Eco-Friendly Hydraulic Fracturing Fluid: Field Deployment and Performance Evaluation in Saudi Arabia's Tight Gas Reservoirs

Abstract

With the increase in demand for energy, natural gas from tight reservoirs is being targeted abundantly around the globe by different operators using hydraulic fracture technology. Reducing the environmental footprint associated with hydraulic fracturing is a priority in optimizing this technology. An environment friendly, polymer-free fracturing fluid has shown remarkably consistent results, following multiple deployments in Saudi Arabian tight gas formations. Alongside laboratory tests, field studies such as fracture geometry and conductivity, ecological impact and well productivity were investigated over several wells targeting the same formation. The main objective was to test the field performance consistency of the fluid. Also, integrated post treatment results were collected as case histories for comparison to offset wells. Flowback data indicated significant reduction in fracture cleanup time with 95% retrieved fluids compared to 40-60% in polymer-based fluid. Therefore, improvement in early production response was noticed due to higher retained permeability and proppant pack was left damage-free due to minimal residue left inside the formation. The post treatment reports indicated improved fracture conductivity and geometry containment in the pay zone compared to offset wells that used conventional polymer-based fluids. Additionally, because of its enhanced viscoelastic nature, the fluid system exhibited excellent proppant transport capacity at low viscosity without compromising fracture half length. The environmentally friendly surfactant-based fracturing fluid demonstrated superior performance in tight sand formations of Saudi Arabia, especially while stimulating zones in close proximity to water zones where contamination must be prevented. This paper will also discuss the potential of further development to this fluid such as improving its overall efficiency that could mark future technological advances in the petroleum industry.

Analysis of the Negative Impact of Hydraulic Fracturing Technology on the Environment

“…Technologically, hydraulic fracturing is associated with the circulation of a large amount of a mixture of water, chemicals, surfactants and sand [9]. Therefore, near the deposits there is a significant accumulation of waste water contaminated with chemicals, which can get into the soil, destroying its fertile properties and groundwater.…”

Experimental Investigations of Acid Fracturing in Layered Carbonate Rocks Utilizing Chelating Agents

“…The main drawbacks of HCl are corrosive due to its high reactivity and shallow penetration into the formation. HCl-based acids, such as gelled, emulsified, and viscoelastic (VES), were also examined in which they provided a better performance with some drawbacks such as the filter cake damage, high frictional losses, and longer mixing time. ,− Anderson and Fredrickson found that fracture conductivity is also affected by the flow regime and the dissolution volume. The contact time between the acid and rock could play a role in generating good conductive pathways, but it is dependent on the acid and formation type.…”

Comparative Study of Fracture Conductivity in Various Carbonate Rocks Treated with GLDA Chelating Agent and HCl Acid

“…Several studies were conducted to optimize the efficiency of acid fracturing treatments, and experimental and simulation approaches were used. − Different types of acids were examined, including straight, gelled, and emulsified acids. − The most common acid is HCl, which can dissolve different types of carbonate rocks and induce rough fracture surfaces. However, several problems are associated with straight HCl acid injection, such as corrosion due to the high reaction rate and short penetration within the fracture. , The HCl acid can be retarded in acid fracturing treatments by adding viscoelastic surfactants (VES), emulsifiers, gelling agents, and cross-linkers.…”