Fluid loss control additives for use in fracturing subterranean formations

Abstract

The present invention relates to subterranean fracturing operations, and more particularly to fracturing fluids that include an improved fluid loss control additive, and methods of using such fracturing fluids in fracturing subterranean formations. An example of a method of the present invention is a method of fracturing a subterranean formation. Another example of a method of the present invention is a method of controlling loss of a fracturing fluid during fracturing of a subterranean formation. Another example of a method of the present invention is a method of minimizing fluid loss in a subterranean formation. An example of a composition of the present invention is a pad fluid for use in fracturing a subterranean formation. Another example of a composition of the present invention is a fluid loss control additive for use in a fracturing fluid to be placed in a subterranean formation.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates to subterranean fracturing operations, and more particularly to fracturing fluids comprising an improved fluid loss control additive, and methods of using such fracturing fluids in fracturing subterranean formations. [0002] Hydrocarbon-producing wells often are stimulated by hydraulic fracturing operations, wherein a fluid (often referred to as a “pad” fluid) is introduced into a portion of a subterranean formation at a hydraulic pressure sufficient to create or enhance at least one fracture therein. After the placement of the pad fluid, one or more subsequent fluids, laden with proppant particles, may be placed in the zone so that the proppant particles may be placed in the resultant fractures to maintain the integrity of the fractures (after the hydraulic pressure is released), thereby forming conductive channels within the formation through which hydrocarbons can flow. Once at least one fracture has been created and...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention relates to improving fracturing fluids used in subterranean fracturing operations. Specifically, the invention provides a fluid loss control additive that helps to reduce the loss of fluid during fracturing. The additive comprises a material that has a specific size and compressive strength. The use of this additive can minimize the amount of fluid needed and improve the efficiency of the fracturing process. The invention also provides a pad fluid and a fluid loss control additive for use in fracturing fluids. The technical effects of the invention include reducing fluid loss, improving efficiency, and minimizing the amount of fluid needed.

Problems solved by technology

In certain circumstances, a portion of a pad fluid and / or a proppant-laden fluid may be lost into the subterranean formation during a fracturing operation.

While conventional fluid loss control additives may be able to withstand the closure stress of an induced fracture, they generally are not designed to withstand the stress exhibited by natural fractures in the formation.

This may be particularly problematic at an intersection between an induced fracture and a natural fracture, because a natural fracture that is intersected by an induced fracture often will have a higher stress than the induced fracture.

Consequently, when conventional fluid loss control additives enter, and potentially obstruct, natural fractures in the formation, the conventional fluid loss control additives often may be crushed within the natural fracture, which may be problematic because the crushed particles may partially or completely restrict any production from the natural fracture.