Perspective Review of Polymers as Additives in Water-Based Fracturing Fluids

Abstract

After successful implementation for more than 6 decades by the oil and gas industry, hydraulic fracturing remains the pioneer well stimulation method to date. Polymers are one of the additives in fracturing fluids that play a significant role. Polymers are used as friction reducers and viscosifiers to provide a transport medium for proppants in fracturing fluids. There are many polymer-based fracturing fluid systems, but choosing the most appropriate type and system depends on the type of application and a wide range of parameters. Currently, there is no complete review study that gives a reference and hence a perspective for researchers on the use of polymers in hydraulic fracturing. This paper summarizes the published literature on polymers used in fracturing fluids and discusses the current research issues, efforts, and trends in the field, aiming to provide an overview of the polymer applications in slick-water and cross-linked gel systems. The mechanism and limitation of polymer use such as polymer degradation, fracture conductivity reduction, and polymer adsorption are also reviewed in this paper. The reviewed literature suggested that polymers are important additives in fracturing fluids not only to provide adequate transportation of proppants but also to determine the width of the fracture whereby higher viscosities yield wider fractures. The development of synthetic polymers and associative polymers in fracturing fluids showed a remarkable potential to improve the stability of fracturing fluids in unconventional reservoirs under reservoir conditions, which makes it an interesting topic for future studies.

Investigation of Fracturing Fluid Flowback in Hydraulically Fractured Formations Based on Microscopic Visualization Experiments

“…Polymers are frequently employed in water-based fracturing fluids with the primary purposes of minimizing turbulence-induced friction and enhancing the fracturing fluid’s ability to carry proppant particles. This is achieved through the elevation of the fracturing fluid’s viscosity, transforming it into a non-Newtonian fluid [ 8 ]. The commonly used polymers added to water-based fracturing fluids are shown in Table 1 .…”

Experimental Investigation of Shale Tensile Failure under Thermally Conditioned Linear Fracturing Fluid (LFF) System and Reservoir Temperature Controlled Conditions

“…However, certain draw backs are encountered, such as the high cost and significant amounts of polymeric residues being left after fluid breakdown [6]. These polymeric residues have tendencies to cause damages to the proppant pack and equally result in the poor conductivity of fracture networks [7][8][9].…”

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

“…Hydraulic fracturing is important for the effective opening of reservoir pores, and hence influences the environmental and economic outcomes of oil fields. 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 .…”

“…In general, water-based fracturing fluids such as guar gum and synthetic polymers are the most commonly used types. [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.…”