Rheological studies of high-density fracturing fluid using high-density brine and carboxymethyl hydroxypropyl guar (CMHPG) for high-temperature well condition

Abstract

This work investigated carboxymethyl hydroxypropyl guar (CMHPG) as a potential base polymer for a fracturing fluid used in deep tight gas wells, synonym to high-temperature reservoirs. Fracturing is a common method to improve oil production by creating fractures in potentially productive reservoirs using fracturing fluids. Fracturing fluids are typically composed of water, sand, proppant, and many different additives to alter the capabilities of the fluid.A stable high-density fracturing fluid (HDFF) was developed to cope with scorching good temperatures up to 350F (177C)as well as to reduce the surface treating pressure. The HDFF consists of NaBr heavy brine, CMHPG, clay stabilizers, and zirconium and borate crosslinkers. A linear gel fluid was prepared by combining NaBr brine with CMHPG before adding the additives. The resulting fluid was then tested using a high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) rheometer.The results showed that the performance of the HDFF was optimum in an alkaline environment between pH 10 to 12. The efficiency of zirconium and borate crosslinkers were optimum at 0.7 ppm and 1.5 ppt, respectively. Concentrations higher than these values are not only uneconomical but will cause the fluid to be overly crosslinked, consequently reducing efficiency. In actual field operation, this is disastrous when the fluid does not flow to the fracturing column but instead swirls around the drill string as the drill string rotates. On the other hand, a reduction of concentration below the optimum values can cause fluid instability at high temperature reservoirs.The study was limited to using two different kinds of crosslinkers and various concentrations. Future studies can be conducted using other kinds of crosslinkers, as well as an investigation into the effects of varying temperatures, pressures, and pH on the HDFF using CMHPG.It can be concluded that HDFF using CMHPG as the base polymer can be a potential use in formulating fracturing fluids.Information on the rheological behaviour of HDFF using NaBr and CMHPG can provide a reference point for future scientists in developing a new formulation of fracturing fluid.