Title: Selection of friction reducer for slickwater fracturing to achieve both fracking robustness and production maximisation

Authors: J. Jim Wu

Addresses: Phoenix C&W, Inc., P.O. Box 481, Bellaire, Texas 77402, USA

Abstract: Fracking robustness and production maximisation are the ultimate pursuits of slickwater fracturing. The former requires an 'all-weather' applicability of slickwater, whereas the latter dictates the fluid to be non-damaging to reservoir formation. Since friction reducer (FR) is the mere indispensable component of slickwater, the requirements for fluid essentially translate for this FR. In this report, an attempt is made to describe experimentally and comparatively the outcomes of FR screening based upon current industrial practices, which are often contradictory in nature, followed by the author's opinions and recommendations. Two commercially available FRs, with distinctive properties, were chosen for demonstration. Regarding fracking robustness, the assessments include a series of compatibility and friction flow loop examinations. The aspects of production maximisation are elucidated through core flood regained perm, proppants pack elution and filtration through porous media experiments. A simplified FR selection guide is proposed with its validity corroborated by field results.

Keywords: slickwater; hydraulic fracturing; friction reducer; fracking robustness; production maximisation; brine tolerance; formation damage.

DOI: 10.1504/IJPE.2020.116197

International Journal of Petroleum Engineering, 2020 Vol.3 No.4, pp.270 - 285

Received: 15 May 2020
Accepted: 07 Sep 2020
Published online: 13 Jul 2021 *