Novel Application of Synergistic Guar/Non-Acetylated Xanthan Gum Mixtures in Hydraulic Fracturing

Abstract

Abstract Fracturing fluids have traditionally been viscosified with guar and guar derivatives. Non-acetylated xanthan is a variant of xanthan gum which when combined with guar in solution develops a synergistic interaction that generates superior viscosity and particle transport at low polymer concentrations. These water-base linear fluids have improved low shear viscosity at concentrations at or below 25 lb/1,000gal when compared to fluids viscosified using a single viscosifier such as guar or xanthan gum. The polymer mixtures can be crosslinked to provide enhanced viscosity at higher temperatures.