Claudius Epie Njie

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Md Jakaria

Kegang Ling

University of North Dakota

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University of North Dakota

Sinopec (China)

Academy of Sciences Malaysia

China University of Petroleum, Beijing

Texas A&M University

Mitchell Institute

University of Louisiana at Lafayette

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Estimating Agglomerate Particle Degradation Rates in Treated Produced Water and Hydraulic fracturing fluid during Hydraulic Fracturing: Insights from the Bakken Formation Using d90 Metrics and Pump Speed.

Claudius Epie Njie Kegang Ling Md Jakaria

This study examines the degradation of agglomerate particles in treated produced water used for hydraulic fracturing in the Bakken Formation. By analyzing d90 values and pump speeds from different manufacturers, the research quantifies particle size reduction rates, revealing how degradation contributes to pore throat blocking in tight formations. The study found that agglomerate particles in hydraulic fracturing fluids ranged from 9 to 85 microns in size, with degradation occurring most rapidly within the first five minutes of pump action. As time progresses, degradation slows, indicating that pore clogging is most likely at the beginning of the fracturing process. The research emphasizes that pump speed is a critical factor in determining the rate of particle degradation. To minimize formation damage, it is recommended to scale up particle size and use coarser particles in suspension. However, both large and small particles pose risks: larger particles can reduce porosity, while smaller particles may penetrate pore throats and form internal filter cakes. The study highlights the importance of selecting the appropriate pump speed and particle size distribution to optimize fracturing fluid design, maintain formation permeability, and reduce the risk of formation damage. Lower pump speeds and fewer coarse particles are advised to avoid pore clogging during the fracturing process.

Fracturing fluid

Agglomerate

Particle (ecology)

10.20944/preprints202409.1811.v1

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Examining Particle Size Compliance of Total Suspended Solids in Produced Water for Hydraulic Fracturing and Water Injection in the Bakken

Claudius Epie Njie Kegang Ling Md Jakaria

The analysis of suspended particle size distribution in produced water for hydraulic fracturing and for water injection operations is vital for the effective development of tight reservoir formations like the Middle Bakken. Several reservoir engineering studies and industry guidelines recommend that particle sizes fall between 1/7th and 1/3rd of the square root of the formation permeability measured in millidarcies, to avoid pore throat clogging and subsequent formation damage. In the tight Bakken formation, with an average permeability of 0.04 millidarcies, the ideal particle size range for total suspended solids should fall within the 0.03 to 0.06 microns range. This study evaluates whether produced water used for hydraulic fracturing and enhanced oil recovery in the Middle Bakken meets this recommendation, as there are no established regulations in North Dakota addressing this issue. Using laser diffraction, particle size distribution was measured in treated and untreated produced water samples. The results show that current treatment methods do not reduce particle sizes to the recommended range. Treated water had particle diameters ranging from 8.5 to 40 μm, while untreated water had diameters ranging from 8.2 to 10 μm. None of the samples met the particle size requirements for safe use in hydraulic fracturing and water injection. This study highlights the inadequacy of current water recycling practices and offers empirical evidence that may guide future regulations on produced water reuse hydraulic fracturing and water injection in the Bakken.

Particle (ecology)

10.20944/preprints202410.2531.v1

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