The Synthesis and Characterization of a Clean Hydrofracturing Fluid

Abstract

Surfactant-based fracturing gels are considered as clean gels due to the absence of insoluble residues after hydraulic fracturing of tight reservoir. Conventionally used highly viscous polymer gels damage the formation by blocking the fluid path in a fractured formation. The present work has been accomplished with the purpose of evaluating an anionic surfactant-based gel for hydraulic fracturing. Rheological properties and proppant carrying capacity of the synthesized gel were studied as a function of shear rate, temperature, and pH, which affect the gel behavior at the downhole. Proppant carrying capacity was also reported with varying proppant loadings. Rheological properties and proppant carrying capacity of synthesized gel were compared with conventionally used guar gel.