A Sulfur-Free and Biodegradable Gel Stabilizer for High Temperature Fracturing Applications

Abstract

For a successful hydraulic fracturing operation, two of the most important properties required from fracturing fluids are transport proppant into the fractured zone and minimum damage to formation and proppant pack conductivity. As the fluid is pumped downhole, it experiences thermal and shear thinning. Shear recovery and thermal stability are critical in terms of successful fracture creation and proppant placement. These fluid properties can be controlled by proper selection of crosslinker and linkable groups. Thermal stability of fluid at high temperatures can be increased by proper selection of gel stabilizers and it also reduces the amount of gelling agent to be used. Conventional gel stabilizer contains sulfur which could contribute to H 2 S gas when consumed by sulfate reducing bacteria. H 2 S gas is not only corrosive in nature but also harmful to health and thus, although it performs well, several operators seek sulfur-free stabilizers that can perform equivalent to sulfur-based compounds.This paper describes a sulfur-free gel stabilizer developed for enhancing the stability of fracturing fluid, allowing a lower concentration of gelling agent. This gel stabilizer is sulfur-free, nonhazardous, and biodegradable. It also provides better stability for fluids compared to conventional sulfur containing gel stabilizers.Further showcased is the improvement in stability of crosslinked fracturing fluid using the sulfur-free stabilizer under high temperature (HT) conditions of 280 to 320°F. Rheological tests performed using a Chandler high-pressure/high-temperature (HP/HT) viscometer with and without stabilizer are discussed. Results shows a significant change in terms of fluid stability in the presence of this new stabilizer as it provides better stability compared to conventional sulfur containing stabilizer. Also, shear sensitivity tests performed under multiple high shear rate cycles between 100-935-1700 s -1 showed excellent shear recovery after every high shear cycle by completely rehealing in less than 30 seconds.

Delayed Breaker Systems To Remove Residual Polymer Damage in Hydraulically Fractured Reservoirs

“…or more to maintain the fluid pressure much above its vapor pressure to avoid vapor loss. Higher temperatures affect the stability of guar-based gels as both the glycosidic bonds between the monomer units of the guar and the cross-linking bonds with borate will experience irreversible thermal degradation beyond 320 F. 29 The degradation process can further accelerate in the presence of oxygen, free radicals, and protons. 30 If the reservoir temperature is expected to be higher, oxygen scavengers, reducing agents, and pH buffers are used to protect the gel from thermal degradation and enhance the temperature limit.…”