Massive Hydraulic Fracturing of High-Temperature Wells with Stable Frac Foams

Abstract

Recent studies under downhole conditions show the relationship between foam texture, i.e., bubble size and foam rheology. They also show that under the low shear conditions that exist in a fracture during treatment, foams behave as power law fluids. Dynamic fluid-loss testing indicates ·stabilized foams are some of the more efficient fracturing fluids available.Formation damage results help explain why foam-fractured wells clean up so well.As a result of our better understandi ng of the properties of foam under downhole conditions, we have developed new, highly stable foam systems. These systems a re 100 to 1000 times more stable than conventional foams and, therefore, greatly broaden the downhole conditions under which foams can be used.Fi el d results demonstrate the successful pl acement of large amounts of proppants with stable foams in both oil and gas wells at temperatures up to 300°F. In addition, foam-fractured wells clean up better and, therefore, payout faster than we 11 s fraced with conventional fluids.

Synergistic effects of polymer and bentonite clay on rheology and thermal stability of foam fluid developed for hydraulic fracturing

“…Foam stability is a very important parameter for efficient application as fracturing fluid. Half‐life time which is the main scale to quantify foam stability could be defined as the time taken to drain out the half of the liquid from foam . To measure the half‐life time, the foam generated from 100 ml of base fluid was poured immediately after preparation into a 1000‐ml measuring cylinder.…”

“…Half-life time which is the main scale to quantify foam stability could be defined as the time taken to drain out the half of the liquid from foam. [25,26] To measure the half-life time, the foam generated from 100 ml of base fluid was poured immediately after preparation into a 1000-ml measuring cylinder. Variation in volume of drained liquid from foam was noted as a function of time.…”

Foam Fracturing in the Uinta Basin - A Field Study of the Dakota and Wasatch Formations

“…However, it is capable of making a foam that is 100 times more stable than foamed water. 3 This stabilized foam gave the needed stability for completing these jobs properly.…”

“…3 Thi s stabi 1 i zer is a mul t i component system compri sed of surfactants, polymeric stabilizers, clay stabilizers and bactericide. It consists of a new type of polymer that does not increase the viscosity of the 1 iquid phase any more than the conventional polymers.…”