Gulf of Mexico Frac-and-Pack Treatments Using a New Fracturing Fluid System

Abstract

Abstract Borate-crosslinked fracturing fluids have been among the fluid choices in the early growth of the frac-and-pack treatments in the Gulf of Mexico.1 Highly conductive fractures connecting the wellbore and formation were recognized as key to the success of frac-and-pack treatments.2 To enhance fracture conductivity, one suggestion was minimizing polymer loading and maximizing breaker loadings to a point that does not adversely affect fluid stability during the frac-and pack-treatment.3 All three of these elements have been combined in a new fracturing fluid system for fracturing and packing treatments. This new fluid system provides higher viscosity with lower gelling-agent concentrations than conventional, borate-crosslinked fluids. A new, non-persulfate breaker system has been developed for use with this fluid system specifically for use from 170° to 200°F. The new, optimized borate-crosslinked fluid system (OLGB), with application to 200°F, was applied to frac-and-pack treatments in the Gulf of Mexico. This paper provides laboratory data and examplesdiscusses the field application of the new fracturing fluid systemcompares the new OLGB fluid system to existing conventional borate fluidsdiscusses the newly-developed breaker systempresents viscosity, fluid-loss, and conductivity data for the new system.