Modified guanidine gel fracturing fluid system and performance optimization for ultra-deep and ultra-high temperature oil and gas reservoirs

Abstract

Abstract The development of deep high-temperature oil and gas reservoirs gives rise to a rise in reservoir temperature along with the depth of the oil reservoir, thereby imposing higher requirements on the heat resistance of fracturing fluid. Guar gum fracturing fluid has difficulty tolerating temperatures exceeding 160 °C, thereby demanding the development of corresponding cross-linking agents, temperature stabilizers, and other additives to enhance the thermal stability of the fracturing system. Considering the distinctive characteristics of deep and ultra-deep reservoirs, such as extreme burial depth (exceeding 6000 m), ultra-high temperature (higher than 160 °C), and high fracturing pressure, an experimental modification of a guar gum fracturing fluid system was carried out, specifically tailored for ultra-high temperatures. The experiment identified and selected individual agents for ultra-high temperature fracturing fluids, including crosslinking agents, thermal stabilizers, flowback aids, and clay inhibitors. Through rigorous experimentation, these key agents for an ultra-high temperature fracturing fluid system have been successfully developed, including the optimal thickener GBA1-2, crosslinking agent BA1-1, anti-swelling agent FB-1, and gel breaker TS-1. The evaluation of diverse additive dosages has facilitated the development of an optimal guar fracturing fluid system, which exhibits outstanding high-temperature resistance while minimizing damage and friction. The outcomes of our experiments indicate that even after subjecting our ultra-high temperature fracturing fluid to 2 h of shearing at 170 s−1 at 180 °C, its viscosity remained above 200 mPa s—a distinct proof of its superior performance in withstanding high temperatures. This achievement represents a substantial progress in providing a suitable fracturing fluid system for the transformation and stimulation of ultra-deep and ultra-high temperature reservoirs, and also lays a solid foundation for further exploration and application in related fields in the future.

Keywords

• High temperature
• Ultra-deep
• Modified guar gum
• Fracturing fluid
• Delayed crosslinking
• Low damage