Proppant Suspension via Low-Density Particulates in Fracturing Fluids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Proppant aggregates in hydraulic fracturing operations tend to settle and aggregate, reducing fracture conductivity due to their higher density, which is exacerbated by the use of reduced proppant volumes, leading to potential closure of fractures and decreased production efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A combination of a carrier fluid with a specific density range (0.75-1.25 g/cm3) and proppant aggregates with a higher density (>1.1 g/cm3) is used, along with low-density particulates (<0.95 g/cm3) to create a propping fluid that slows the settling of proppant aggregates within the fracture by mutual interference, promoting a more random distribution and increased suspension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If reduced volumes of proppants are used to create high porosity fracture, then fracture conductivity is improved, but proppant settling occurs leading to fracture closure and reduced conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
A viscosity-enhancing polymer is introduced as an intermediary substance in the carrier fluid to counteract the settling of proppant aggregates. The polymer increases fluid viscosity, providing greater buoyant support to keep the reduced proppant volumes suspended throughout the fracture, thereby maintaining both high porosity and fracture stability without requiring excessive proppant quantities
2Stability of the object's composition
If high pump rate or increased fluid viscosity is used to counteract proppant settling, then proppant suspension is improved, but effectiveness is lost once fluid is placed into fracture and before fracture pressure is released
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer concentration and molecular weight are specifically selected to provide optimal viscosity enhancement that maintains proppant suspension throughout the entire fracture placement and pressure release period. The polymer's viscosifying effect persists at reservoir conditions, ensuring prolonged suspension effectiveness without relying on high pump rates that lose effectiveness over time
3Productivity
If proppant aggregates are used instead of traditional proppant, then proppant placement efficiency is improved, but settling is exacerbated due to larger size and higher weight
Solution Approach 1:
The viscosity-enhancing polymer creates a more resistant carrier fluid that counteracts the increased gravitational force on larger proppant aggregates. The enhanced viscosity provides greater drag force and buoyant support, effectively balancing the heavier weight of aggregates and preventing their premature settling, thus maintaining placement efficiency while mitigating the harmful settling effect
4Stability of the object's composition
If high concentration of gelling agents is used to maintain proppant suspension, then proppant settling is reduced, but formation damage increases and production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer concentration is optimized to provide sufficient viscosity enhancement for proppant suspension while remaining below thresholds that cause formation damage. The polymer's molecular characteristics are selected to achieve effective suspension at lower concentrations compared to traditional gelling agents, thereby maintaining proppant stability without compromising formation permeability or production efficiency
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 enhances the suspension of proppant aggregates, maintaining fracture conductivity and reducing the need for high gelling agents, thereby improving production efficiency and reducing formation damage.
Implementation Method 1
providing low-density particulates having a density lower than that of the carrier fluid... wherein the low-density particulates slow the settling of the proppant aggregates within the fracture
Implementation Method 2
providing a carrier fluid having a density; providing a proppant aggregates having a density higher than that of the carrier fluid; providing low-density particulates having a density lower than that of the carrier fluid
Data Source
AI summary
Providing a carrier fluid having a density; providing a proppant aggregates having a density higher than that of the carrier fluid; and, providing low-density particulates having a density lower than that of the carrier fluid. Then the carrier fluid, proppant aggregates, and low-density particulates are combined to create a propping fluid. The propping fluid then is placed into a fracture within a subterranean formation wherein the low-density particulates slow the settling of the proppant aggregates within the fracture.