

confidence: 99%

New Technology Improves Performance of Viscoelastic Surfactant Fluids

Crews

Huang

Wood

2008

SPE Drilling &Amp; Completion

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“…These polymeric-based fracturing fluids have gel breakers added to them, such as oxidizers and enzymes, in order to reduce the fluids' viscosity downhole once a treatment is completed. An extensive amount of breaker technology has been developed to enhance and optimize the quality of break for polymeric-based fracturing fluids 1,2,3,4,5,6 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Internal Phase Breaker Technology for Viscoelastic Surfactant Gelled Fluids

Crews

2005

All Days

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TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractPast viscoelastic surfactant (VES) gelled fluids used for fracpacking and conventional hydraulic fracturing have primarily relied on external or reservoir conditions to break (reduce) the fluids gel viscosity. This paper describes an internal phase breaker system developed for breaking viscoelastic surfactant gelled fluids. Laboratory rheological data is presented that shows controlled viscosity reduction can be achieved from 80º F to 225º F by the use of two or three aqueous breaker solutions. The mix waters evaluated were KCl, CaCl 2 , and ASTM synthetic seawater. The results show that break times typical for polymeric fluids can now be achieved for VES gelled fluids.

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“…Advanced breaker systems were also developed to enhance fracture cleanup. 4,5 In 1997, a new fracturing fluid was introduced as an alternative to the conventional polymer/breaker approach to the oilfield. 6 This fluid system uses a viscoelastic surfactant (VES) that develops sufficient viscosity and viscoelasticity to create a fracture and can be utilized for proppant transport.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Application of a New Class of Surfactants in Stimulation Treatments

Nasr‐El‐Din¹,

Elsamma²,

Mathew³

2003

Proceedings of SPE International Improved Oil Recovery Conference in Asia Pacific

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TX 75083-3836 U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractDifferent acid systems have been used to stimulate production and injection wells for more than a century. Several chemicals are added to the acid to enhance the efficiency of the acidizing treatments, including various types of surfactants.Surfactants play a key role in many well treatments because of their unique properties. Surfactants are used to reduce surface tension, change wettability, mobilize residual oil, and disperse corrosion inhibitors. They are also used as anti-sludge agents, emulsifiers in acid-oil emulsions, and demulsifiers. This wide spectrum of applications is due to the ability of surfactants to adsorb on various surfaces and associate in the bulk of solutions and form micellar structures. The properties of surfactants depend on the size of the head, tail length, and configuration of the tail, surface charges, ionic strength and temperature.Recent advances in surfactant technology have introduced a new class of surfactants with special characteristics useful in oilfield applications. This new class of surfactant has the ability to form viscoelastic systems, which can be used to increase viscosity of the treating fluids, without causing formation damage. These surfactants have been used in Saudi Arabian fields to enhance diversion during matrix acid stimulation, reduce leak-off during acid fracturing and to minimize losses (well control) during workover. The system proved successful to provide fracture extensions in acid fracturing applications of low temperature seawater injectors and high temperature gas wells. These surfactant systems are non-damaging and do not require sized solids to control losses, which eliminates the need for remedial acid treatments.

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Increased Breaker Concentration in Fracturing Fluids Results in Improved Gas Well Performance

Cited by 24 publications

References 8 publications

New Technology Improves Performance of Viscoelastic Surfactant Fluids

New Technology Improves Performance of Viscoelastic Surfactant Fluids

Internal Phase Breaker Technology for Viscoelastic Surfactant Gelled Fluids

Application of a New Class of Surfactants in Stimulation Treatments

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