Preparation and Performance Evaluation of CO2 Foam Gel Fracturing Fluid
2024

CO2 Foam Gel Fracturing Fluid Development

publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Gao Yan, Yang Jiahui, Li Zefeng, Ma Zhenfeng, Xu Xinjie, Liu Ruiqiong, Li Xin, Zhang Lixiao, Zhao Mingwei, Higginbotham Clement

Primary Institution: Changqing Downhole Technology Company, China National Petroleum Corporation

Hypothesis

Can a novel CO2 foam gel fracturing fluid system improve proppant transport capacity and stability in low-permeability reservoirs?

Conclusion

The developed CO2 foam gel fracturing fluid system shows enhanced sand-carrying capacity and excellent temperature and shear resistance.

Supporting Evidence

  • The CO2 foam gel fracturing fluid system showed a slower proppant settling velocity compared to the base fluid.
  • The apparent viscosity of the CO2 foam gel fracturing fluid remained above 20 mPa·s after 90 minutes of shearing.
  • The optimized formulation was determined to be 0.7 wt% YFP-1 and 1.5 wt% CZJ-1.
  • Static sand-carrying tests indicated that the CO2 foam gel fracturing fluid effectively carried proppants at elevated sand ratios.
  • The system demonstrated excellent high-temperature shear resistance.

Takeaway

This study created a special fluid that helps carry sand better when drilling for oil and gas, especially in tough places where it's hard to get resources.

Methodology

The fluid was prepared using a thickening agent and a foaming agent, followed by testing its performance under various conditions.

Limitations

The study does not address long-term stability and environmental impacts of the CO2 foam gel fracturing fluid.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3390/gels10120804

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