Dual-Polymer Hydraulic Fracturing Fluid System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hydraulic fracturing methods require multiple distinct fluids and equipment, leading to increased rig time and costs due to the complexity of multistage processes.
Innovation Solution
A dual-polymer hydraulic fracturing fluid system comprising a polysaccharide polymer and a polyacrylamide polymer, which can function as a single base fluid for all stages of the fracturing operation, reducing the need for multiple fluids and equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple distinct fluids are used for different stages of hydraulic fracturing, then each stage can be optimized for its specific function, but the number of tanks and pumping operations increases, leading to increased rig time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by formulating a single base fluid that can perform multiple functions across different fracturing stages. The fluid system includes a minifrac fluid with a first polymer and a crosslinked fracturing fluid with a second polymer, both sharing the same base fluid composition. This allows the same base fluid to be used for both injectivity testing and proppant placement, reducing the need for separate fluid systems and equipment for each stage.
2Device complexity
If a single base fluid is used for all stages, then the number of tanks and pumping operations is reduced, but the fluid must maintain optimal rheological performance across all stages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining multiple polymer types within a single base fluid system. The minifrac fluid contains a first polymer (such as a water-soluble polymer) while the crosslinked fracturing fluid contains a second polymer (such as a polysaccharide polymer). These different polymer components provide the necessary rheological characteristics for each stage while sharing the same base fluid, enabling a single fluid system to adapt to different functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the rheological properties of the base fluid through polymer selection and crosslinking. The base fluid's viscosity and flow characteristics are adjusted by incorporating different polymers and applying crosslinking agents specifically for the fracturing stage, while maintaining appropriate flow properties for the minifrac stage. This allows the same base fluid to exhibit different rheological behaviors as needed for each operation phase.
3Reliability
If traditional multistage processes are used, then each stage can be performed with specialized fluids, but the procedural steps and rig time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by combining the fluid systems for different fracturing stages into a single base fluid formulation. Instead of using completely separate fluids for minifrac and crosslinked fracturing operations, the invention merges them into one base fluid system with different polymer additives. This reduces the number of fluid preparation steps, eliminates the need for separate fluid handling procedures, and decreases rig time while maintaining the functional performance of each stage.
Data Source
AI summary
A fracturing fluid includes a dual-polymer fluid that is operable as a base fluid for all stages of a hydraulic fracturing operation including a polysaccharide polymer and a polyacrylamide polymer. The polysaccharide polymer is a carboxymethyl hydroxypropyl guar (CMHPG), a hydroxyl propyl guar (HPG), a guar, a polysaccharide derivative wherein the derivative has six or more repeating units or a polysaccharide containing a side group capable of hydrogen bonding. The polyacrylamide polymer is a synthetic polymer including an acrylamide (AM), an acrylic acid (AA) and a 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS). The ratio of polysaccharide polymer to polyacrylamide polymer in the dual-polymer fluid is 1:1, 1:2 or 2:1. The dual-polymer fluid includes a clay stabilizer, a surfactant, a high temperature stabilizer and has a pH ranging from 4 to 6.