Coordinated Studies in Support of Hydraulic Fracturing of Coalbed Methane. AnnualReport, June 1990-October 1991

摘要

The production of natural gas coal typically requires stimulation in the form ofhydraulic fracturing. The results of hydraulic fracturing treatments have ranged from highly successful to less than satisfactory. The approach in the work has been to experimentally evaluate parameters that pertain to coal fluid interactions during hydraulic fracturing and post-frac production and then apply the findings to the selection of fracturing fluids and treatment design. Evaluated parameters include leakoff through cleats, pressure drops through cleated slots with slurries, proppant transport, conductivity, and coal matrix damage due to fracturing fluids. Some conclusions from the work include (1) 100 mesh sand alone can control leakoff through cleats; (2) coal faces alone do not increase pressure drop through fractures with slurries; (3) restrictions approaching 2 proppant diameters are required to see pressure increases; (4) borate fluid pH's of 9.5 are required for transport; (5) mixed proppant conductivities of 100 mesh and 16/30 can be 50% lower than the larger proppant; (6) guar based fracturing fluids can cause up to 90% permeability damage to the coal matrix; (7) HEC containing foams provide the best cleanup in the laboratory (only 10 to 30% damage and have shown excellent results in field trials); and (8) expanded use of COMPAS is recommended to document field results.