Method to Generate Diversion and Distribution For Unconventional Fracturing in Shale

摘要

Relatively high viscosity materials and methods for introducing them as discrete bodies or masses into relatively low viscosity fluids, such as brine, give fracturing fluids that help control the diversion and distribution of fluids as they are pumped downhole against a subterranean formation, particularly shale, to fracture it. A wide range of relatively viscous materials may be used, including polymers, crosslinked polymers and/or surfactant gels, for instance gels created with viscoelastic surfactants (VESs). Once the fracturing fluids containing these bodies or masses are within the hydraulic fracture, the processes of paths of least resistance, flow deviation, viscous material flow displacement, total fluid diversion, in situ fluid viscosity generation and distribution of delayed release treatment additives may be deployed.

主权项

1. A method for introducing a relatively higher viscosity material into a relatively lower viscosity fluid stream, the method comprising:
flowing a relatively lower viscosity fluid stream; driving a relatively higher viscosity material from a reservoir through at least one extrusion conduit and at least one sizing mechanism to divide the relatively higher viscosity material into discrete bodies of a predetermined size; and metering the discrete bodies into the relatively lower viscosity fluid stream.