Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/2440/116505
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Type: Journal article
Title: Experimental and numerical investigation into nano-stabilized foams in low permeability reservoir hydraulic fracturing applications
Author: Fei, Y.
Johnson Jr, R.
Gonzalez, M.
Haghighi, M.
Pokalai, K.
Citation: Fuel: the science and technology of fuel and energy, 2018; 213:133-143
Publisher: Elsevier
Issue Date: 2018
ISSN: 0016-2361
1873-7153
Statement of
Responsibility: 
Yang Fei, Raymond L. Johnson Jr., Mary Gonzalez, Manouchehr Haghighi, Kunakorn Pokalai
Abstract: Hydraulic fracturing is one of the most effective and efficient methods to enhance oil and gas recovery from reservoirs. Well productivity is mainly determined by the propped dimensions of the fracture. However, the propped dimensions are controlled by proppant transport and proppant placement, of which settling and convection are the controlling mechanisms. In this paper, a new concept is described to overcome the problem of proppant settling during a foam fracturing treatment and prior to fracture closure. This new concept consists of introducing nanoparticles into the base fracturing fluid system to stabilize the foam structure and reduce proppant settling. The results show that foam stability directly influences proppant placement and final fracture conductivity. When foam fracturing fluids experience long closure times, most often as a result of low leakoff, foam breakage occurs. This breakage results in proppant settling and accumulation at the bottom of the fracture, reducing propped dimensions. Whilst, high pumping rates and foam quality provide greater initial propped area, foam stability is major factor controlling the final propped area and productivity. Experimental results show that foam stability increases 2–3-fold in presence of 0.8-wt% silica nanoparticles under 90 °C. The enhancement of foam stability using nanoparticles, particularly foam life-time, allows better proppant suspension, maintains post-fracture conductivity, and minimizes productivity losses. This work is intended to guide the practitioner in the use of nano-stabilized foam to improve unconventional reservoir stimulation.
Keywords: Foam stability; hydraulic fracturing; nanoparticle; proppant placement
Rights: © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
DOI: 10.1016/j.fuel.2017.10.095
Published version: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2017.10.095
Appears in Collections:Aurora harvest 8
Australian School of Petroleum publications

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