Advances of nanotechnologies for hydraulic fracturing of coal seam gas reservoirs:potential applications and some limitations in Australia

摘要

Some of the most promising potential applications of nanotechnology to hydraulic fracturing of coal seam gas(CSG)are reviewed with a focus on Australian CSG wells.Three propitious applications were identifed:(1)Nanoparticle enhanced viscoelastic surfactants(VES)fracturing fuids to prevent fuid loss by up to 30%,made possible by the formation of pseudo-flter cakes and reducing the viscosity of the VES fuids.Besides,there is no requirement of clay control additives or biocides.(2)Nano-proppants to extend fracture networks and reduce proppant embedment by introducing them prior to the emplacement of larger proppants.Fly Ash nanoparticles can be particularly efective because of their high sphericity and mechanical strength.(3)Nanoparticle-coated proppants,to mitigate the migration of particle fnes by restricting them close to their source by adsorption,with MgO being the most efective.The use of nanotechnology in hydraulic fracturing applications is currently hindered due to a discordant regulatory environment compounded by the cost of the nanoparticles themselves,as well as,a lack of feld data to validate the technology under real downhole conditions.Although the necessary feld tests are unlikely to be conducted for as long as abundant natural gas is available,exploratory studies could pave the way for future applications.