Fracturing Fluids and Their Application in the Republic of Croatia

Abstract

Hydraulic fracturing operations are performed to enhance well performance and to achieve economic success from improved production rates and the ultimate reserve recovery. To achieve these goals, fracturing fluid is pumped into the well at rates and pressures that result in the creation of a hydraulic fracture. Fracturing fluid selection presents the main requirement for the successful performance of hydraulic fracturing. The selected fracturing fluid should create a fracture with sufficient width and length for proppant placement and should carry the proppant from the surface to the created fracture. To accomplish all those demands, additives are added in fluids to adjust their properties. This paper describes the classification of fracturing fluids, additives for the adjustment of fluid properties and the requirements for fluid selection. Furthermore, laboratory tests of fracturing fluid, fracture stimulation design steps are presented in the paper, as well as a few examples of fracturing fluids used in Croatia with case studies and finally, hydraulic fracturing performance and post-frac well production results. The total gas production was increased by 43% and condensate production by 106% in selected wells including wellhead pressure, which allowed for a longer production well life.