Development of an LPG fracturing fluid with improved temperature stability

作者：Zhao, Jinzhou; Chen, Pengfei^*; Liu, Youquan; Mao, Jincheng

来源：Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering, 2018, 162: 548-553.

DOI：10.1016/j.petrol.2017.10.060

• Unconventional
• Liquefied petroleum gas
• Fracturing fluid
• Crosslinking agent
• Optimization

Continued exploitation of unconventional reservoirs using conventional hydraulic fracturing fluid technologies requires large volumes of water, which may lead to water resource shortage and environmental pollution problems. To mitigate these issues, we have developed a waterless fracturing fluid system, an LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) fracturing fluid, which exhibits excellent rheological properties, at high temperatures. @@@ In order to develop this high-performance LPG fracturing fluid, two series of metal cross-linkers (aluminum cross-linkers and iron cross-linkers) were formulated. Crosslinking performance was examined via visual observation at room temperature and by rheological testing at raised temperatures. After optimizing the crosslinker formulation, the breaking performance and the regain permeability of the new LPG fracturing fluid were also examined. The new LPG fracturing fluid breaks almost completely at 90 degrees C and achieves an average regain permeability of 96.97% even at 25 degrees C, suggesting low damage in the field applications. A fracturing fluid with such good performance can satisfy the requirements of unconventional reservoir operations. Also, as far as we know, it is the first time that all of the important characteristics of an LPG fracturing fluid are reported.

• 出版日期2018-3
• 单位西南石油大学