Optimum Hydrocarbon Fluid Composition for Use in CO Miscible Hydrocarbon Fracturing Fluids and Methods of Core Evaluation

Previous studies(1-4) described the theory and application of CO 2 miscible hydrocarbon fracturing fluids for gas well stimulation. These fluids are ideally suited to gas reservoirs susceptible to phase trapping resulting from high capillary pressures when water-based fluids are used. Gas reservoirs particularly prone to phase trapping are those with in situ permeability less than 0.1 mD, those with initial water saturations less than what would be expected from normal capillary equilibrium (subnormally water saturated) and those that are under pressured. Such reservoirs represent a growing proportion of the market. This, combined with increased gas prices, creates a strong need for an optimized gas well fracturing fluid system. Hydrocarbon-based fracturing fluids present an ideal solution to phase trapping concerns associated with water-based fluids provided the hydrocarbon fluid can be effectively and quickly removed from the formation after the fracturing treatment. This paper investigates in more depth what constitutes an ideal hydrocarbon-base oil for this application. This involves consideration of many factors including cleanup mechanisms, safety, cost and capability to be gelled and broken. In order to meaningfully evaluate fluid clean up, regained core permeability evaluations must be conducted by accurately duplicating downhole conditions. This paper presents testing methodologies designed to achieve this goal. To illustrate the need for these methodologies, the applicable phase behaviour and fluid displacement mechanisms by which these fluid systems operate are discussed. Topics covered will include: Methane drive fluid recovery mechanism involving the use of CO 2 with hydrocarbons and resulting effect on interfacial tension (IFT). • Secondary recovery mechanism based on vapour pressure of light hydrocarbons resulting in their being produced back in the gas phase with methane. • Application of these concepts to address phase trapping in low-permeability gas reservoirs and how these effects are accentuated in formations that may be subnormally water-saturated, have low reservoir pressure or have low permeability. • The need to simulate downhole conditions accurately to properly represent the recovery mechanisms. This includes duplication of temperature, pressure and fluid-loss mechanisms. Duplicating leakoff is the key to representative duplication of phenomena at the fracture face. • Compare nitrogen to methane for reference and fluid recoveries and discuss why it is necessary to use methane to obtain proper simulation and modelling of the actual field performance of the fracture fluids. To illustrate fluid performance and demonstrate test methodologies, results of a regain permeability evaluation conducted with the optimum fluid and test methodologies discussed will be presented. It will be shown that in a formation known to be highly sensitive to water-based fluid retention (phase trapping), 100% regain permeability can be achieved at a minimal 140 kPa of applied drawdown pressure.