Water-Based Friction-Reducing Slurry for Hydraulic Fracturing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current friction reducing compositions for slickwater fracturing fluids and other downhole fluids face challenges in minimizing energy loss due to fluid friction, particularly during turbulent flow, and there is a need for new water-based friction reducing (WB-FR) slurry compositions that can effectively reduce friction without cross-linking, which often increases friction.
Innovation Solution
The development of WB-FR slurry compositions comprising a friction-reducing base fluid, a dry particulate, water-soluble, friction-reducing polymer composition, and a specific amount of FR salt composition that maintains a salt concentration above or below saturation, along with an FR acid composition to prevent hydration and ammonia generation, ensuring effective friction reduction during production, storage, and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If cross-linked polymer is used in fracturing fluid, then viscosity is increased, but friction increases and energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the polymer by using specific monomer compositions (acrylamide, acrylic acid, methacrylic acid and their salts) and controlling the molecular weight (100,000 to 10,000,000 Daltons) to achieve the desired viscosity without cross-linking, thereby reducing friction and energy loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite polymer composition containing multiple types of polymer chains with different properties (anionic, nonionic, amphoteric) to achieve the required viscosity and friction reduction performance without relying on cross-linking
2Loss of energy
If uncross-linked polymer is used to reduce friction, then friction is reduced, but viscosity may be insufficient for effective proppant transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the molecular weight parameter (100,000 to 10,000,000 Daltons) and monomer composition ratios to achieve the delicate balance between low friction and sufficient viscosity for proppant transport in uncross-linked polymers
3Productivity
If high pumping rate and pressure are used to achieve proppant transport in low viscosity fluid, then proppant transport is achieved, but energy loss due to friction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the viscosity parameter of the fracturing fluid by selecting appropriate polymer molecular weights and concentrations, enabling effective proppant transport at moderate pumping rates and pressures while minimizing frictional energy loss
4Loss of energy
If water-soluble friction reducing polymer is used, then friction reduction is achieved, but hydration during storage and transportation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by adding salt to the slurry composition before storage and transportation to prevent unwanted hydration of the water-soluble polymer, thereby maintaining composition stability until the slurry is ready for use
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 WB-FR slurry compositions significantly reduce fluid friction and energy loss when pumped through tubular apparatus, enhancing laminar flow and proppant delivery, while being easier to prepare and more environmentally friendly compared to traditional compositions.
Implementation Method 1
an effective amount of a FR salt composition, wherein the FR salt composition reduce or prevent hydration of the DP-WS-FR polymer composition during production, storage, and transportation
Implementation Method 2
The friction reducing compositions facilitate laminar flow of the treating fluid, which causes less frictional forces and energy loss than turbulent flow of the same fluid
Implementation Method 3
significant energy loss often occurs due to friction between the fracturing fluid and the casing or tubing, particularly when the fracturing fluid is in turbulent flow
Data Source
AI summary
Water-based friction reducing slurry compositions including a salt composition in an amount sufficient to result in undissolved salts in the water-based friction reducing slurry compositions designed to reduce or prevent hydration of the friction-reducing polymers in the water-based friction reducing slurry compositions during production, storage, and transportation, treating fluid compositions including a water-based friction reducing slurry compositions and methods of making the water-based friction reducing slurry compositions and the treating fluid compositions and methods of treating subterranean oil and/or gas bearing formations using the treating fluid compositions.