Novel Approach for Produced Water Utilisation in Multi-Stage Fracturing Treatments in Western Siberia

Abstract Massive implementation of multi-stage fracturing treatments increased demands in water. Huge number of oil fields haven't got access to the fresh water sources. This fact forces service companies to utilize high TDS water sources for hydraulic fracturing. Currently available solutions for preparation of crosslinked fluid based on high TDS water involve implementation of organometallic systems which are too expensive and operationally complicated. This paper describes approach for preparation of borate- based fluid utilising high TDS water. Thorough laboratory optimization of the fracturing fluid has been performed and novel approach for fracturing fluid composition has been involved to develop next generation of robust borate fracturing fluids being able to withstand high TDS of the water. Fluid was evaluated in terms of both stability and viscosity recovery after application of high shear stress. Optimized fluid formulation has been used during multi-stage fracturing treatment with 7 stages. High TDS water of Cenomanian formations was utilized as a water source. During treatments as high as 700 kgPA proppant concentration has been reached. During optimization novel approach involving implementation of low boron containing fluid with massive content of alkali was introduced. Low boron content is required for preventing syneresis in high ionic strength media caused by Debye-Huckel effect. High alkali concentration meantime required to keep fluid at high pH and avoid weakening of bonds between borates and polymer. Too high alkali concentration worsens viscosity recovery after high shear stress application and this fact dictates implementation of both immediate and delayed alkali compounds. Pre-job water treatment is also important. Addition of reagents being able to convert natural radical oxidizing aids in less damaging forms is imperative. During the treatment fluid was additionally tuned to reduce frictional losses in tubing by compensating effect of proppant on the rate of crosslinking components diffusion. And treatment design was modified to address increased efficiency of the fluid caused by filter-cake enhancement by delayed alkali. The study showed availability of approaches which allow to implement high TDS water sources for preparation of borate crosslinked fluids confirmed by successful field implementation. These practices can be widely used in industry for performing multi-stage fracturing treatments in areas with lack of fresh water sources and to shorten water preparation cycle time.