Digital Rheology of High Viscosity Friction Reducers

Abstract

High-viscosity friction reducer (HVFR) fluid systems are increasingly used in hydraulic fracturing operations to achieve economic and technical objectives. As with other fracturing fluids, HVFR system performance is tied to rheological properties, which, on their own, are strongly dependent on water salinity. A novel approach applies digital technology to HVFR rheology modeling for fluid performance prediction in a wide range of water compositions. The proposed model is an effort to digitize and model rheology for increased operational efficiency. It has several remarkable differentiations, including model sensitivity to polymer loading, temperature, and water salinity.