Crosslinked Methanol: Analysis of a Successful Experience in Fracturing Gas Wells SPE 69585
Language: Inglés Series: Antoci, Juan Carlos ; Publication details: Dallas, Texas Society of Petroleum Engineers 2001Online resources: Summary: Over 200 hydraulic fracturing jobs using crosslinked anhydrous methanol as fracture fluid, have been performed in Argentina since the introduction of the technology in the country in 1992. Initial development of the crosslinked methanol was intended to reduce formation damage caused by swelling clays and capillary blockage related to high fluid surface tension when stimulating gas reservoirs. This paper summarizes the basic development of the technology, presenting recent findings on lower friction pressure, proppant carrying properties, environmental concerns solutions and larger temperature range of application. It also reviews the acquired experience, focused on its application in the field with the most extensive usage in Argentina, and it includes references to the broadening of the span of applications to different gas bearing rocks, higher temperatures and deviated wells; and a brief discussion on safety and cost issues. A study of the factors influencing the gas flow initiation stress (FIS) at fracture faces after being invaded by fluid filtrate is presented, supported by laboratory tests comparing water base fluid against methanol base fluid. Finally, the influence of fluid vaporization is presented as a key mechanism unique to methanol that overcomes the effect of FIS (both at the fracture faces and in the propped fracture) in reducing effective fracture length. Methanol vaporization explains that the effective fracture lentgh will approach total propped length resulting in increased early time productivity and ultimate gas recovery.| Current library | Status | Barcode | |
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| Biblioteca virtual | Not for loan | 200003209 |
Over 200 hydraulic fracturing jobs using crosslinked anhydrous methanol as fracture fluid, have been performed in Argentina since the introduction of the technology in the country in 1992. Initial development of the crosslinked methanol was intended to reduce formation damage caused by swelling clays and capillary blockage related to high fluid surface tension when stimulating gas reservoirs. This paper summarizes the basic development of the technology, presenting recent findings on lower friction pressure, proppant carrying properties, environmental concerns solutions and larger temperature range of application. It also reviews the acquired experience, focused on its application in the field with the most extensive usage in Argentina, and it includes references to the broadening of the span of applications to different gas bearing rocks, higher temperatures and deviated wells; and a brief discussion on safety and cost issues. A study of the factors influencing the gas flow initiation stress (FIS) at fracture faces after being invaded by fluid filtrate is presented, supported by laboratory tests comparing water base fluid against methanol base fluid. Finally, the influence of fluid vaporization is presented as a key mechanism unique to methanol that overcomes the effect of FIS (both at the fracture faces and in the propped fracture) in reducing effective fracture length. Methanol vaporization explains that the effective fracture lentgh will approach total propped length resulting in increased early time productivity and ultimate gas recovery.
