Water-Based Friction Reducing Additive for Hydraulic Fracturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Slickwater hydraulic fracturing experiences significant energy loss due to friction between the fracturing fluid and wellbore casing or tubing, particularly during turbulent flow, which reduces the efficiency of proppant transport and fracture creation in subterranean formations.
Innovation Solution
A water-based friction reducing additive comprising an aqueous base fluid, a salt, a first friction reducing polymer, and a suspension agent, optionally including a second friction reducing polymer or hydrophilic clay, is introduced into the treatment fluid to reduce friction and enhance suspension stability, facilitating laminar flow and reducing energy loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If slickwater hydraulic fracturing uses low viscosity fluid to generate narrow complex fractures, then fracture complexity is improved, but energy loss due to friction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the fracturing fluid by introducing a friction reducing polymer that alters the flow regime from turbulent to laminar, thereby reducing frictional energy loss while maintaining the low viscosity required for complex fracture generation
Solution Approach 2:
The friction reducing polymer acts as an intermediary substance that mediates between the fracturing fluid and the wellbore casing/tubing, reducing the frictional interaction and energy loss during fluid injection while allowing the fracturing operation to proceed
2Loss of energy
If uncross-linked polymer is used to reduce friction during pumping, then friction reduction is improved, but viscosity control and proppant transport capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the concentration and molecular weight parameters of the uncross-linked friction reducing polymer to achieve optimal balance between friction reduction and proppant transport capability, using specific dosage ranges to prevent excessive viscosity reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite fracturing fluid system combining the base slickwater fracturing fluid with the friction reducing polymer additive, where the composite maintains the beneficial properties of both components - low viscosity for fracture complexity and reduced friction for energy efficiency
3Loss of energy
If friction reducing polymer is added to facilitate laminar flow, then energy loss is reduced, but fluid viscosity and proppant suspension capability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameter of the friction reducing polymer within specific ranges to maintain sufficient viscosity for proppant suspension while achieving laminar flow and energy reduction, preventing the polymer concentration from exceeding levels that would cause excessive thinning
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using a controlled amount of friction reducing polymer that provides sufficient friction reduction and laminar flow facilitation without excessively reducing viscosity to the point where proppant suspension capability is compromised
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
The additive significantly reduces friction during pumping, maintaining effective friction reduction over time and improving the stability and viscosity of the treatment fluid, thereby enhancing the efficiency of proppant transport and fracture creation in subterranean formations.
Implementation Method 1
The friction reducing polymer facilitates laminar flow of the treatment fluid, which causes less frictional forces and energy loss than turbulent flow of the same fluid
Implementation Method 2
A water-based friction reducing additive comprising an aqueous base fluid, a salt, a first friction reducing polymer, and a suspension agent
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and compositions for treating aqueous fluids that may be included in treatment fluids that are used for treating a subterranean formation. In some embodiments, the methods include: providing a water-based friction reducing additive that includes an aqueous base fluid, a salt, a first friction reducing polymer, and a suspension agent; introducing the water-based friction reducing additive into a treatment fluid; and introducing the treatment fluid into a wellbore penetrating at least a portion of a subterranean formation at a pressure sufficient to create or enhance one or more fractures within the subterranean formation.