Novel Slow-Release Particle Technology for Use in Hydraulic FracturingApplications

摘要

The formation and deposition of solids including mineral scale,paraffin,and asphaltene,may occur at anylocation of the oil and gas production system,from the bottom of the well to a gathering facility,due tothe changes in the physical and chemical conditions associated with production fluids.Depositions canreduce the formation permeability,reservoir transmissibility and have detrimental impact on productionrates during oil and gas production.Common practice is to complete the well and then apply a treatmentand remediation program as necessary,including squeeze treatments and batch treatments.1 Horizontal,multi-stage hydraulic fracturing is widely used in the industry as stimulation practice.2 Asingle application providing long-term treatment is financially and operationally beneficial for operators.A solid inhibitor with slow-release active additives can extend the treatment life and reduce subsequentintervention costs attributed to deposition prevention and/or removal.This paper reports on a new,slow-release particle technology developed for applications in hydraulicfracturing.This new technology does not rely on adsorption,impregnation or any other technology ofembedment of additives onto a substrate.The new slow-release particles exhibit improved delayed releaseprofile,high strength,and the capacity to incorporate active components,such as scale or paraffin inhibitor,either singly or in combination.