Gas Fracturing Fluid Mist Phase for Fluid Loss Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas fracturing methods face challenges in minimizing fluid loss from the gas phase into the subterranean formation matrix, which can reduce fracture conductivity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a mist phase with a fluid loss control agent, such as particles or foam, into the gas fracturing fluid to deposit on the fracture faces and inhibit fluid loss, while maintaining a continuous gas phase above fracturing pressure to form conductive gas-fractured flow paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If gas is injected at very high rates to offset high leakoff into the formation, then fluid flow rate is improved, but fluid loss into the formation matrix increases
Solution Approach 1:
A mist phase consisting of fine particles (0.1-10 micrometers) dispersed in the gas phase acts as an intermediary substance. These particles deposit on the fracture faces and form a barrier that mediates between the high-velocity gas flow and the formation matrix, preventing direct fluid loss while maintaining productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state and distribution of fluid loss control agents by dispersing them as a mist phase throughout the gas volume. This transforms the agents from a concentrated liquid/foam phase into a widely distributed particulate system that can effectively cover large fracture surfaces at high injection rates.
2Reliability
If proppant is used to maintain fracture conductivity, then fracture conductivity is improved, but the complexity of the fracturing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of uniformly propping the entire fracture, the mist phase particles provide localized fluid loss control at the fracture faces where it is most needed. This creates different functional zones: the fracture core remains open for conductivity while the faces are protected against fluid loss, eliminating the need for extensive proppant placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The mist phase particles serve as a temporary, disposable barrier that performs its fluid loss control function during and immediately after the fracturing operation. These fine particles are inexpensive and can be easily injected and distributed, replacing the need for more complex proppant systems in certain applications.
3Loss of substance
If a mist phase with fluid loss control agent is deposited on fracture faces, then fluid loss control is improved, but the complexity of the treatment fluid increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the fluid loss control function with the fracturing fluid itself by dispersing control agents as a mist phase within the gas stream. This combines what would traditionally be separate components (fracturing gas and fluid loss control agents) into a single integrated treatment fluid system.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic principles to generate and transport the mist phase through the gas stream. The fine particles are suspended and delivered via gas flow dynamics, utilizing pneumatic conveyance to distribute the fluid loss control agents uniformly across the fracture surfaces without requiring additional injection systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach effectively reduces fluid loss and enhances fracture conductivity, allowing for improved fluid flow and production efficiency without the need for proppants, by using a mist phase to plug micropores and reduce permeability.
Implementation Method 1
depositing some of the mist phase such as particles [liquid/foam/solid] from the mist phase onto a surface of the formation to inhibit fluid loss into a matrix of the formation
Implementation Method 2
injecting above a fracturing pressure into a fracture in the formation a gas treatment fluid stage substantially free of proppant and comprising a continuous gas phase
Implementation Method 3
reducing the pressure in the fracture to form a network of conductive gas-fractured flow paths in the formation
Data Source
AI summary
Gas fracturing methods and systems utilizing a gas treatment fluid, which may contain a dispersed phase of fluid loss control agent particles. Also, treatment fluids suitable for use in the methods and systems are disclosed.