Fracture fluid load recovery

To achieve better returns on investment, and as a result of previous experience applied to the Gething formation, ClearFRAC XT polymer-free frac fluid was selected for applications in the Cadomin, Notikewin, Falher, Dunvegan, and other formations, including several Southern Alberta shallow-gas intervals.

ClearFRAC XT expanded-temperature-range fracturing fluid significantly reduces fracture cleanup time. Part of the proven ClearFRAC family of stimulation fluids, the fluid can be used at reduced surfactant concentrations for temperatures up to 265 degF [130 degC]. The innovative system is very robust and relatively insensitive to mix-water quality. In addition, it can be used in shallow or deep wells. The enhanced viscoelastic property of the ClearFRAC XT system exhibits excellent proppant transport at low surfactant concentration and at low viscosity.

The ClearFRAC XT system is an environmentally friendly, nonpolymer, solids-free fluid that leaves no damage in the proppant pack. It can be prepared with fresh water, water containing up to 7% KCl, or 0.2% organic clay stabilizer. In some situations, it can even be prepared with produced formation water. When foamed with nitrogen, the ClearFRAC XT system remains very stable, yielding excellent viscosity profiles with increasing foam quality. The nitrogen-foam fracturing applications are especially useful when less water should be injected into the formation.

Results

Fracturing operations with the ClearFRAC XT fluid were quite successful. Early production was improved by the high fracture conductivity, and cycle time was reduced because of faster fracture cleanup.