LD-FRAC — New ways of hydraulic fracturing optimization

Background. The work describes one of the new approaches to optimizing the method of hydraulic fracturing, aimed at increasing fracture length, reducing its height propagation, and enhancing the effectiveness of proppant placement within the targeted interval by lowering the average overall viscosity of the fracturing fluid. The target applications for this solution are development systems without fracture length limitations and candidates with quality hydrodynamic connectivity in the well-reservoir system.

Materials and methods. The paper outlines the conceptual and practical approach of the technological solution “LD-FRAC” (Low Damage) used in the Gazprom nek company group. The fundamental principle of the solution involves the interval-based pulsed delivery of a crosslinking agent while performing the main hydraulic fracturing. In the presence of increased friction in the near-wellbore zone, the approach allows for a seamless transition to a standard classic implementation (cross-linked guar-borate system), which, in turn, reduces the time loss costs during the hydraulic fracturing on the well pad.

Results. The authors thoroughly examine the company’s experience, including fi eld trial materials and methods, as well as schemes for adapting the technology. The data presented demonstrates how a competent approach and modeling of the proposed solution can reduce water cut in production and yield additional hydrocarbon recovery due to less fracture clogging and increased fracture half-length. Moreover, the approach potentially allows optimization of the development system when completing horizontal wells with multi-stage hydraulic fracturing.

Conclusion. This work refl ects the successful experience of implementing the “LD-FRAC” technology based on operational efficiency. The potential of the solution, in the long term, allows for the optimization of development systems with horizontal wells that undergo MSF (multi-stage fracturing), where azimuthal fracture projection along the horizontal borehole is anticipated, through the reduction of stage numbers and enhanced propped half-length. The considered solution can also provide advantages in reducing chemical costs (crosslinking agent) without compromising the effectiveness of the technology, thus improving the economic profitability of projects developed with the application of hydraulic fracturing technology.

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