Study on Fracturing Fluid Prepared with Formation Water

Formation waters of different salinities were studied for use in the preparation of fracturing fluids for the sake of environment protection and cost control in gas fields, west Sichuan. The guar gum fracturing fluid prepared with formation water had viscosity of 100 mPa·s after shearing 90 min at 45℃, surface tension of 27.66 mN/m, rate of swelling reduction of 87.5%, rate of permeability impairment of only 26.5%. Using salt-resistant friction reducer, the slick water prepared with formation water reduced flow friction by 69%-71%. The formation water fracturing fluid has been used in the Well SF38-2 and the Well SF38-4 with good results. The slick water was successfully used in the SRV fracturing operation in the Well X502, a nonconventional gas well.