Development and Characterization of Clean Fracturing Fluid Based on Gemini Surfactant for Coalbed Methane Extraction

Abstract

Addressing the issues of low permeability, stress sensitivity in CBM reservoirs, and severe reservoir damage from traditional fracturing fluids, we prepared a Gemini surfactant (designated GEM-CBM) for CBM development using ethanolamine, epichlorohydrin, and alkylamidopropyl dimethylamine as feedstocks. On this basis, we further developed a clean fracturing fluid system. The synthesis process of GEM-CBM was optimized via single-factor and orthogonal experiments. The surface activity of GEM-CBM was assessed through surface tension measurements, whereas the sand-carrying capacity, the rheological properties, gel-breaking performance, and reservoir compatibility were comprehensively examined. The optimal conditions for GEM-CBM are listed as follows: the molar ratio of intermediate to alkylamidopropyl dimethylamine being 1:2.2, reacted at 80 °C for 20 h, with a conversion rate of 96.5%. FTIR verified the existence of characteristic functional groups, and EA results matched the theoretical molecular composition. GEM-CBM has good performance, with a critical micelle concentration (CMC) of 19.0 μmol/L and a surface tension at CMC (γCMC) of 37.44 mN/m. The optimized clean fracturing fluid (formulation: 2.3% GEM-CBM + 0.3% Tween-80 + simulated formation water with 150,000 mg/L mineralization) exhibited a viscosity of 82 mPa·s (66.7% viscosity retention rate) after being subjected to 100 min of shearing at 90 °C and 170 s−1. At 90 °C, the proppant settlement velocity was less than 0.15 mm/s, and complete gel breaking was achieved within 30 min without residues. For coal cores from the Qinshui Basin, the permeability recovery rate reached 78.6%. The permeability recovery rate of coal cores from the Qinshui Basin reached 78.6%. This fracturing fluid realizes viscosity enhancement and sand carrying via the worm-like micellar network formed by GEM-CBM, inducing minimal damage to CBM reservoirs and offering technical support for efficient CBM extraction.