Evolution of hydraulic fracturing fluid: from guar systems to synthetic gelling polymers

Abstract

The paper presents the possibilities of optimizing technological approaches for performing hydraulic fracturing operations, taking into account the transition from traditionally used chemical components of the process fluid to synthetic gelling polymers. The proposed option makes it possible to reduce the unit costs of operational activities to increase oil production both for new assets of oil and gas producing companies and for assets at the stage of industrial development. The special emphasis of the proposed technological solutions is correlated with the environmental Agenda for Sustainable Development until 2030, aimed at transforming the production processes of the energy complex to reduce the ecological footprint of enterprises. A complete set of laboratory studies confirms the prospect of industrial application of synthetic polymer systems and the feasibility of replicating this approach. The subsequent stage of scale-up of pilot tests will allow to have a basis for development and implementation of standards in the oil and gas industry. Keywords: oil; well; hydraulic fracturing; chemicals; synthetic gelling polymers.