Surfactant Additives for Stimulating Subterranean Formation During Fracturing Operations

Abstract

The present invention relates to surfactant additives useful for restoring permeability of a subterranean formation and methods of use thereof. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method that includes providing a fracturing fluid having an aqueous fluid, and a microemulsion surfactant, wherein the fracturing fluid is substantially free of an organic solvent; and placing the fracturing fluid into a subterranean formation at a rate sufficient to create or enhance at least one fracture in the subterranean formation.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]The present invention relates to hydrocarbon production, and more particularly, to surfactant additives useful for restoring permeability of a subterranean formation and methods of use thereof.[0002]Formation damage is typically the result of unwanted side effects from exposing a producing formation with subterranean treatment fluids. Examples of subterranean treatment fluids that may cause formation damage include, for example, drilling fluids, completion fluids, fracturing fluids, work-over fluids, and the like. As used herein, “formation damage” and its related terms (e.g., damaged formation) generally refer to a reduction in the capability of a reservoir to produce its fluids (e.g., oil and gas), such as a decrease in porosity or permeability or both.[0003]There are several mechanisms that can lead to formation damage. These mechanisms may include, among other things, physical plugging of pores, alteration of reservoir rock wettability, precipitation of insoluble...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is about improving oil and gas production by using microemulsion surfactants to restore permeability in underground formations. The patent describes methods for using microemulsion surfactants in fracturing fluids or as a composition to remove water blocks and increase permeability. The invention has the advantage of using a more environmentally friendly and efficient way to improve oil and gas production.

Problems solved by technology

Formation damage is typically the result of unwanted side effects from exposing a producing formation with subterranean treatment fluids.

In particular, a water block is often caused by an increase in water saturation in the near-wellbore area, which results in a decrease in relative permeability to hydrocarbons.

The increased presence of water may cause any clay present in the formation to swell and cause a reduction in permeability and / or the water may collect in the pore throats, resulting in a decreased permeability due to increased capillary pressures and cohesive forces.

Water blocks can be especially problematic in certain fracturing operations where a large volume of aqueous fracturing fluid leaks off into the formation through the fracture face, which can lead to a decrease in the rate at which oil or gas can be produced.

This problem becomes increasingly serious with decreasing natural permeability of a formation because pore sizes are often smaller and capillary action is typically stronger.

Clean up or removal of water blocking is often difficult, expensive, and / or environmentally unfriendly.

However, these treatments typically require a surfactant / solvent system that uses harsh organic solvents that may be environmentally unfriendly and / or expensive.

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